La Pesse: Trails, Peaks and History
Accommodation in La Pesse
La Pesse brings together trails through the Hautes-Combes landscape, a distinctive peak and sites connected with Resistance history. For planning, the routes offer different kinds of guidance: the CrĂŞt de Chalam trail is described with walking time and distance, while the Tour de Malatrait circular route focuses on the landscape. A boundary stone dating from 1613 and an interactive puzzle trail are also among the things you can discover in La Pesse.
Hiking between pastures and the peak
The Tour de Malatrait circular route leads through the forests and pastures of the Hautes-Combes. Its landscape is characterised by scattered farms and hilly terrain. This route is therefore all about travelling through the landscape described.
A specific route with a summit as its destination is the marked out-and-back trail from La Pesse to the CrĂŞt de Chalam. It is about 5 km long, takes approximately 2 hours and has an elevation difference of 259 m. The trail markers change along the way: first follow the GRP, then the yellow markers.
The summit of the Crêt de Chalam is at an altitude of 1,545 m. From there, the 360-degree view stretches across the Jura range and the Alps. The Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ) also passes through the commune of La Pesse.
Resistance history and outdoor sites
At La Borne au Lion stands a boundary stone erected in 1613, bearing three coats of arms. The site is also known for its significance to the Resistance. Information panels explain the history and importance of the site.
Access is via the La Borne au Lion forest road, which starts opposite the church. The site is 4 km from La Pesse; from the last car park, it is another 150 m away. These details give you a specific point of reference for the drive and the final stretch to the historic site.
Lac de l’Embouteilleux is an artificial mountain lake, or water reservoir, that supplies the commune of La Pesse with drinking water. As a protected body of water, it has clear visitor rules: swimming and fishing are not permitted. Bear these restrictions in mind when including the lake in your excursion plans.
Puzzle trail and museum visit
“Jur’Aventures: Le Secret de La Pesse” combines an interactive discovery trail with augmented reality, puzzles and hidden letters. The route leads through the village and its surroundings and introduces aspects of La Pesse’s history. Exploring the area therefore draws attention not only to individual stops, but also to the village’s history.
At the Musée rural de l’ancienne Fruitière de La Pesse, museum visits and tastings of regional products can be arranged by contacting the museum in advance. Groups must have at least 10 people for visits and 15 people for tastings. If you are planning a visit, get in touch beforehand; the group sizes vary depending on the activity.
Getting there and planning your stay
Bellegarde-sur-Valserine TGV station is about a 40-minute drive from La Pesse. This is an approximate estimate for travel by car. Along with the specific route details for the CrĂŞt de Chalam and La Borne au Lion, it provides a useful reference when planning your journey and activities in La Pesse.
Discover more destinations: Rochefort-Sur-Nenon, Villerserine, Peintre, Foucherans, Bois-D'amont, Saint-Amour, Menotey, Bellefontaine
For the wider travel guide: Jura.
