From the Gorges de la Langouette to the source of the Leat de la Ruine via the waterfall

Park at the Gorges de la Langouette car park.

(S/E) With the car park on your left, cross the bridge over the Saine and enjoy the view of the gorges. Immediately afterwards, take the path on the left which runs alongside the gorge. It is flat at first, but descends rapidly to reach the first viewpoint. Continue along the path which runs alongside the gorges, overlooking them, then turn left towards a second viewpoint, from which you can see the large waterfall. Return to the junction, then turn left to climb the steps and reach the third and final viewpoint.

(1) Continue along the path and take the track on the left. At the next junction, keep left to cross the Saine and take the Ruelle du Moulin. Once on the other side, turn right and walk past a house. You’ll reach the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

(2) Cross the Grande Rue to reach the opposite side and the wash house. Take the path to the left of the wash house and you’ll come to a junction.

(3) Stay on the track on the left and, at the next Fork in the road, continue to the right along the old railway line. After a section through the forest, followed by a rockier stretch, you’ll reach the junction for the Sentier des Nevreaux.

(4) Continue along the old railway line, cross the bridge over the Ruisseau d’entre Côtes and ignore a junction to reach the viaduct and the Waterfall du Bief de la Ruine.

(5) After admiring the view of the waterfall, continue along the path and go through the tunnel. Although it is short, it is particularly dark in the middle, and a torch may be useful. You will then reach the start of the path to the Source du Leat de la Ruine.

(6) Keep strictly to the left on the path. The path is narrow and slippery. You’ll come to a track; follow it to the left. Pass close to a wooden shelter and continue along the path. Take particular care when reaching the top of the waterfall: there is a short , narrow, slippery and vertiginous section.

(7) Continue along the path, which begins to alternate between ascents and descents. Walk along the cliff face overlooking the Creux des Joyaux and reach a junction. Turn left here to reach the Source du Leat de la Ruine.

(8) Return to the junction after the Ruisseau d’entre Côtes via the same route.

(4) Keep completely to the right on the path. Then, at the next junction, turn right and follow the stream to pass under the bridge. You’ll reach the banks of the Saine, which you should follow to the right until you rejoin the path you took on the way out.

(3) Keep to the right, then turn left at the next junction. Follow the path, which passes in front of the old Planches-en-Montagne railway station. You will then rejoin the Grande Rue; turn left onto it and follow it to the church.

(2) Cross the Saine and head towards the cemetery and the war memorial. Then turn left onto a path through the woodland, which later veers to the right to reach a statue of the Virgin Mary and a viewpoint overlooking Les Planches-en-Montagne.

(9) Return to the cemetery via the same path and take the Chemin des Cascades opposite. Then rejoin the path you took on the way out and return to the car park by following the route in reverse (S/E).

Toilets available at (S/E).

The tunnel is dark. Although it is short, it is advisable to bring a torch.

The walk is easy up to (6). Beyond that point, it becomes more challenging. Take care when reaching the top of the Cascade du Bief de la Ruine: there is a short, tricky section that is narrow, slippery and a little vertiginous.

-Langouette Gorges (S/E): several information boards on water, the River Saine and the gorges.

-Les Planches-en-Montagne.

-Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (2).

-Washing house.

-Viaduct and waterfall at Bief de la Ruine (5) and (7).

-Railway tunnel between (5) and (6).

-Malvaux Gorges (6).

-Creux des Joyaux (information board).

-Source of the Leat de la Ruine (information board).

-The banks of the Saine.

-Cemetery and war memorial.

-Viewpoint and statue of the Virgin Mary at (9).