Hiking: Fort l'Ecluse on the banks of the Rhône
LéazA propos
An original and beautiful trail starting from a unique historic site!
This tour is only available during the Fort l'Écluse opening season.
The walk starts in the lower courtyard of the fort. Leave the fort through the "Porte de Genève" gate and continue along the banks of the Rhône (right bank). The ascent to "Le Lavoux", crossing the railway line, leads to the ruins of the "Moulins de Condière": in medieval times, under the authority of the Count of Savoy, a small industry used the hydraulic power of the "nans" and "biefs". For centuries, a tramway was used to cross the Rhône at this point.
The climb up to the village of Léaz is through undergrowth. Discover the charm of this authentic village! Crossing the departmental road takes you to the heights of Léaz, offering bucolic landscapes through meadows. After "aux Marais", a pretty descent takes you to the Hauts de Longeray. A final climb up to the upper fort guarantees a panoramic view. Finally, follow the path to the lower fort, then cross the road to reach the fort parking lot.
Please note that the first part of the route is only possible when the Fort is open, otherwise go directly to Lavoux.
Infos générales
- Référence cartographique : IGN map: 3330.OT
- Référence topo : Hiking in Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaine du Jura: on sale at Pays de Gex tourist agencies: 13€.
- Dénivellation positive : 720m
- Dénivellation négative : 544m
- Précision balisage : Marked in yellow
- Altitude moyenne : 650
- Distance : 12km
- Durée journalière : 05h00
Complément accueil
Before setting off: - Find out about general and local weather conditions, making sure there's no precipitation. - Find out about the approach to the route, its height, how long it will take to reach the summit and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.). - Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, refuges and gîtes. - Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc. - Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc. In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).