Natural heritage
The Valserine "Pertes"
The Pertes de la Valserine is a spectacular site nearby.
The Valserine river flows under a limestone plateau, where potholes called "marmites" or "oulles" were formed due to whirlpool erosion.
For more information on the trail, click here>>>.
Order the pamphlet "Découvrez les Berges de la Valserine" ("Discover the Banks of the Valserine" in French only.)
The Garden of Guichard and Matel
In 2007, volunteers from the “Renaissance du château de Musinens” association began the welcome task of clearing, turning the fertile black soil, creating furrows, and sowing.
The garden does not pretend to be botanical, or to preserve different species; but it evokes through plants the traditions, beliefs and the lifestyle of Mr Guichard de Musinens and his wife Matel, “founders” of the fortified manor house.
Condiments, aromatic herbs, potherbs, and legumes invite us to enjoy spicy, or sweet and sour flavors and aromas. Simple healing herbs are grown next to the alchemist friendly ones at the bottom of the tower.
In the middle of the garden a chestnut wood trellis follows the slope, marking the boundary of a specific area. We enter Ms Matel's universe: from the vine covered benches to the blooming patchwork of flowers, the beautiful oriental and the wild flowers entice the senses, encourage “courtly love” conversations, or, further into the garden next to the well, contemplation in front of Marie's flower garden.
To learn more: Castle of Musinens >>>
The Giant Potholes
Together they formed, by erosion, large cylindrical holes called "Marmites de Géant" (giant potholes). These are 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet) deep and are connected by successive waterfalls where the trout feel perfectly at ease!
Look closely and you can also discover a rare species: the yellow-bellied toad!
The Sugar Loaf
The Pain de Sucre (Sugar Loaf) of Surjoux is an imposing limestone rock with a peak rounded over centuries by the flow of water from the Vézeronce river.
At its base is a deep natural pond of clear water. It is easily accessible by a short pedestrian trail, but watch your step as the stone slabs may be slippery.
The Plateau de Retord
The winters are harsh and rigorous on the "Plateau".
When spring arrives, magnificent landscapes of mountain are to be discovered and daffodils followed by narcissi flowers appear and cover the small valleys of the Plateau de Retord.
View Points
Panorama of the Crêt d'Eau:
Accessible by foot from the Menthières resort, the Crêt de la Goutte (altitude of 1,621m / 5,318ft), at the southern extremity of the Haute Chaîne du Jura (highest mountains of the Jura), offers an amazing 360° view of the basin of Lake Geneva, and the peaks of Haut-Jura and Mont-Blanc. Down below, take a walk in the high mountain pasture of the Crêt d'Eau up to the Chalet de Varambon to discover a landscape created by men and their activities.
Panorama of the Mont-Blanc from Catray:
Located at the doorstep of the Plateau de Retord, the viewpoint marker, accessible by car, is only 15 min. from Bellegarde.
Panorama of the Crêt de Chalam:
Accessible from the Borne aux Lions (a one hour walk) or from the village of Chézery-Forens (a three hour walk), the Crêt de Chalam (altitude of 1545m / 5069ft) offers a magnificent 360° view overlooking both the plateaus of the Haut-Jura and the crests of the Dôle to the Crêt d'Eau.
The Cirque des Avalanches:
overlooks the village of Champfromier (altitude of 1,150m / 3,773ft) and offers a gorgeous panorama from the Alps to Bourget Lake.
The Roche Fauconnière
In the municipality of Giron, Roche Fauconnière is an impressive natural site, with an overlook of the valley of the Semine River and the Combe D'Orvaz with a height differential of more than 150 m (492 ft).
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