Belvédère de Duchet walks

Eleventh stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. Although relatively short,this stage is a veritable festival of natural sites, each more incredible than the last. It begins with the Hérisson waterfall trail, a refreshing escape along a picturesque path dotted with 31 waterfalls and 7 cascades, revealing breathtaking panoramas where the water flows majestically in an aquatic ballet. You then continue your journey by entering the Haut Jura Regional Nature Park via the plateau of the seven lakes. To round off this day full of discoveries, from the Pic de l'Aigle and the Belvédère des Quatre Lacs, you can enjoy not one but several breathtaking views of four of these turquoise lakes: the lakes of Ilay, Petit and Grand Maclu, and Narlay. Dominate the whole scene from the Pic de l'Aigle and the Belvédère des Quatre Lacs... There's no denying it, this stage is spectacular!

Thisfirst stage, starting from Moirans-en-Montagne, takes you up to higher ground with a superb view of Lake Coiselet and, ultimately, a peak and a castle that are well worth the detour. Indeed, the Pic d’Oliferne towers over the Ain Valley by almost 500 metres and offers a beautiful view, particularly of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura.

Do you want to connect with nature, admire its beauty at the slow pace of walking, walk to get to know yourself better, get back to basics, and push yourself to new limits? Set off on an adventure along the Camino de Santiago. That’s what I’m offering you with this route. I set off from my village in the Jura (the first six stages aren’t part of the signposted routes of the Camino de Santiago) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but there’s nothing to stop you setting off from your own home to join the route at one of the stages, or starting from Le Puy-en-Velay or any other town along the way..

First stage of the Way of St James. This first stage, starting from Villards-d'Héria, takes you up to higher ground with a superb view of Lake Coiselet and, ultimately, a peak and a castle that are well worth the detour. Indeed, the Pic d’Oliferne towers over the Ain Valley by almost 500 metres and offers a beautiful view, particularly of the Haute-Chaîne du Jura.

Starting from Montbrillant, a steady climb up to Septmoncel via the Chemin des Moines, the reward being three viewpoints: two with aerial views of the town of Saint-Claude, and the third overlooking La Roche Blanche. The paths are very easy to walk on, with no technical difficulties.

First stage: From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. After passing through La Cure, you will enter Switzerland and reach Saint-Cergue. A road will take you through the Jura pastures to the ruins of the Oujon convent. From Les Frasses, a steep forest path leads to a panoramic viewpoint. The climb continues through enchanting scenery, between flower-filled meadows and chalets, towards Crêt de la Neuve, the highest point of the stage. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and Mont Blanc. The hike ends in the Vaud Jura Park, along a pretty forest path leading to the Col de Marchairuz (1,446 m).

This exceptional hike links Les Rousses, in the heart of the French Haut-Jura, to the city of Constance (Konstanz), on the shores of the lake of the same name, following the ridges of the Swiss Jura. A demanding but magnificent 405 km route that crosses the most iconic landscapes of the Jura mountains: high-altitude pastures, deep forests, alpine viewpoints, villages steeped in history and forgotten military ruins.

Fifteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, this stage will quickly take you to the highest point, the Belvédère des Dappes. This is followed by a crossing of the Forêt du Massacre, rich in exceptional flora and fauna, with varied landscapes alternating between thick forests and open valleys. You will also discover some curiosities and pretty summer chalets. Enjoy this beautiful forest, taking care not to stray from the marked paths and trails to preserve the tranquillity of the area! From the Combe à la Chèvre and its tall gentians, you will reach the village of Lajoux, home to the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.

Sixteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this last stage, you will reach Septmoncel before beginning a long descent along the Chemin des Moines to the Gorges du Flumen. Walking along the Flumen, Grosdar and Tacon rivers, you will arrive at Saint-Claude, nestled in the Jura Mountains at the confluence of the Bienne and Tacon rivers. Saint-Claude is not only the capital of briar pipes: heir to a long tradition of craftsmanship, the town has built a reputation for woodturning and diamond and gemstone cutting. Tucked away at the bottom of its valley, the town stands out for its rugged natural environment and unique heritage attractions, such as Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Pipe and Diamond Museum, Le Monde des Automates and the Abbey Museum, a hub for lovers of modern art.

Fourteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage, you will begin your adventure in Bellefontaine, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Jura. The hike will take you through the heights of the town of Morez and across the Bienne Valley, where you can admire spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you will reach Les Rousses, a welcoming town with authentic charm. Don't miss a visit to the Fort des Rousses, an impressive historical site that also houses the Comté cheese cellars, where you can discover how this renowned local cheese is made. From there, you will continue your descent to the Bief de la Chaille, a peaceful and enchanting place. The hike ends at the La Grenotte lodge in Prémanon, an ideal place to rest and enjoy the surrounding serenity.