The Gorges de l'Abîme, the Crêt Pourri and the hamlet of Vaucluse

This circular walk will introduce you to some of the Jura’s attractions around the town of Saint-Claude. From the Gorges de l’Abîme, you’ll take a path towards the Crêt Pourri, then, after negotiating a few slopes, you’ll reach a plateau. On the way back, you’ll be able to admire the charming hamlet of Vaucluse.

The Gorges de l’Abîme route has been accessible again since 4 July 2026 (for the record, it was previously closed under a municipal by-law dated 4 December 2023).

Details

n°361252

Creation:
10 Sep 2016

Last update:
19 Jul 2026

Last review:
18 Jul 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.95 mi
Average duration: 4h 25
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,926 ft
Descent: - 1,900 ft
Highest point: 3,451 ft
Lowest point: 1,627 ft

Country: France
Areas: Jura mountains, Haut-Jura
City: Saint-Claude (39200)
Start/End: N 46.402764° / E 5.8786°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3327ET, 3327OT
Hour-by-hour weather

Avalanche risk assessment bulletin

Discover Visorando Premium

Downloads

Open in the mobile app

Download GPX GPX

Download PDF PDF

Photos

Description of the walk

Updated by the author on 18/07/2026: 2 very minor changes to the descriptions in paragraphs (6) and (7)

Update by the author on 12 July 2026 following the reopening of the Gorges de l’Abime route on 4 July 2026: the original route and comments have been restored (with a few very minor adjustments following a very recent reconnaissance).

The starting point is the Pont du Diable car park (located approximately 1 km from Saint-Claude on the RD69 towards Morez).

(S/E) Take the path following the course of the Abîme. The facilities are fairly well maintained, with a few steps and footbridges. After crossing the river, take the path leading uphill. The path reaches a junction at a place called Sous Grange Cattin.

(1) Head towards Grange Cattin on the right and Saint-Claude. At the junction, turn left onto the tarmac road towards Chemin de la Fraite and Vaucluse. After about 400 metres, you’ll reach Chemin de la Fraite.

(2) Head towards Rocher du Frênois and the Crêt Pourri viewpoint on the right, and follow a path with a few steep sections for a short while. Ignore a path branching off to the right and then to the left at the^first junction, and to the left at the^second junction. Further up, you’ll come to two more junctions on alternative sections with steeper gradients. Near a power line, join the ridge line overlooking the start of the Rocher du Frênois cliff.

(3) Continue left along the next path, keeping the cliff line at a distance, and after a short while you’ll reach a ruined house (the place is named Rocher du Frênois according to the signpost): continue right along the path leading to the Crêt Pourri viewpoint (located about 300 metres away).

(4) Enjoy the view of the surrounding area. An orientation table is available. Retrace your steps back to the ruined house and turn right towards Le Frénois. After a short climb, followed by a descent, you’ll reach a small road

(5) Follow it to the left for about a hundred metres, then take the^second path on the left, heading downhill. Stay on this forest track for about 500 metres and turn right onto an uphill path (yellow markings). At a junction, turn left (note that the markings are not clearly visible in this direction at this point) and follow a gently sloping path for a short while. You’ll come to a road.

(6) Follow it to the left for about 700 m, keeping to the yellow markings. At a bend in the road that curves to the right and slopes slightly uphill, carry on straight ahead along the path (yellow markings): this then runs along the edge of the plateau on a rather pleasant stretch. After a short descent, you’ll reach a junction and join the GR® 9.

(7) Continue to the left on this GR®, following the white-and-red markings. The path then continues with a few steep inclines. At the junction with a tarmac road, turn right towards the hamlet of Vaucluse

(8) At the chapel, turn right onto the road and follow it for about 1 km. Shortly after a house on the right, look out for a barely visible fork to the left

(9) Follow the path, which is rather inconspicuous at the start, taking care on a few steep slopes. Reach the stream and head right towards the Trou de l’Abîme via the footbridges.

(10) Continue along the path running along the right bank of the torrent: the path, which features some facilities, overlooks the Gorges de
Abîme, offering some lovely views. Then return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,627 ft - Car park – Pont du Diable - Cascade des Combes
1 : mi 0.25 - alt. 1,798 ft - Below Grange Cattin - Abîme (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Bienne
2 : mi 0.72 - alt. 2,119 ft - Chemin de la Fraite
3 : mi 1.37 - alt. 3,123 ft - Rocher du Frênois – High-voltage power line
4 : mi 1.95 - alt. 3,376 ft - Viewpoint - Crêt Pourri
5 : mi 2.47 - alt. 3,301 ft - Le Frênois
6 : mi 3.23 - alt. 3,094 ft - Junction with a small tarmac road
7 : mi 3.92 - alt. 2,917 ft - On the Roches
8 : mi 4.79 - alt. 2,096 ft - Vaucluse
9 : mi 5.34 - alt. 2,014 ft - Junction with the path leading to the Trou de l’Abîme
10 : mi 5.51 - alt. 1,729 ft - Trou de l’Abîme
S/E : mi 5.95 - alt. 1,627 ft - Car park – Pont du Diable

Notes

Good walking boots are recommended.
Even when the ground is dry, some sections may be slippery (and therefore relatively tricky). Walking poles are recommended.

The starting point can be viewed here on Google Maps. Please note: parking spaces are limited.

The route through the Gorges de l’Abîme is divided into two distinct sections:
- the outbound section to the Trou de l’Abîme follows a series of footbridges that overhang the river very slightly. The relatively easy access has been designed for all walkers.
- The return leg overlooks the gorges. The route is slightly more technical and is suited to more experienced walkers.

For further information, read the articles by France 3 Régions and Haut-Jura Saint-Claude Tourisme

The signposting along the entire route is generally satisfactory.
The difficulty levels are described as follows:
- Green: a fairly straightforward route with no significant elevation changes or difficulties
- Blue: slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-signposted route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (signposting or visibility of the path).

From (S/E) to: (1) – Blue difficulty
The route follows a path featuring numerous very well-constructed facilities, including footbridges and steps (the path has been significantly improved following recent works).
Signposted section

From (1) to (2): Green difficulty
An easy path is followed
Marked section partly following the^GR®®9route.

From (2) to (3): Orange difficulty
There are a few steep slopes on this section.
Yellow markings

From (3) to (7): Blue difficulty
A route presenting no major difficulties.
Yellow markings

From (7) to (8): Blue difficulty
There are a few steep slopes along the way.
White-red markings GR® 9

From (8) to (9): Green difficulty
The route follows a road with little traffic.
Yellow markings

From (9) to (10): Orange difficulty
The start of the trail is not very visible (there are no signposts at the start). Caution is advised on a few steep slopes.
Yellow markings

From (10) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
You follow a path featuring numerous very well-constructed aids (cables, footbridges), but a degree of vigilance is still required. Marked section

From the Trou de l’Abîme (10), it is also possible to return by rejoining the route taken on the outward journey: view the route by clicking here; also follow the signs on site.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Grand tétras - more information

Worth a visit

The Trou de l’Abîme: this is a Vaucluse spring (the resurgence of an underground river originating from an underground network, similar to the Fontaine de Vaucluse). 667 metres of underground passages have been explored (including 345 metres of flooded passages) on various occasions between 1961 (Michel LETRONE and Max MARTIN) and 1993 (the Saint-Claude Caving Association, led by Robert LE PENNEC).

Gorge de l’Abîme: this gorge is traversed by a torrent whose waters originate, in particular, from the Trou de l’Abîme. Access to the gorge was partially developed in the 1980s with footpaths and footbridges; see also here

Cascades des Combes: on your way back, I’d encourage you to take a short detour to the Cascade des Combes: it’s situated below the Pont du Diable, just a stone’s throw from the starting point. To get there: follow the road to the right, then quickly turn left onto a footpath; read more here

Notre-Dame-de-Pitié Chapel: it is situated in the hamlet of Vaucluse in a rather picturesque spot. To find out more, click here and here.
Updated on 23/05/2024: it has been noted that the right-hand pillar supporting the entrance porch has collapsed; emergency repairs have been carried out.
Update as at 12 July 2026: the entrance porch had been fully restored by the time of my visit. Click here to read the dedicated article.

Reviews and comments

4 / 5

Based on 10 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.8 / 5

Ease of following the route
3.7 / 5

Route interest
4.4 / 5

User 12897747

18 Jul 2026 at 11:03 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We were looking for a way to see the recently reopened Abyss Gorges, and this route was a very good option.
We adapted it as follows:
- We climbed up to Crêt Pourri following the signposts and the GR trail; this meant we avoided the recent changes caused by forestry work, as the path is well maintained. It adds just under 1 km to the route. The climb is mostly in the shade, which was a lovely surprise given the heatwave!
- At Vaucluse (point 8) we headed towards the Trou de l’Abîme – though I can see the route has since been altered

The signposting isn’t always very clear, but with the IGN map on Visorando it’s easy to follow.
Please note:
- The path is mostly in the shade
- Drinking water point in Vaucluse
- Opportunity to swim in the Combes waterfalls

Machine-translated

babou1970

14 Jul 2026 at 18:10 7200

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

a very difficult course

Machine-translated

zbh0170

12 Jul 2026 at 18:26 7200

Hello,

I have just restored the original route following a recent reconnaissance of the route: I have noticed some improvements to the facilities in the Gorges.
Between point 4 and point 5, the signposting is indeed lacking, so I’ve added a note (at the first junction, it can be unclear which way to go).
I’ve revised the comment on the path leading down to the Trou de l’Abîme: you mustn’t miss the start of it (as I nearly did) and, above all, you must be careful.

Machine-translated

zbh0170

06 Jul 2026 at 23:08 7200

Hello,

Thank you for your feedback.
I note that access to the Gorges de l’Abîme has been reopened, which is good news…
I still need to amend the description and the route to restore it to its original version.

Kind regards

Machine-translated

Lucien Chapuis

06 Jul 2026 at 09:39 7200

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike undertaken on Saturday 4 July 2026 to mark the reopening of the Gorges de l’Abîme.

The path is poorly signposted between point 4 and point 5 following various tree-pruning operations. The path climbs very steeply – don’t be surprised!
Once you’ve passed the high-voltage power line, you must continue to follow the yellow markings.
After waypoint 7, take care to take the narrow path through the forest on the left, rather than the wider logging tracks.
There is a water point available in Vaucluse, which is very welcome.
Once you’ve left Vaucluse, you’ll need to concentrate hard to find the narrow path that leads down to the ‘Trou de l’Abîme’ via a steep descent.
With the reopening of the Gorges de l’Abîme, it is possible to cross the footbridges and then head to the Pont du Diable to return to the finish. It is also possible to continue the circular route from the ‘Trou de l’Abîme’, with steep sections running along the top of the gorges.
I’d recommend heading down into the gorges via the footbridges to get the route closest to the water – it’s truly impressive.

Overall, the walk is good, with lovely views and a nice initial climb to get you going. You need to keep an eye on the path, which must have been affected by various pruning and deforestation works.

Machine-translated

Orny

16 Jun 2025 at 18:41 7200

I agree about following the route, as I do it quite often. It's true that the slope is steep, but that's the mountain for you (but it's so BEAUTIFUL).

Machine-translated

debrie

16 Jun 2025 at 18:14 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route through peaceful woodland. "Difficult" because the slope is particularly steep between 4 and 5. Otherwise, between 7 and 8, the route is clearly very little used and the signposting is random. The IGN app came in very handy!

Machine-translated

reine husser

01 Apr 2025 at 20:05 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Today's hike. The L'Abîme Gorges are still closed to this day... what a shame.

Machine-translated

Christian Chaillou

11 Mar 2024 at 11:18 3600

Very nice route. The return section has been modified, but be very careful on the slippery descent at the hole in the abyss, as well as on the steps and ladders back into the gorges.

Machine-translated

Orny

04 Mar 2024 at 09:11 3600

A very beautiful hike to do in good weather, requiring sturdy footwear and walking sticks. Steep climb and very muddy terrain. The Gorges de l'Abîme are closed for safety reasons. So we did a round trip via Vaucluse.
Quite a long drive, despite everything.
Lack of signposting in places.

Machine-translated

Christian Chaillou

14 Aug 2023 at 16:35 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The last part of the route has been changed since 2020, and we were forced to follow the markings from the hole in the abyss.

Machine-translated

Orny

24 May 2023 at 08:51 7200

A very beautiful hike to do in good weather. I did it in bad weather with very limited visibility, arriving at Crêt Pourri in the mist. However, the Gorges de l'Abime were fantastic in this weather.
The Cascade des Combes waterfall is a classic, but it's very beautiful and also worth doing.
The guidebook, details and map are excellent and very detailed.
Be careful between points 6 and 7 (under the high-voltage line) as they have cut down all the vegetation (no trees), so there are no landmarks.
You need to wear good footwear and use walking sticks, especially on the descent, as it is very slippery.

Machine-translated

zbh0170

18 Mar 2023 at 23:33 3600 • Edited: 18 Mar 2023 at 23:49 3600

Hello,

The route was completed recently in order to reassess the situation: at the car park at the entrance to the Abime Gorges, a barrier was in place and a municipal notice dated 30/01/2023 stated: "For the safety of users and to prevent the risk of falls due to frost: pedestrians are prohibited from using the entire Abime Gorges hiking trail until 31/03/2023".
In view of this, I have just updated the route to show two alternative routes that avoid this area.
I noticed that access to the Abime hole was possible (no signposts visible at the point (9) or afterwards).
It should also be noted that no notice was given for the return phase (a choice I did not make, however).

Machine-translated

zbh0170

10 Feb 2023 at 23:55 3600

Hello,

Thank you for your feedback. I have taken note that access to the Gorges de l'Abime via the footbridges is currently closed (between points (S/E) and (1)). To get around this problem, I think that on the way there, you followed the road towards Saint-Claude and then took a path on the left a little further on, and on the way back, you stayed on the road without going down to the Trou de l'Abîme (point (10)). Is that correct?
This information could help other hikers.
Thank you very much.

Kind regards

Machine-translated

GrosBébéJu

10 Feb 2023 at 17:55 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, in clear weather, the light is magnificent. All the elevation gain is in the first 2/3 kilometres, after that it's plain sailing. We even saw a pair of golden eagles from the heights, which was nice.
Please note! At this time of year, the first section of the hike (between S/E and 1), which corresponds to the Abyss Gorge, is closed by order of the authorities due to rockfalls. The police often patrol the area, warning tourists, etc. It is said to be dangerous.

Machine-translated