A travers les Grands Bois à Cheval

This signposted itinerary invites you to discover the Grands Bois, a forest on the Genevan plain located in the communes of Valleiry and Viry, along the Franco-Swiss border.

From the "La Joux - 440 m" parking lot, take the Grateloup road heading south-east. After 250 m, leave the road at the bend and turn left onto the farm track that leads to the edge of the wood.

At "Bois de Vaise - 450 m", turn right towards Les Hutins. The path winds through the oak trees of Valleiry's communal forest, then reaches the boundary with the commune of Viry, which it follows for 250 m. As you approach the equestrian center, fork left to reach "Les Hutins - 450 m".

Take the wide country lane on the left, towards La Tuilière. Alternatively, turn right to reach "Le Biollay".

Pass under the high-voltage power line a second time and enter the meadow, which you cross for 500 m (out of respect for the farmer's work, please stay on the path). Then continue straight ahead along the "Vers les bois" road to reach the riding school.
At "La Tuilière - 415 m", stay on the road and descend along private property towards La Repentance.

As you approach the protected biotope, information panels remind you of the regulations in force on the site. Please follow the appropriate signposted itinerary (walker or horse rider).
Discover the Teppes de la Repentance clay mullein wasteland. An exceptional environment in Haute-Savoie, this "sensitive natural area" is protected by Arrêté Préfectoral. A veritable refuge for a range of plants and animals that can scarcely be found elsewhere, the site is home to remarkable plant species (numerous orchids) as well as a rich and highly diversified fauna (butterflies in particular). The Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels 74 and the SIV are involved in site management.

From the private villa "La Repentance - 390 m", take the carriage road to the left, heading south. After a kilometer, before leaving the wood, turn left onto the signposted route that leads into the private forest of the Swiss commune of Avusy. Go around the edge of the "Grand Champ" (south-east, then south-west) and join the Bois de Vaise.

Return to your starting point in the direction of La Joux (or Le Biollay).

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