Summer hike - Jacquicourt's Chapel - Les Gets

• Difficulty: **
• Start: Sincerneret car park, 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Les Gets
• Distance: Approximately 6km
• Duration: Approximately 2h30 for the return trip
• Altitude gain: 250m D+ / 250m D-

If you're looking for a place away from the crowds, the Plateau de Loëx, a Natura 2000 site in a protected area, and its bucolic trails will delight you. This is a particularly popular itinerary for Marion, a mountain leader in Les Gets. Discover the unspoilt flora and fauna of this magnificent plateau before reaching the Jacquicourt chapel overlooking the Gets valley from its natural perch.

The trail begins on a 4x4 track towards Le Sincerneret and leads to a fully renovated chalet at Les Clares. Opposite the track, there are two paths, one to the left alongside the chalet, the other to the right. Take the one on the right and you'll come to another junction where you turn right again. The path on the left is the way back.

Cross a lovely mountain stream and follow the path deep into the forest. Depending on how late in the summer it is, you may be lucky enough to come across some blueberry bushes, which will delight all gourmets (tip: pick the highest berries, at least 40 cm above the ground, and check that there are no fox droppings in the vicinity). Continue towards the Jacquicourt chapel at each new signpost, following the path as it gradually rises through clear patches and forest. Mystical atmosphere guaranteed!

You will finally arrive at the promontory of the Chapelle Jacquicourt and its singular history. The villages of Verchaix, Taninges and Les Gets, unable to agree on their territorial imits, erected a stone in 1313 on the site of the chapel for it. The chapel was built in 1679 and destroyed the same year. Rebuilt between 1986 and 1989 by the inhabitants of the 3 communes, it is now a place of pilgrimage every year on a Sunday in September. The chapel offers ideal shelter in case, as well as a perfect place to stop for a picnic or a snack with its bench. And don't hesitate to push open the door to discover the surprises it has in store for you!

Enjoy a magnificent view of the Les Gets valley before setting off on your return journey. Follow the path in the opposite direction until you come to the first signpost leading you to a path on the right, different than for the way up. This will take you through the forest back to Les Clares, not far from the Chalet, and back to your car at the Les Sincernerets car park.

This walk is ideal on very hot or rainy days to protect you from the elements. There are a few steeper slopes at certain points along the path, but otherwise it presents no particular difficulties.

Marion's advices: Don't hesitate to prepare your hike with an IGN 1/25000 map or a hiking GPS with the map recorded beforehand (applications exist for phones such as Iphigénie, visorando). The Loëx plateau is magnificent, but the terrain is sometimes a little deceptive. These tools will allow you to know where you are at all times. No restaurant on the way, so think about taking some snacks, thermos, with you and water for half a day.