Grand'Combe-Châteleu walks

A nice little walk featuring the farms of the watchmaking region, the Poucey Cave and a beautiful viewpoint called "La Roche aux Corbeaux" (Raven Rock), perfect for families!

A somewhat physically demanding hike starting from Grand'Combe-Châteleu along the ridges, on the left bank of the Doubs on the way there and the right bank on the way back. Pass through Remonot and its cave chapel, the Grotte du Poucey, the Sapin Président in the Grand'Combe forest, with beautiful views and lovely farms typical of the region.

A pleasant little walk through the woods of Mont Gaudichot. Enjoy the lovely views here along a well-marked but fairly natural path, which can be slippery in places in wet weather.

There are several points of interest to discover on this hike: - what water can do in our Jura mountains, - our beautiful mid-mountain landscapes with forests and pastures, - the beautiful forests of the Haut-Doubs.

A small town of 6,000 inhabitants, Morteau is situated at an altitude of around 780 metres, in the Jura and the Watchmaking Region. There is also a museum dedicated to watchmaking in this town. It is a mid-mountain town situated on the banks of the Doubs. This route takes you to the town’s most interesting sights. It is also recommended to combine this visit with a trip to the hamlet of Remonot on the same day.

A pleasant walk in the forest, passing 1,000 metres above Montlebon.

Passing through beautiful pine forests, you will walk along a small gorge, home to waterfalls where the rotation of pebbles has carved the soft rock over thousands of years, forming basins known as chaudières in our Haut-Doubs region. Then, passing isolated farms nestled in the hollows of the pastures and surrounded by our good old Montbéliard cows, you will reach a panorama stretching south-west over the Chasseron, the Suchet, the Gras topped by the Rochers du Cerf, Switzerland to the south and, in fine weather, Mont Blanc.

From Les Gras, you will climb through beautiful, clear forests to the Rochers du Cerf ridge trail and its many viewpoints over the discreet Théverot valley, Mont Châteleu and the Swiss mountains. Return via the Swiss pastures and their concert of cowbells.

Remonot is a small hamlet in the commune of Les Combes. Situated on the banks of the Doubs, in the Pays Horloger, this village has everything to offer: surrounded by the Jura mountains, it is a pleasure to stroll along these country lanes in search of little gems. The most remarkable heritage site is none other than the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Remonot, situated within a vast cavern 30 metres deep. Within this cavern are four springs, one of which is said to possess miraculous properties. The site is still used for worship today. The route also takes you past the Church of the Holy Spirit and, nearby, the Remonot viewpoint, which offers views of the highest gorges of the Doubs. The walk along the river’s right bank takes you past a drinking trough and a hand pump.

A short detour via the summit of Val de Morteau with a splendid view of the Alps (weather permitting). Mont Châteleu, which is inconspicuous when approached from this side, hidden by vegetation, offers a splendid panorama with its two orientation tables. On one side, there is a magnificent view of the Alps and below, from the second table, a view of Les Gras and, further away, Les Rochers du Cerf.

Circular around Mont Vouillot via Chez Fraichot, Le Mausenet, Les Fins and Les Teurés.

Forest walk through the woods of La Joux, La Joux Dessous and La Joux Dessus, along well-marked paths and a road alternating between gravel and tarmac.

From the old, isolated farmhouse of La Perdrix, right in the heart of Le Sauget, you’ll reach the hamlet of La Fresse and climb towards the ridge of Les Rochers du Cerf, a picturesque rocky path dotted with gentians, boundary stones and numerous views over the secluded Théverot valley, Mont Châteleu and the Swiss mountains.

Crêt Moniot, with one or two "n"s, is well known for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but the site is also ideal for hiking and mountain biking.It offers typical Jura landscapes with sinkholes and sharp limestone pavement, snow all year round in the La Neigère valley, abundant wildlife and superb views of the Alps.

This route will take you from the forest to the cliff via the pastures of the Haut Doubs.

Set off to explore this magnificent trail, from La Roche and Côte de Moron, including the "Pillichody" trail (a high-altitude path, not suitable for children, impassable in winter) – sure-footedness is essential! The path is very narrow in places, with cables in place to secure the tricky sections. The Jurgensen Tower, which is often open, is located along the route. There is a panoramic view of Villers-le-Lac, Les Brenets and the valley. Do not attempt this hike in wet weather.

The Saut du Doubs is a major tourist attraction in the region. This hike will allow you to discover it and also enjoy the surrounding landscapes, continuing on to the Chatelot dam.

This hike allows you to discover the Saut du Doubs and walk around Lake Moron on both the Swiss and French sides, crossing the border at the ford.

First, visit the viewpoint overlooking the Doubs basins. Cross into Switzerland via the footbridge, then head towards Les Brenets. Climb up to the Jurgensen Tower, where you will be rewarded with a magnificent 360° panorama of the region. On the way back, take a short detour to Calvin's Head, where you will see its spectacular hole. If you visit it, be careful, it is dangerous! A superb hike in a magnificent setting.

This walk is a marvellous way to explore the beautiful Saut du Doubs.

You will walk through the beautiful forests of Mont Châtelard, interspersed with high, wild cliffs reflected in the green waters of Lac de Moron, an artificial lake created by the Châtelot dam. Then, descending into the gorge, you will walk along its steep banks, guided by the murmur of the waterfall towards the unmissable Saut du Doubs.

You don't need to be as fit as an Alpine hunter to climb the high peaks and enjoy breathtaking views. This is a walk that is accessible to all. This 10km or 15km hike will take you to Crêt Monniot (1141m) where, on a clear day, a superb 360° panorama awaits you: lomont, the Loue valley, the Jura plateaus, the Vosges, Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps. You will love this landscape of chaux (the medieval name for high-altitude wasteland) with its sinkholes and sharp limestone pavement.

Rousseau once wrote «I have, opposite my windows, a beautiful waterfall which from the mountain top, plunges from a rocky escarpment into the valley, with a sound heard for miles around, especially when waters are high». From waterfall to waterfall, alongside these impressively steep gorges which once inspired fear (poëta from the latin putidus meaning "altered, fetid"), this trail will lead you through a delightful hike through rocks and water.

Seventh stage from Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Noiraigue, the route begins with a steady climb before joining a varied trail that runs along a ridge dotted with viewpoints and clearings. Le Creux du Van, Lake Neuchâtel and, on a clear day, the Alps with Mont Blanc accompany you on your way to the Tablettes viewpoint. The hike continues towards the Tête de Ran (1,422 m), offering breathtaking views of the Alps, Lake Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds. Finally, a short descent takes you to the Col de la Vue des Alpes, a natural link between the valleys of Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Among the must-see spots in Franche-Comté are the Saut du Doubs, as well as the Cirque de Consolation, a few dozen kilometres away. Numerous waterfalls flow into this funnel-shaped valley, at the bottom of which stands a church. Various hiking trails are also available. This hike allows you to walk around the entire area via a ridge path not shown on IGN maps, discovering all the secrets of the cirque along the way.

Set off to explore the Barchet Pond and its peat bog. This vast wetland is a remarkable reservoir of biodiversity. Its soil, permanently saturated with stagnant water, deprives the microorganisms responsible for decomposing organic matter of the oxygen they need for their metabolism. The plant litter mineralises slowly and partially. It then accumulates gradually, forming a poorly decomposed or undecomposed deposit: peat.

From the picturesque village of Bizot, with its farms, courthouse and 16th-century church, the route takes you up a superb steep ridge path to the ruins of Réaumont Castle. You return via the peat bogs, skirting piles of stones gathered from fields and the Étang des Belles Seignes lake.

The small village of Noiraigue in the Val de Travers is the starting point for the magnificent Gorges de l’Areuse hike, the upper entrance to which is only about 1 km away. The route runs alongside the railway line and the valley narrows considerably. The impressive gorge, with its idyllic old stone bridge, is at Saut de Brot. Continuing towards Champ-du-Moulin along a small road, you will find another crossing via a section of path that leads you back into the gorges. Gigantic rock faces soar skywards. The path takes you over small bridges and through tunnels. Then, a power station marks the end of the spectacle; just one last bridge to cross and head towards Champ-du-Moulin for the return journey along a forest road and a view of Le Creux du Van.

During this first stage, after the tedious climb up the 14 contours, you will be rewarded by the local geological curiosity, the Creux du Van. This Swiss version of the "Grand Canyon" is a large rocky cirque 1.5 km long and 200 m high. At Soliat, you will enjoy a splendid panorama of Lake Neuchâtel.

This magnificent route passes through peaceful forests, along long ridges and steep cliffs. Every day offers panoramic views of the peaks of the Alps, the lakes of Neuchâtel, Geneva and Joux, and curiosities such as the great Cirque du Creux du Van.

A superb walk along the River Areuse with its various gradients and several bridges spanning it, leading out of the gorges to a magnificent view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. The return journey from this hike will be by train from Bole station.

Le Creux du Van is a natural cirque located in the Swiss Jura. It was formed by the freezing and thawing action of a glacier. It is now accessible from several locations, such as from Noiraigue via the Sentier des Quatorze Contours. This hike has a significant climb over the first few kilometres. It is also possible to return via the Gorges de l’Areuse, at the Saut du Brot.

A walk to ‘recharge your batteries’ in the cool air during heatwaves.

A walk around the Cirque de Consolation with a thrilling variety of views and valleys. Beautiful panoramic views and bodies of water on way.

From the foot of a medieval calvary, head towards the Belvédère des Genevois in the small, remote valley of Martinvaux, passing through beautiful pine forests with slender trees. Then descend to the Source de la Reverotte and follow it to the Puits de la Doye and the Grotte de la Baume.

La Roche Barchey, "the pierced rock" in Celtic, where witches of yesteryear celebrated their demonic cult, offers a vast panorama of the Val de Vennes and the Haut-Doubs from its height of 988 metres. You will then descend through the beautiful fir forests of La Joux towards the more Catholic Sainte-Radegonde, who, it is said, fought an evil ghoul, perhaps descended from the rock, on the night of a sabbath, on the site where her chapel was built.

Depart from Le Pissoux, descend to the Grotte de Grenier above the Doubs and cross the river on stepping stones, allowing you to cross dry-shod downstream from the Châtelot dam, followed by the magnificent marked trail on the right bank of the Doubs (Lac du Moron) on the Swiss side. At the Saut du Doubs, head back and forth to the Tête de Calvin to see the meanders of the Doubs basins stretching from Viller-le-Lac to the Saut du Doubs from above, then cross the Doubs via the footbridge upstream of the Saut du Doubs, pass by the viewpoints overlooking the Saut du Doubs and climb directly up through the forest to Le Pissoux, via the Belvédère du Châtelard overlooking Lac de Moron.

The Doubs river flows through 35 kilometres of deep, winding gorges from Villers-le-Lac to Goumois. You will only cover a few of them, from Lac de Moron, bordered by high cliffs forming a semicircle, to the Grotte du Grenier, where even human constructions cannot detract from the riches of the wild natural environment.

A superb hike in an iconic site in the Swiss Jura, accessible to most people. You will encounter some not-so-wild wildlife, including ibex and chamois. Magnificent flora and landscapes and superb views. Not to mention the dairy farms where you can stop for food and refreshments.

A superb hike around Lake Moron, culminating in the Saut du Doubs and its 27-metre waterfall.

Le Creux du Van is one of the most famous geological formations in the Jura. This immense cirque with its impressive vertical cliffs offers steep landscapes that contrast with the gentle neighbouring pastures. This is the hike to do to discover the Val de Travers. It is very easy to see ibex here, as they are used to walkers.

Circular route starting from Mont-de-Laval, passing by the Roche du Prêtre and looping through the Cirque de Consolation.

A wild, 350-metre-deep valley, the Cirque de Consolation, framed by magnificent cliffs, is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. You can discover it from two viewpoints, Chauve Roche at the bottom of the valley and Sainte-Catherine downstream and the old seminary. After a visit to the old priory of Laval, you will climb back up to the plateau, along the aptly named Pissoux, through a superb wild and mossy valley.

Sixth stage, from Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Les Rochats, the route climbs gently through pastures and wooded areas. You then arrive at the impressive Creux du Van rock cirque. From the heights, the view of Lake Neuchâtel is splendid. Then, taking the Sentier des Quatorze Contours trail, you descend towards Noiraigue, surrounded by two natural wonders: the Creux du Van rock cirque and the Areuse Gorges.

The goal for this second stage is to climb Chasseron. This rocky cliff offers breathtaking views of Lake Neuchâtel and, further south, Lake Geneva. You will also enjoy views of numerous Alpine peaks in the distance, rising up from the horizon.

Discover the Reculée du Pissoux and its stream, the Dessoubre Valley and its river, passing by the Moulin de Girardot. A lovely climb up to the Roche du Miroir, which offers a panoramic view, then a walk through the village of Plaimbois-du-Miroir and back via the Montbeliardot Arboretum and its sculptures. A hike through wild, lush countryside.

You will descend along the aptly named Pissoux, through a mossy valley. From the top of a wild and jagged promontory, then from the Roche du Miroir, to the more civilised viewpoint, you will discover the Dessoubre, overlooked by high cliffs, home to chamois and peregrine falcons. Along a charming path winding and weaving between superbly carved rocks, you will cross sunny meadows to reach the Montbéliardot botanical trail, running alongside an old pile of stone gathered from fields.

Short loop through the fields (no gates to open) on horseback, with the option of staying at the Brin d'Herbe equestrian lodge. Please note: this route is only possible when the hay has just been cut and the grass in the meadows is short.

Starting from the Brin d'Herbe equestrian lodge, enjoy an unusual hike along forest paths, past cows and alpine landscapes. There is a magnificent view from the Ferme des Miroirs road, from where you can even see the Alps if the weather is not too cloudy! Enjoy a refreshing break or a good meal at the Les Papillons restaurant before returning through fields and forests. NB: as this hike crosses several cow pastures, please be sure to dismount, open and, above all, close any gates you come across.

This hike will take you through a protected area and offer you a beautiful view of the town of Pontarlier. Moderator's note A GPS device may be useful for this hike. See reviews.

A short hike through the Grand Bois forest in the commune of Le Russey. Here you will see one of the largest fir trees and farms with the typical tuyé (or tué), a kind of large chimney for smoking meat.