La Grande Garde

Useful information

Easy trail without any difficulties in orientation or techniques. Magnificent 180° opening onto the Rhône plain and the African tectonic plate. Enjoy the educational trail and its large illustrations concerning the flora. Very instructive region from both a geological and botanical point of view. Great discovery at the beginning or end of the season. You have to go.

Print itinerary

Interactive map

Itinerary

Departure from the Jorasse facilities car park in Ovronnaz (2,578,576/1,117,040/1,381 m). Start the climb in the bend below the car park and follow the path in a north-westerly direction to point 1516 just after the Salentse bridge. Take the series of bends to the Saille buildings and continue the journey due south by the white-red-white path to reach Bougnonne at point 1863 then the Jorasse chairlift at point 1947. Continue still in a southerly direction to the Petit Pré and its mountain pasture. At the junction at point 1998, go around the new chairlift and follow the signs for the educational flower trail to reach Seya and its iron cross at point 2182. The ridge then stretches out its arms to you in a southerly direction by a sometimes steep path. At the cross of the Grande Garde the view is majestic.

The altitude of 2146 m above sea level should not make you give up a magnificent descent in a sparse forest towards Odonne, while remaining permanently on your left at each fork. From Odonne reach point 1587 via the Forêt de Crête to reach the cantonal sports center of Ovronnaz and that’s it.