Hiking : Lélex – The Valserine, a wild river

The Valserine rises in the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve, and was the first wild river to be classified in France.

Several bridges span the river as it passes through the village of Lélex, making for a very pleasant, easy and relaxing walk, either on your own or with the family.
The texts of the monks of Chézery mention a 6km-long lake, once located south of Lélex and held back by a frontal moraine at Niaizet.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step: From the tourist information office (A), take the road below. This passes an old lapidary workshop (B).When you reach the "de la Chapelle" bar (C), turn right down a small road, then right (D) along a path through a meadow. Follow the track on the ground, then pass over a duckboard sucession on the banks of the Valserine.End up at the Moulin Pierre-Louis bridge (E), cross it and immediately turn left towards "Les Calamettes" and then Moulin Neuf (F). Turn right along the Valserine as far as La Fruitière (G).Return to the village.

More information:
Safety instructions :Before setting off :- Find out about general and local weather conditions, and make sure there's no precipitation.- Find out about the approach to the route, its height, how long it will take to reach the summit, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).- Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes.- Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc.- Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).

Itinerary

In detail

  • Distance: 4.8 km
  • Markup: BALISE
  • Elevation gain : 140 m
  • Negative elevation gain : 140 m
  • Daily duration: 90 min
  • Type of route: BOUCLE
  • Beaconing accuracy: Follow the red and white GR9 ( to the Pont de la Fruitière) and then Jaune PR
  • Nature of the land: Ground
  • Nature of the land: Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)

Opening

From 01/04 to 30/11.

Rates

Free access.

Facilities & services

Facilities

  • Free car park
  • Car park
  • Public WC

Services

  • Pets welcome

Host language(s)

  • French