Le Latet walks

Walk in the Fresse State Forest along forest tracks, footpaths and tarmac roads.

A lovely walk around the small village of Les Nans, taking you to the source of the Angillon and its superb waterfalls, the Grotte aux Ours, the Roche des Nans and its viewpoint. You can also enjoy the tranquillity of the Forêt de la Joux as you explore its very well-maintained paths. The route is entirely through woodland on forest paths and tracks.

This easy walk, which takes place almost entirely in the forest, will take you through magnificent fir forests and beautiful deciduous woodlands. You’ll also enjoy lovely views of the iconic Mont Poupet, and, in the opposite direction, of Mont Rivel and the Haut Jura mountain range. You’ll also pass through beautiful fields of sharp limestone pavement, typical of the region.

A hike entirely through the forest, alternating between forest roads and footpaths, traversing this vast forest massif. Several designated viewing points offer views of the Jura mountain range or, on the other side of the forest, the Poupet and the entire plateau. A superb site at the start with an arboretum and historical information about the area.

The Loulle dinosaur trail,the third largest site of footprints in France, was discovered by J.F. Richard in 2001. More than 1,500 footprints, corresponding to 21 tracks of peaceful herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs and six less friendly carnivorous "bouffozaura", were studied. Along the way, there are no fewer than five viewpoints, the last and most beautiful of which is the Surmont viewpoint over the upper Ain valley, the Loulle sharp limestone pavement and, finally, on the way back, beautiful paths crossing karstic sinkholes.

A splendid hike between the plateau and the steep-sided valley of the Ain. This circuit offers an opportunity to discover the upper Ain valley and its unique geology, with its Vaucluse spring, waterfalls (Le Moulinet, Saut des Maillys, Moulin-du-Saut) and ruined mills, evidence of how humans once harnessed the power of water. In fact, an EDF hydroelectric plant has replaced the old Moulin-du-Saut.

Pleasure in cascades. This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses. Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

A lovely forest walk in the Joux State Forest, taking you through part of one of France’s most beautiful spruce forests. From the outskirts of Lemuy, you’ll reach the meadows of Villers-sous-Chalamont, then the source of the Roche at the foot of the viewpoint, followed by the source of the Ruisseau de Montorge and its picturesque setting with a waterfall emerging from an imposing cirque. Beautiful forest tracks and a lovely path will take you back to your car park. To make the most of the rocky and rugged landscapes around both springs, it’s best to do this walk after a spell of rain so you can admire the waterfalls. In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, ice will glisten all over the rocks and form magnificent stalactites along the cliff face, making this site even more spectacular.

A circular loop around Bourg de Sirod offering a rich variety of landscapes, forests, terrain and paths. From the ruins of Chateauvillain to the Rochers des Commères, from dry grasslands to mossy thickets and bare scree slopes, from quiet forest tracks to the deafening, bubbling waterfalls of the Ain’s underground watercourses, and from cliff edges to dense forests – there’s something for everyone.

A short walk that allows you to explore a magnificent site via a well-maintained path. The River Ain plunges into a very narrow gorge and disappears beneath a jumble of rocks. After a few metres, the river re-emerges and, following a large waterfall, reaches the site of some old forges.

Ten minutes from Champagnole, the most powerful of the medieval fortresses still stood not so long ago... A nature and heritage walk awaits you through the Val de Sirod around the site of the Perte de l'Ain, which is at the end of this route. You will pass by the Château Villain fortress, viewpoints, the Rocher des Commères, the castle chapel, the Fontaine des Tufs, the Roche des Sarrasins, the village of Syam, and more.

A lord had three daughters of marriageable age. Capricious, they found all suitors unworthy. Annoyed, the fairy Melusine turned them into stone statues. Erosion has destroyed two of these gossips. Time will get the better of the last one, so don't delay in paying her a visit. On the way, you will see the ruins of a castle perched on the cliffs, views of the Val de Sirod, and picturesque stony paths winding through beautiful rocks. Return via the Perte de l'Ain and its superb gorges.

Shaped by limestone erosion, the Reculée des Planches has a relief characteristic of the Jura karstic plateau. At the foot of the vertically rising cliffs, you'll discover the cascades and cascatelles of the Cuisance. At a leisurely pace, through bright, cool forests, you'll climb up to the ledges where no fewer than five lookouts, not forgetting the ruins of a feudal castle, offer superb views over the whole of the reculée.

La Reculée des Planches, shaped by limestone erosion, has a relief characteristic of the Jura karst plateau. From the foot of the cliffs, climbing gently through the beautiful Arbois Forest towards the Belvédère du Fer à Cheval, you will climb up to the cornices where no fewer than four viewpoints, not to mention the ruins of a feudal castle, offer superb views of the entire reculée.

Forest walk in the hills above Syam to discover the Grande Cheminée, an open-air cave that was visited in the Bronze Age. An axe made of this metal was found there. According to some, you may be walking on the lost site of Alesia as you make your way to two viewpoints over the wild Saine valley.

I’d like to suggest a lovely walk in the heart of the Jura, between Syam and the Chaux-des-Crotenay plateau, through an area of interest to some archaeologists. There are two points of difficulty to note: access to the Belvédère du Rachet and the short walk through the Grotte de la Grande Cheminée. The rest of the route presents no difficulty.

A peaceful walk in the Mignovillard area. You will be on the Haute Joux GRP® trail until Essart Bassand. Head towards the Seigne des Barbouillons Regional Nature Reserve, where you will pass the memorial to the crash on 9 January 2019. This memorial was erected here following the crash of a Mirage aircraft from Nancy-Ochey Air Base 133, near the site of the accident in which two soldiers were killed.Take a break at the Fontaine Carrée pond, then return via the hamlet of Petit Villard and the Moulin du Martinet.

A short walk offering easy access to two viewing points providing views, from above and below, of the magnificent Billaude Waterfall. A footpath and metal staircases lead to these points.

Access to a viewpoint offering a view of the confluence of three valleys: the Lemme, the Saine and the Ain. Along the way, you’ll notice the remarkable work carried out to build the ‘Ligne des Hirondelles’ railway line and a somewhat mystical section through the forest, between boulders covered in moss.

A beautiful walk around the famous Cascade de la Billaude, which you can admire on the way there or back. The route runs alongside the picturesque Étang des Pêchettes and takes you to a surprising and fairly challenging section, the Grande Cheminée. It also passes by viewing points, including those at Prés Grillet and Taiclet.Those who wish can climb up to the drystone shelter at the Ours (cave) and take advantage of a gap in the vegetation to catch a glimpse of Champagnole and its surroundings. You’ll enjoy the coolness of the banks of the Saine and, at the confluence with the Lemme, you’ll head back up towards the waterfall.

This short, easy circular walk will take you from the hamlet of l’Entrepôt (Dournon) to Sainte-Anne and the famous Pont du Diable, which you can even admire from the bank of the Ruisseau de Château Renaud – the stream it spans – whilst following the small path leading to it. Before that, you’ll have passed through the quaint little village of Sainte-Anne with its street signs written in two languages: French and Arpitan, the local dialect. The return journey takes you through the lovely Chalème Forest with its beautiful forest lanes.

This circular route around Chalamont takes you on a journey of discovery to a remarkable historical site: the ancient Chalamont Passage, where the ruts carved into the rock are a reminder of the carts of yesteryear. The route alternates between forest paths, wilder trails and clearings offering beautiful views of Mont Poupet, the valley and the Boujailles plateau.

Straddling the municipalities of Boujailles and Villers-sous-Chalamont, this trail will take you to the Chalamont Pass, a former toll station on the ancient road leading from northern Italy to Flanders.

A short walk on the heights of Fort Saint-André to discover the exceptional natural site of Salins-les-Bains, protected by its two old forts.

Fifth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This stage allows you to discover the remote valleys, particularly that of Planches-Près-Arbois, and to understand the geological phenomenon, with views from the Belvédère de la Roche du Feu. You will then descend to the bottom of the valley to reach the village of Planches-Près-Arbois and its tufa waterfall. Next, you will head towards the wine-growing village of Pupillin, the "World Capital of Ploussard", where you can explore its viewpoint, 19th-century church, Saint-Léger oratory and beautiful fountains.

Half of the route is through forest and half through pastureland.

Starting from Les Prunelles in Pupillin, this is an easy hike, mostly through forest on well-marked paths. The arboretum and the Foyard Président are attractions for children.

A circular walk in the Bois de Buvilly, starting from Les Prunelles in Pupillin.

Mostly in the forest, the route combines small paths, wide forest tracks and a few sections over scree.

A moderate-difficulty walk in the heart of the Pupillin vineyards.

A circular route starting from Pupillin that allows you to discover this Jura valley, its viewpoint, its Cascade des Tufs waterfall and the small village of Les Planches-près-Arbois. This route follows the Chemin du Facteur and the Allée de Rome with its Foyard Président.

Sixth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This rugged stage starts in Pupillin and crosses forests and vineyards to Poligny, a former fortified town and religious capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Poligny, looking to the future thanks to the Comté cheese industry, is home to the Maison du Comté and the headquarters of the Comité Interprofessionnel de Gestion du Comté. After a climb to the Croix du Dan, offering superb views of Poligny and the Culée de Vaux, the hike continues through the pastures and villages of the first plateau, where Montbéliard cows graze, before arriving in Miéry.

Twelfth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage,prepare to be amazed by the wild and authentic beauty of the Jura as you let yourself be carried away by the water for a peaceful break, out of time. Follow the tumultuous course of the Saine River through theLangouette Gorges, then discover the village of Les Planches-en-Montagne and the spectacular Malvaux Gorges, where the Saine has formed the Cascade du Bief de la Ruine, the largest waterfall in the department with a drop of 110 metres. The river then winds its way under the viaduct of the old tramway towards Foncine-le-Bas, offering breathtaking natural landscapes. Finally, cross the Mont Bayard at an altitude of over 1,000 metres for a remarkable view of the surrounding mid-mountain landscape. End your day with a descent to the village of Foncine-le-Haut, ideal for a restful and rejuvenating night.

This circular route allows you to see both forts and the town of Salins from two different angles. The Roman Way is an excuse to get closer to Mont Poupet and increase the elevation. However, the great advantage of this walk is that it is shaded by trees, which is very practical in summer.

This circular loop climbs up to Fort Belin, where you can enjoy a majestic view of Salins-les-Bains to the north and the green hills of the Jura to the south, before crossing the charming village of Clucy and descending via the Roman road at the foot of Mont Poupet.

Discover the small village of Pretin on the heights of Salins and its beautiful old houses nestled in the valley. No fewer than six viewpoints over the Val de Marnoz, Mont Poupet and the Monts de Cernans dot the route to the imposing Fort Saint-André, a stern sentinel overlooking Salins-les-Bains.

A lovely circular walk starting from Arbois. The suggested route forms part of the “Échappée Jurassienne” trail. At the end of the walk, you’ll find yourself close to the vineyards. There’s another, shorter route via the bottom of the Reculée. This is an old route which does not necessarily follow the on-site signposting. See reviews

Climb to the highest point of the extreme Jura at 851 m, with 360° views of the plains and mountains of the Jura and, on a clear day, even Mont Blanc. Set off from Salins-les-Bains on the banks of the Furieuse, long known for its salt mining. A scenic and slightly challenging hike without any major difficulties.

Fourth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. Right from the start of this stage, things get serious with a demanding route punctuated by steep ascents and descents in the limestone massif of Revermont. Then, through undergrowth, pastures and picturesque viewpoints, the second part of the route reveals itself to be full of charm and tranquillity, offering a perfect transition before reaching Montigny-les-Arsures, a superb wine-growing village where the vineyards come into view. A few more kilometres will take you to Arbois, the capital of Jura wines. Louis Pasteur had his family home here, which is still open to visitors. This colourful town is full of Jura wine tasting cellars and great places to eat for food lovers.

This is a pleasant walk through the rolling vineyards and the charming wine-growing village of Pupillin. The return route through the forest and the Ermitage viewpoint offers magnificent views of the town of Arbois. A few short climbs add a little spice to the route.

The Arbois circuit for an easy family walk to discover Arbois and its vineyards in the footsteps of Pasteur. It’s also a walk perfect for an aperitif: - for other more challenging but equally impressive outings such as the Reculée des Planches or the Cascade des Tufs; - for gourmet stops, in the heart of the Comté and Vin Jaune region, to discover the local cuisine. This walk can be done as a post-lunch stroll, in which case it may prove longer and more challenging.

A lovely walk starting from Geraise that will take you through the Vaux valley, from the ridges on the way out and along the valley floor on the way back. The viewpoints along the route offer beautiful views of Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne and the head of the Lison valley.

A lovely loop along beautiful paths, discovering the Pont du Diable, the Creux Billard, the Grotte Sarrazine, the Source and the Cascade du Lison. At the start of this beautiful walk, you'll cross the protected natural area of the marl pits and the Bois de Château-Renaud stream. Then head for Crouzet-Migette to reach the Source du Lison site, with a steep descent into the Combe Fagot. Before arriving at the site, you'll passthe Gros Chêne, presumed to be 300 years old, with a circumference of 5.5 m, an imposing sight. On arrival at the site: a return trip to the Creux Billard (unfortunately the Source path is off-limits), then a break at the Cascade du Lison, and a return trip to the Grotte Sarrazine (headlamp required). Then back along the Lison, a nice rest before a steep climb to Crouzet-Migette.

A lovely walk with no major difficulties, offering a chance to discover the Langouette Gorges and its magnificent waterfalls via a well-maintained and safe path. After passing through the village of Les Planches-en-Montagne, you’ll reach Chaux des Crotenay via forest paths and the route over the Col du Gyps.

The village of Les Planches-en-Montagne has a picturesque gem at its heart: gorges carved into the limestone and well hidden under the trees. The Saine rushes through them with gusto. Force, turmoil and noise coexist here with calm, serenity and gentleness.

The Malvaux and Langouette Gorges offer cool respite on hot summer days as well as magnificent scenery. This hiking route is suitable for families, with a shorter alternative (9.5 km) that does not go around Lac à la Dame. Part of the route follows the old tramway, so a head torch or torch is required to cross the 180 m tunnel.

This walk in Montigny-lès-Arsures invites you to discover the soul of a wine-growing village in the Revermont region. Between the rows of vines that shape the Jura landscape, the beautiful winegrowers' houses with their vaulted cellars and the picturesque Tour du Zouave Coco, the route reveals a rich and living heritage. All along the way, superb views open up over the Arbois vineyards, providing an ideal setting for a walk combining nature, culture and local history.

A pleasant walk to do in a day. The trail runs either along the lake, overlooking it or along the edge of the rocks, with numerous viewpoints.

A pleasant walk to do in a day. The trail runs either along the lake, overlooking it or along the edge of the rocks with viewpoints.

This balcony trail offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the largest natural lake in the Jura. Surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers, the lake is an invitation to linger and discover the secrets of the woods...

A hike for experienced walkers, with the chance to discover the village of Pretin, nestled in a valley, and magnificent views of Salins-les-Bains and its surroundings (Mont Poupet and Fort Belin in particular).

A walk in the Jura, in Foncine-le-Haut and Les Planches-en-Montagne. This walk will take you to the source of the Saine, the Bayard botanical trail and the tree-lined ‘Path of Remembrance’, which traces the history of the two world wars. You will then climb up to the Belvédère du Bulay before descending again to follow the Ruisseau d’Entre Côtes, passing by the Mine d’Or and the Saut de la Pisse. You will also pass the Waterfall du Leat de la Ruine and its source, then on to the Belvédères du Couillou and de la Roche Fendue.

The Saine river has its source in the shelter of this limestone amphitheatre. Admire this magnificent resurgence with its wild but accessible character, climb up high, follow the Bayard botanical trail and contemplate a grandiose and unusual landscape from the Belvédère de la Roche Fendue.

Discover the varied landscape typical of the Lower Jura: meadows, forests, villages, towns and vineyards. Take a break in Arbois, on the banks of the Cuisance, and watch the ducks dance on the water. It's a great place to catch your breath before, perhaps, a wine tasting and then the return trip to Les Arsures through the vineyards.

A short afternoon stroll through vineyards and forests, not forgetting to visit the pretty village of Montigny-lès-Arsures and perhaps taste the wines of the Jura. There are a few small climbs, however.

A trail starting out from Foncine le Haut that will take you to the source of the Saine and various viewpoints. A themed trail and a botanical trail...

Thirteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne: discover the Jura Mountains on this stage between Haut-Jura and Haut-Doubs. Explore the cross-country ski trails of the Mont Noir massif, which are transformed into superb hiking trails in summer. Immerse yourself in a peaceful, unspoilt environment, where alpine flowers bloom alongside the woody scents of fir and spruce trees. Between the woods, valleys and ridges, enjoy the fresh air while admiring the picturesque landscapes. This stage will also take you along the Bellefontaine and Mortes lakes, known for their peat bogs, which are home to remarkable flora and fauna.

Lake Chalain, nestled in a valley flanked by high cliffs, is the largest in the Jura. After a walk through rural valleys offering beautiful views of Lake Chambly and the Jura mountains, you will walk along the cliffs overlooking its turquoise waters.