TRAVERSEE OF THE SOUTHERN JURA ON SNOWSHOES (PLATEAU DU RETORD - GRAND COLOMBIER)

CROSSING THE SOUTHERN JURA ON SNOWSHOES (PLATEAU DU RETORD - GRAND COLOMBIER)
France

Adventure

group

Nature

From

648€

Length of stay

6 days / 5 nights 22 February, 01st & 08 March 2021

Minimum number of participants

Based on 10 participants

yes

Highlights

We invite you to discover this secret massif, the last high chain in the Jura Mountains. The gentle landscape of the Haut-Bugey region is perfect for a stroll. On this easy tour, you'll stay in warm, typical stopover gîtes, all set in the heart of the countryside.

Country and mountain,

Soft and luminous,

The Valromey - Retord - Grand Colombier region offers nature lovers

Its harmonious relief

From the vineyards to the crests of the Jura mountains!

Programme
Rates
Practical information
The human trip plus

Day 1

Difference in altitude: + 80 m, - 180 m Length: 7 km Time: 2 h 30 min

Meet at Bellegarde sur Valserine TGV station (main exit) at 2.15pm. You should arrive at the meeting point having eaten your lunch, dressed for hiking, with your rucksack ready, water in your flask and hiking boots to hand.

A minibus transfer takes you to the Chapelle du Retord (1200 m). Our first snowshoe hike is a gentle introduction to the Plateau du Retord and its wooded meadows, typical of the Jura massif. Our route from clearing to clearing takes us to our cosy gîte (1100 m), tucked away above Les Plans d'Hotonnes.

Day 2

Altitude gain: + 370 m, - 370 m Length: 14 km Time: 4 h 30 min

For the first picnic together, and in addition to our preparations, it is appreciated if each participant brings one of the specialities from his or her region of origin, to start the walk with a fruitful cultural exchange. This day's programme includes a circular walk starting from Les Plans d'Hotonnes. We'll be exploring every nook and cranny of the Retord Plateau from farm to farm, culminating in an easy ascent of Crêt du Nu (1351 m). This will also be an opportunity to switch to the eastern flank, with its beautiful views. We return to our accommodation in Les Plans d'Hotonnes.

Day 3

Difference in altitude: + 430 m, - 390 m Length: 18 km Time: 5 h

The day begins with the preparation of the bags that will be transported to the next accommodation. These will have to be limited to 7kg per person, as they will be mounted on snowmobiles. Today we'll be linking the Plateau du Retord to the Grand Colombier massif via a long, beautiful traverse. We'll wander up and down the gentle ridge between clearings and forests, from barn to barn, along the Corniche du Valromey. It may be a long walk, but the profile remains very gentle. We stop off at the Chalet d'Arvières (1174 m), in the heart of the mountains, for two days of nature immersion. This very comfortable accommodation is inaccessible in winter. Your luggage will be kept to a minimum. This will be our base camp for three days.

Day 4

Difference in altitude: +450 m, -450 m Length: 14 km Time: 4 hrs 30 mins

We leave our cosy accommodation for a beautiful loop hike. We reach the wide open spaces of the Plateau de Sur Lyand. An open ridge then leads to the top of the Griffe du Diable (1419 m). The route is much gentler than the name suggests. A pleasant route leads to the Col de Charbemènes (1317 m) at the foot of the Grand Colombier (1525 m). It's time to head back through the forest to our haven of tranquillity at Chalet d'Arvières (1174 m).

Day 5

Difference in altitude: + 450 m, - 450 m Length: 15 km Time: 4 h 30 min

It's another loop hike in a wild area that awaits us today. We start with a beautiful ascent to the summit of Hergues (1425 m). The panorama over the Grand Colombier massif and the whole of the Haut Bugey is once again exceptional. After descending to Golet de la Biche, we reach Combe Merlin in its forest setting, before heading into an even more secret sector. After Plat Péry, we pretend to enter the Golet au Loup and plunge down into the Rhône valley. It's time to start climbing the northern part of the Plateau de Sur Lyand before descending to the Combe du Cimetière. We then take a gentle route back to our warm base camp, the Chalet d'Arvières (1174 m).

Day 6

Difference in altitude: + 500 m, - 900 m Length: 13 km Time: 5 h

We finish in style. After a forest trail, we reach the Granges du Colombier (1387 m). The Roc Passin (1425 m) is a nearby objective, but if the conditions are right we can reach the summit of the Grand Colombier (1525 m). The 360-degree views are spectacular, not only of the Jura and the now-familiar Mont Blanc massif, but also of the Aravis, Bauges, Chartreuse and even the Massif Central. A peaceful descent takes us back to the outskirts of Virieu Le Petit, where we meet up with our luggage. Arrival at Culoz station is scheduled for 17:30.

Difference in altitude: + 500 m, - 900 m Length: 13 km Time: 5 h

Price per person from €648 incl. VAT

Based on 10 participants

Comfort

Accommodation in warm, typical stopover gîtes, all set in the heart of nature.
Day 1: Gite Les Pelaz or Ferme des Bergonnes in rooms for 2 to 6 people, shower and WC upstairs. These gîtes are located above the village of Les Plans d'Hotonnes.
Les Pelaz gîtes are fully renovated and classified as Panda and Ecogîte gîtes. Jean-Jacques enjoys cooking with organic and local produce.
Bernard and Christine warmly welcome you to La Ferme des Bergonnes. Long established in Les Plans d'Hotonnes, they were originally sheep farmers and offer a family-style cuisine based on local produce.
Day 2: Gite Les Pelaz or Ferme des Bergonnes in rooms for 2 to 6 people, shower and WC upstairs.
Day 3: Chalet d'Arvières, 6 rooms for 2 to 3 people, shower and WC in 4 rooms. Just a stone's throw from the ruins of the Arvières Carthusian monastery, this recently renovated accommodation is a comfortable gîte in the heart of the mountains. As soon as the snow falls, it is inaccessible by car. Pascal will collect your luggage (limited) by snowmobile. He organises cookery courses and offers gourmet local cuisine, using local Buges produce and traditional specialities.
Day 4: Chalet d'Arvières, 6 rooms for 2 to 3 people, shower and WC in 4 rooms.
Day 5: Chalet d'Arvières, 6 rooms for 2 to 3 people, shower and WC in 4 rooms
You can choose between two accommodation options

Stopover gîte option :
Mixed dormitories for 2 to 10 people.
The sanitary facilities are upstairs.
Beds are equipped with duvets or blankets.

Hotel option :
We have 3 rooms with 2 or 3 beds in the accommodation.
Sanitary facilities are generally on the first floor.
Your room will be equipped with full bedding and towels.
Individual registrations are grouped in single rooms of 2 or 3 people.
Single room: Not available.

Meals :
Meals and breakfasts are prepared by our hosts. The food served is balanced and varied. The food is hearty, traditional and adapted to the hikers' programme.
Cold meals during the hike are hearty and accompanied by food (dried fruit, chocolate, biscuits). These picnics are prepared by the guide using local shops or by the accommodation. If the temperature is low, your guide will do his best to find a shelter (chalet or hut) so that you can enjoy your meal and lunch break.

Climate and equipment

We may occasionally have to make slight changes to the itinerary indicated, either due to organisational factors (overcrowding of accommodation, groups being split, changes in terrain conditions, avalanche risks, etc.) or directly due to the guide (weather conditions, group level, etc.). Trust us, these changes are always made in your interest, for your safety and greater comfort!
The times have been calculated for a pace of 250 metres of ascent per hour, 500 metres per hour of descent and 3.5 km per hour on the flat, in order to be able to compare the different rides on the same basis. These figures are for actual walking only; any time taken for meals, breaks or contemplation should be added. Of course, when snowshoeing, the walking time is only an indication. Good walkers in hard snow will find the timetables overestimated, while light walkers in fresh snow will find the timetables clearly underestimated.
SNOW REMOVAL:
We are first and foremost hikers, and if there is a shortage of snow (particularly at the start and end of the season), we will still be able to start our holidays.
The atmosphere and the winter light are just right, even if you have to carry your snowshoes on your rucksack to get to the snow. Since we've been organising this hike, we've rarely had to carry our snowshoes.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Luggage transported by us per vehicle
All you need to carry is a bag containing your gear for the day and the lunch provided, which is shared by all.
During the week, we ask you to bring one piece of luggage per person, not too bulky (maximum 60 cm) and weighing no more than 10 kg.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
We supply you with sturdy, lightweight snowshoes with plate bindings and non-slip spikes that fit all mountain or trekking boots, poles and safety equipment specifically for hiking.
TSL 225 snowshoes
Rigid poles, more solid than telescopic poles

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED
Clothing :
The principles:
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle makes it possible to manage almost any situation:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made from breathable material (hollow fibre).
- a warm fleece jacket.
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable gore-tex jacket.
When you're out walking in fine, calm weather, an undershirt will suffice. In rain, snow or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Make sure your clothes dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Choose wool (merino wool underwear is comfortable and produces few unpleasant odours), silk and synthetic fibres, which keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to cover up before you get cold, but above all to uncover before you get too hot. Sweat is the hiker's enemy, because it moistens the clothes, which quickly freeze during breaks. It is therefore very rare to climb a mountain wearing a fleece jacket.
Avoid anoraks and ski suits, which are too warm and bulky.
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf or choker.
- 1 cap.
- 1 pair of mittens, possibly with silk gloves and an extra pair of gloves.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts, preferably breathable (1 for every 2 to 3 days' walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece jacket.
- 1 waterproof and breathable gore-tex windproof jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or oversack if you have the jacket above.
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
- 1 pair of waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex overtrousers (budget permitting).
- 1 pair of pants (can be used in the evening at the stage).
- Walking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days' walking) Prefer wool or specific hiking socks. Beware of cotton for blisters.
- 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. Remember to "test" new shoes and those that have not been used for a long time beforehand. Absolutely no boots or ski boots.
- 1 pair of gaiters.
- Underwear.
Equipment :
- 1 35/40-litre soft-framed rucksack with a waist belt for snowshoes.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the rucksack.
- 1 pair of high quality sunglasses with side protection.
- 1 thermos flask or water bottle, preferably insulated (minimum 1.5 litres).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) for your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract.
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter to burn it.

- Sun cream + sunscreen.
- Airtight plastic can (minimum capacity 0.5 l) + cup + cutlery.
- 1 survival blanket.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
For the evening at your accommodation :
- A sheet-bag for the gîte option. Duvets are not necessary.
- 1 swimming costume (optional).
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of light casual shoes.
- Toiletries (focus on essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- 1 quick-drying towel.
- Earplugs or ear plugs (optional).
- 1 headlamp or torch.
Personal pharmacy :
- Your usual medicines.
- Pain medication: preferably paracetamol.
- Sore throat lozenges.
- Elastic adhesive tape, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive dressings + disinfectant pads.
- Double skin (Compeed or SOS ampoules).
- 1 pair of tweezers.

Health

Be in good physical condition

Formalities

You must have the following documents with you during the tour:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Travel insurance leaflet received when you registered (if you took out the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (policy number + telephone number).
- Carte vitale.

Our opinion

For the traveller in you, this is a destination far removed from mass tourism: off the beaten track, on a holiday or on an itinerary, discovering wide open spaces synonymous with escape, calm, rejuvenation, contemplation..., discovering a rich, colourful and varied natural environment, authentic natural and heritage sites, and local produce.
For lovers of the great outdoors, there are endless walks on the Grand Colombier and the Plateau de Retord, with a feeling of freedom, fresh air and a change of scenery; 360-degree panoramas, exceptional light and away from the main roads, all within easy reach.
In a nutshell, Valromey - Retord - Grand Colombier: an original destination in the Jura Mountains!

The + humans trip

Hiking is about listening to your body and everything around you, but it's also about stopping to marvel at nature and opening yourself up to it.
Hiking is about meeting other people along a path or in a village, bringing a human dimension to the discovery of a country. For several days, you'll be working with a group of people who share a passion for nature and a desire to discover a mountain range. Your trek will be an opportunity to share some great moments, while demonstrating conviviality, open-mindedness and mutual help towards your fellow travellers.