Across the border at Sézegnin

This hike was inspired by the book “Guide de la découverte du patrimoine transfrontalier”, Slatkine editions, 2002 (out of print). This guide suggests several hikes all around the canton of Geneva starting from Hermance and ending in Céligny.

Here, I had decided to do the hike starting from Sézegnin to cross La Laire, go through La Repentance, cross the Laire again and come back via Avusy. This is a perfect hike in the off-season. In summer, it is too hot to undertake it.

After parking in Sézegnin, I followed the road to follow the path down to the bank of La Laire and cross it on a bridge to reach Veigy. The section along the road is the only unpleasant one, because one must follow the road stretching from Soral to Sézegnin. Fortunately, the traffic is not too intense there.

At Veigy, one can then reach Malagny while avoiding the road. One must go through Camot for that. Unfortunately, livestock fences do not always have a built-in passage. One is then forced to climb the gates. After crossing Malagny, one must take an agricultural track descending towards the Ruisseau des Foges. This is easily crossed on a concrete footbridge.

The climb to La Tuilière is often muddy and it is sometimes difficult to find a passage to avoid getting one shoes dirty. At La Tuilière, one follows a good path down to another stream which is crossed on a good bridge. Beyond, one enters a pine forest with, at the foot of these, a rather thick grass. The place is magnificent, but sensitive, which is why pontoons have been built.

After La Repentance, one descends again to the bank of La Laire, which one crosses on a good footbridge, close to the army training ground. On the other bank, one follows the stream before climbing towards the old village of Avusy. It is then worthwhile to linger in front of the stronghold of La Grave.

To reach Sézegnin, descend towards the Moulin de la Grave to pass near a stretch of water before climbing towards the village.

Itinerary: Sézegnin – bridge over La Laire Veigy – Le Camot – Malagny – La Tuilière – La Repentance – footbridge over La Laire – Avusy – Sézegnin
Distance: 10.5km
Atltitude gain: 230m
Duration: 2h30