GTJ Jour 7

The Great Jura Crossing takes us along the entire length of the Jura crescent on the trails of the legendary GR®5 and GR®9. The journey generally begins in the north, in the Montbéliard region. It climbs to the highest plateaus before descending to the beautiful Doubs River. Following the Swiss border, it meanders along its banks to Villers-le-Lac, then gives way to a bucolic landscape of meadows where Montbéliarde cows graze and deciduous forests. This is the land of typical Franche-Comté farms with their imposing smokehouses where sausages and hams are smoked. After passing Pontarlier, the Fort de Joux, and then Lake Saint-Point mark the approach to the highest peak in the Doubs: Mont d'Or (1,463 m). From there, a magnificent panorama of the Alps will inspire contemplation… you have now entered the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. From spruce forests to verdant valleys, the trail winds through this protected area with its rich natural heritage. In Mouthe, you arrive at the source of the river you've been following since the beginning of your journey, the Doubs, which gave its name to the department. Next, you'll pass through Chapelle-des-Bois, its valley, and its two lakes, nestled between the Mont-Noir forest and the Risoux cliffs. In Les Rousses, listen to the story of the Massacre Forest before crossing it and imagine the bird that lives here, because if you tread on its territory, you're unlikely to spot it: the capercaillie, which still lives in our forests, is a very discreet animal. Just a little further, crossing the beautiful Hautes-Combes, and you'll be able to admire the high Jura mountain range that will soon welcome you. You leave the Jura department for the Ain department, home to the highest peaks of the massif. Here you'll find yourself hiking in the mountains, with some vertigo-inducing sections. After the Bellegarde-sur-Valserine gorge, you'll climb back up to the wild Retord plateau. The Grand Colombier awaits you, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Rhône. ------------------------------ Gear Link https://lighterpack.com/r/q338eu