Le Reculet, 2nd highest peak in the Jura mountainsOver a distance of 58 km, from Montrond to Grand Crêt d’Eau, the Ain offers a collection of the highest peaks in the Jura massif, dominating the Pays de Gex and the Valserine valley. This line of ridges rises up to face the Alps, offering a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
Hiking on the highest Jura peaksFrom a distance, they appear modest compared to the titans of the Alps. Yet these unassuming mountains are full of treasures. Four peaks share the ridge line:
Only ten kilometers separate these giants, linked by gentle ridges, veritable crossroads suspended between earth and sky.
Beaconing at the summit of Crêt de la Neige, the highest Jura peak
Landscape and hiking in the Jura Mountains 
Le Reculet, 2nd highest peak in the Jura mountainsHere, the path follows the relief. The “Balcon du Léman”, once a GR in its own right, is now used by the GR 5 and GR 9, leading walkers along a ridge where every step reveals a new perspective. To the east, the blue waters of Lake Geneva stretch as far as Geneva. To the west, the deep forests of the Haut-Jura stretch as far as the eye can see. Ahead, the horizon opens onto the Alpine peaks, where Mont Blanc imposes its majestic silhouette.
If the experience of climbing is part of the trip, some prefer to reach the peaks more quickly. Several gondolas offer this possibility, opening up these exceptional panoramas to both contemplative and seasoned hikers.
Summer and winter alike, get the most out of your escapades in the heart of unspoilt nature….
On these heights, man is a guest. The Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve watches over this fragile ecosystem. One of the largest in mainland France, it resembles a north-south wall. Its contrasting territory is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Between the Col de la Faucille and the Rhone gorge at the gateway to Haute-Savoie, most of it lies in the Ain department, even though the Haute Chaîne actually stretches 40 kilometers from the Vaud border in the north.
Autumn hiking
Hiking at Crêt de ChalamWind-swept ridges make for difficult living conditions. Yet 205 species of vertebrates and 932 species of insects have been recorded. Nearly 600 chamois roam the scree slopes and grassy flats, while the capercaillie keeps a low profile. This mythical and endangered bird finds here one of its last refuges in France. Higher up, on the alpine lawns, blue gentians and wild orchids bloom, bursts of color contrasting with the deep green of the meadows. A total of 466 plants have been recorded here, including 85 species listed for protection.
Aware of the chance to evolve in a sanctuary of nature, hikers respect the surroundings and share the space without leaving a trace.
Voltaire CastleIn Ferney, Voltaire found his inspiration in contemplating Mont Blanc and the Jura landscape. In his writings, he often evoked this landscape, which for him represented the brute force of nature, in contrast to the philosophical debates of the Enlightenment.
The crests of the Jura are more than just a natural backdrop. They bear the imprint of time, traditions and stories that are still passed down today.
Mijoux lapidary museumIn the valley, Mijoux perpetuates an ancestral savoir-faire: the cutting of precious stones. For centuries, craftsmen have shaped gems from the mountains or elsewhere, giving the Jura massif an unexpected sparkle.
Trail at Grand ColombierHidden in the folds of the mountain, the Grotte de la Marie du Jura has long been a place of mystery. Some saw it as a refuge for smugglers crossing the Swiss border. Others saw it as a discreet place of pilgrimage, frequented by those seeking the protection of a Virgin carved into the rock.
Tavaillon 1600x900 1In the villages, the roofs of traditional farmhouses are covered with tavaillons, thin planks of wood split by hand. This know-how, handed down since the Middle Ages, protects buildings from the rigors of the climate, while giving local architecture its distinctive character.
