28 murals by Robert Bessard depict occupations from the past; the La Faucille–les deux Montronds circular hike is equally well defined, covering 7.7 kilometres in three hours. Mijoux also offers a mineral museum, a distinctive religious heritage and activities with polar dogs. The range spans a clearly defined hike, seasonal experiences and culture.
Hikes and trails by season
The La Faucille–les deux Montronds route is a three-hour circular hike covering 7.7 kilometres. The trail offers views of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc; visibility depends on the weather. The route can be hiked from 1 April to 30 November. Check the seasonal information and trail conditions before setting out.
For winter activities, there is the Nicode, a circular trail in Mijoux on the edge of the Valserine. In winter, it can be used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledging; snow and weather can affect conditions. The Mijoux–Chézery-Forens hiking route leads from Mijoux along the red-and-white-marked GR9 towards the Col de la Faucille and on to the Grand Mont Rond. Here too, seasonal conditions can affect access.
The Val Mijoux chairlift connects the village of Mijoux with the Col de la Faucille, climbing from 1,000 to 1,320 metres. In winter, it gives hikers and snowshoers access to peaks and ridges. It operates seasonally and is weather-dependent; check current operating information before making plans.
Murals, crafts and religious heritage
The Circuit des fresques features 28 murals by Robert Bessard. They are located on houses in the village of Mijoux and at La Faucille, and depict occupations from the past. The works connect different locations through a shared theme: the activities that once shaped everyday life.
The Église Saint-Christophe et Saint-Jacques was built in 1760 in the municipality of Lajoux, in the Jura department. It also serves as the church of Mijoux, in the Ain department of the Rhône-Alpes region. One of the bells in its tower, “Marie Jacqueline”, was cast in 1785 and listed as a historic monument.
The Musée des pierres et du lapidaire in Mijoux traces the craft of working fine and precious stones through to the present day and displays an extensive mineral collection. Visitors can watch the work through a glass-fronted workshop. The museum thus focuses on both traditional craftsmanship and the diversity of minerals.
Polar dogs and seasonal activities
Qimmiq Aventure in Mijoux includes a visit to a polar dog park. Visitors can learn about life in a pack and get to know, touch and feed the dogs. In summer, Qimmiq Aventure offers Canirando outings; in winter, there are sled dog rides, where you can take part as a passenger or as a sled driver. As visit arrangements and seasonal offers may change, check the current options before making plans.
Cani-biathlon combines shooting at a target five metres away with a harmless laser rifle and short runs during which a dog pulls the participants. Children aged six and over can take part when accompanied. The format and age requirements may also change; confirm them in advance if you plan to take part.
When choosing when to travel, it helps to distinguish between summer and winter activities: Canirando is offered as a summer activity, while the Nicode, chairlift and sled dog rides are associated with winter. The La Faucille–les deux Montronds circular hike has its own hiking season, from 1 April to 30 November. You can choose a season first, then select between trails, culture and activities according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Misérieux, Confrançon, Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne, Évosges, Arbigny, Miribel, Tossiat, Meximieux
For the regional travel overview: Ain.
