LA JONCTION TO LOEX AND BERNEX

We began this walk at Palladium tram stop (but also possible from Jonction), heading straight for the Pont de Sous-Terre (Underground Bridge). Crossing the Rhône, we quickly picked up a shaded riverside path, with trees lining both sides and the sound of the water never far away.
At a fork, we stuck to the right, though a quick detour left led to a popular riverside hangout with turquoise water—hard to resist on a hot day. This stretch is lively—especially in warmer months, when people gather along the shallow banks of the Rhône River for a swim or a dip.
Further along, we checked out the graffiti of the Saint Jean wastewater pump station then passed beneath the Viaduc de la Jonction, before climbing a short set of stairs to continue along the path. The path gradually climbed, passing a small park before opening views towards Pont Butin ahead.
The approach to the bridge got steeper and more rugged, but once on top, the views over the Rhône made it worthwhile. After crossing, we descended metal stairs and looped back under the bridge, rejoining a quieter path that led us along the edge of a field and then back into shaded woodland.
Soon, we entered the Forêt d’Onex, following trails along the river and passing the Onex jetty and information boards. Continuing in the direction of Bernex, we crossed a wooden bridge and climbed again, emerging into open fields before heading towards Route de Loëx.

Viaduc de la Jonction

Onex-Evaux embarkment

Passing Hôpital de Loëx, the path curved back down to the river, eventually bringing us to the well-known Le Lignon footbridge. We kept going along the river instead of crossing, continuing towards the Passerelle de Chèvres (Chèvres footbridge).
From here, we took a detour and followed a trail to an observation hut, before heading into the Réserve naturelle des Nants de Borbaz et des Picolattes and then into the peaceful Bois de Planfonds (Planfonds Woods).
Emerging from the woods, we were greeted by open countryside and views stretching towards Bernex. The final stretch along Chemin de Mennesy, Chemin de Borbaz, and Chemin du Stand offered the last chance for beautiful landscape scenery before we reached Bernex Pré-Marais tram stop—tired, but very satisfied after such a varied route.

Passerelle Le Lignon

River Rhône from the nature reserve Nant de Borbaz et des Picolattes