The wheel and kettle hike
L'ancienne scierie
L'ancienne scierie - PNRHJ - F. Jeanparis
Saint-Germain-De-Joux

The wheel and kettle hike

History & heritage
Lakes, rivers and waterfalls
Type : Nature spot
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From the village of Saint-Germain-de-Joux, this short hike will take you to the gorges dug out by the Semine to discover some interesting geological formations. In this natural environment where man has demonstrated his know-how in using hydropower, the river is still in power and continues its wild passage.

From the bowling parking lot (signpost marking the departure point for the circuit) a stony trail (yellow waymarking) heads down into the forest to a bridge bordered by old buildings: the old Thévenin sawmill.
After exploring the sawmill, make a round trip to the Giant’s Kettles.
On returning to the sawmill, continue along the road back to the village by following the return (RETOUR) signs for the wheel and kettle hike.
When you reach “rue de la Gare”, walk up the road to head back to the bowling parking lot.
During this short trip, five interpretive signs provide explanations on this natural environment and on man’s hydraulic additions:
• The old Thévenin sawmill
• The concrete penstock
• The Wheel’s features
• The Giant’s Kettles
• Log arrivals


Practical informations

Recommendations: During rainy weather, the trail down to the Semine may be slippery, we strongly advise against climbing onto the rocks.

Road access: 10km away at the crossroads between Nantua, Oyonnax and Bellegarde, Saint-Germain-de-Joux is accessible via the A40, the D 1084 and the D 55.

Suggested parking: bowling parking lot, or parking areas around the church

Departure point: the bowling parking lot, rue de la Gare.


Contact

Office de Tourisme Terre Valserine 13 rue de la République, 01200 Bellegarde-sur-Valserine Tel : +33 (0)4 50 48 48 68 http://www.terrevalserine.fr/

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