Léaz Info : Léaz The Common is located on the right bank of the Rhone valley, downstream of Lock's parade, kept by the fort of the same name (the Fort Lock). Part of the town relies on the massive limestone Creed (or Cret d'Eau, high Jura). But most of the territory is covered with glacial deposits and outwash from the last glaciation (Wurmian). Indeed, the Rhone Glacier, which had advanced further downstream at the glacial maximum, stopped at the parade of the Lock in its decline. At this stage, the glacier still covered the Pays de Gex. He brought large quantities of alluvium (gravel and sand) that were deposited in a lake that covered temporarily Bellegarde Basin and the plateau of the Semine (Haute Savoie). These sands are exploited in the municipalities of Bellegarde and Lancrans. In addition to its main town, the town has three hamlets: Gresini Lavoux and Longeray.
http://www.leaz.fr/ http://www.cc-pays-de-gex.fr/
to see in Léaz :
Ø Church of 1675.
Ø Fort Sluis : Gateway to the Pays de Gex, the origins of the fort dates from the Lock 58 BC. In the Middle Ages a fortified house serving as toll goods are installed in strategic location. This stronghold is then modified and reinforced to cope with attacks Savoy and Austrian. The current appearance dates back to the Fort 1840. Fort Sluis owes its existence to its name and its location. Perfect type of a fort Klus, it is originally a fortified house built in the thirteenth century. Throughout the war, he became a fortress. Located at the cross border French, Swiss and Savoy, it lost its strategic importance after the Second World War. He is now a major heritage of the Pays de Gex. The public can now visit and discover the summer exhibitions on environmental topics. At the door of Gex, the Fort Lock is one of three examples of French mountain fortress of the 1st half of the nineteenth century Stairs underground 1165 steps connects the lower part of the fort at Fort higher. Entertainment, historical displays and art, movie graphics on the big screen enhance the visit. A unique and unforgettable.
Opening June 1 to September 30. Guided tours and free from Monday to Saturday from 14h to 19h, Sunday 13h to 19h. Off season, guided tours for groups by appointment (April, May, June, October). Fares: Adults € 5, Child - 16 years 3.5 €, Under 6 years and welfare recipients (with proof): Free, Adult Groups (minimum 20 people) 4.5 €, 2.5 € Children group.
Address: Route de Genève, 01200 Longeray Léaz
Tel: 04 50 56 73 63 (in season) and 04 50 42 65 57 (off season)
http://www.fortlecluse.fr/
http://www.lesitedefortlecluse.org/
Ø Castle Ruins Léaz : East the village rises a rocky promontory overlooking the Rhone natural. At the top of the spur, you will discover the ruins of a wall and a square tower. These are the remains of the ancient village of Léaz, on this site until the late sixteenth century and the castle mentioned in texts from the twelfth century.
Ø Footpath : Departure : From the parking lot, cross the RD1206 (caution) and climb across the steep trail to reach the access road to the very top. Following the walk is from the left but before that make a detour to the box (right) to enjoy the panoramic view of the Parade of the Lock to the south and the Rhone Valley to the west (following the path of Collonges in the fort).
- Pick up the small road and down towards Longeray / Léaz (signs), pass the barrier at the top car park and, at the first house above the village of Longeray take right along Marsh.
- Circumventing the Marsh Farm at the top and back down. At the road (signposted Marshes alt. 709 m) to continue in the face, make a cross road and continue on Early on Gresham Road 250 m . At sign, turn left on the way and win the RD1206 to Léaz. Cross and turn left to the monument to the dead (view) and then take the small road on the right and win the church Léaz. Continue through the village pulling to the left of the Chemin des Moulins.
- At the intersection with the trail Belvedere (viewpoint) bear left, turn right at the next corner and reach the banks of the Rhone, passing the bridge of the stream of Rochefort. Across the site Condière mills (some passages may be slippery) and path (signposted Condière 363 m) turn right and follow the overpass Longeray (railway), then pass underneath the railway crossing (caution).
- Turn right then right again at the top of the substation, winning the hamlet Lavoux and turn right to regain the car park.
Other ballads shorter and less difficult proposed all along that same route. Family or friends all paths lead to the fort!
Difficulty: Level 2
+ Elevation: 500 m
Duration: 3
Distance: 11 km
Download the brochure hikes in the Pays de Gex. Ø Via ferrata Fort Sluis : The new Via Ferrata the Lock Box will delight thrill seekers. The itinerary is set in the steep limestone wall that separates the very bottom of the upper fort. It crosses more or less steep jumps and ends with a monkey bridge overlooking a moat. Departure is located next to the parking lot of the Fort Lock (bottom). The return is via a small trail (20min walk). Caution, this course is for experienced people, provide equipment.
Start altitude: 430m
Drop: 150m
Length: 400m
Journey time: 1h30
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
http://www.laviaferrata.net / topo-via-ferrata-leaz.html
http://viaferratafr.free.fr/photos-via-ferrata.php?via=129
Download the brochure for the Via Ferrata. Second brochure.