Crêt de la Neige – 1,720 metres (5,643 ft): highest point in the Jura mountains

Nestled between the Alps and the Vosges, the Jura lies along the border between France and Switzerland. This crescent-shaped massif extends over a length of approximately 360 kilometers. Its highest point is at Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1,720 metres. Located on a beautiful ridge line, it offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

This magnificent loop starts in the small village of Lélex. From the start, the red and white markings of the GR 509 guide your steps. You start with a flat section which goes up along the Valserine before crossing it on a pretty bridge. From then on, you leave the GR markings to embark on the 32 contours trail. As its name suggests, it is made up of numerous switchbacks that climb through the forest.

Gradually the terrain clears and the Thoiry Derrière shelter announces the imminent arrival on the ridge. There you will find a new trail marking, that of the GR 9 which connects the Jura to the Mediterranean. I suggest a short detour to the Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura at 1,717 meters above sea level. A magnificent portion guides you to the Crêt de la Neige while providing impressive panoramas. At the top you can take full advantage of it. The view extends to Lake Geneva and the Alps with Mont Blanc in the background.

Still on the GR 9 route, you continue on a beautiful section which dominates the Jura massif. It is at the Loge refuge that you leave the GR 9 to take its variant, that of 509. This is responsible for bringing you back to your starting point. Along the way, you come across the Ratou refuge before diving into the forest which dominates the village of Lélex.