Longchaumois walks

A few kilometres from Saint-Claude, beautiful beech forests, a 70-metre-high waterfall, an unusual cave and the magnificent Belvédère de la Corbière viewpoint.

This hike (which is somewhat demanding) aims to take in a varied route at different altitudes in the Bienne Valley to the north of Saint-Claude, as well as on the plateau overlooking it around Longchaumois. The route is mostly circular, passing close to two waterfalls and a cave.

Explore the surroundings of Prémanon. From the Belvédère des Maquisards, above the Morez cluse, to the coolness of the leat de la Chaille gorges, this is a fairly easy and varied route with a mix of forest, geology and history.

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).

A circular hike above Saint-Claude that takes you to the Cascade de la Vouivre waterfall, the Belvédère de Cinquétral viewpoint offering superb views of the Bienne valley and the Haut-Jura, and finally the Cascade de Pissevieille waterfall. It is best to do this hike when the snow has melted or after rain to get the most out of the waterfalls, but in this case, the use of walking poles is strongly recommended. Similarly, the climb to the Belvédère de Cinquétral is reserved for experienced walkers.

The walk starts from the centre of Lamoura and enters the small Combe d'Arbey, divided into two parts by a wooded ridge. This rocky ridge separates the route into two distinct parts: the outward journey is on the eastern slope and the return journey is on the other side, along the cross-country ski trail.

Leaving the village and crossing the woods via the Sentier des Amoureux trail, you will discover Lake Lamoura, set in lush green countryside punctuated by the red hues of the surrounding peat bog, where the waters of the highest natural lake in the Jura mountains glisten. The trail goes around the lake. A wooden deck allows you to cross the wetlands and bog without damaging these fragile environments.

A lovely circular walk passing through the Crêt Pela (the highest point in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and the Jura department). It offers varied scenery, including walks through typical forests and the open landscapes of the Combe du Lac, as well as a stunning view over a succession of mountain ranges stretching as far as the Swiss Alps. Please note: theroute is closed from 15 December to 30 June between (5) and (8) to ensure the preservation of these forests, which provide a habitat for many protected species in the massif: capercaillie, hazel grouse, pygmy owls, Eurasian lynx, etc.See here.

A gentle walk covering a good distance but with very little elevation gain. Feeling the icy crust of the snow crack in the morning under the weight of our first steps is pure bliss, a blank canvas that we delight in scribbling on with our eager snowshoes.

An easy hike covering varied landscapes of pastures, forests and lakeshores, with two viewpoints offering beautiful views of the Jura plateau.

Short, easy hike, mostly through forest, leading to La Vigoureuse (1,335 m) with views of the Valserine and Mont Blanc (on a clear day). On the way back, opportunity to swim in Lake Lamoura.

On a 9.5 km route around the lake, three separate interpretation stations allow you to discover this natural site in Grandvaux. To be done on foot, with good walking shoes or snowshoes when there is enough snow.

A beautiful route offering magnificent views over Lake Lamoura and the Serra ski resort. Part of the route is in the Haut Jura APPB area, see practical information.

Depending on the season, this walk takes you through flower-filled meadows in summer, snow-covered fields in winter where you can see the tracks of wild animals, and the heart of light spruce forests and the taiga landscape of the peat bog.

The marked trail takes you on snowshoes through the forest, towards Les Piards, to reach the Brire viewpoint at an altitude of 950 m. You’ll be able to make out the Jura Mountains, with the rounded peak of La Dôle right in front of you marking the horizon, and you might even catch a glimpse of the summit of Mont Blanc if the tall spruce trees weren’t blocking the view. What a shame.

Starting from Saint-Claude, this is a short hike in terms of distance but quite challenging during the climb up Mont Bayard. Walking poles are recommended in wet conditions.

I suggest a long circular route starting from Septmoncel, allowing you to discover some very pretty landscapes in the Jura.

This is a circular route without great difficulty that takes you through the pretty mountain pastures around the village of Lajoux, with beautiful views of Lake Lamoura and the Jura mountain range. The route can easily be lengthened or shortened thanks to the many trails in the area.

Le Mont Chabot est une des montagnes-phare dominant la ville de Saint-Claude.Il s'agira d'accéder à sa crête en empruntant un parcours en boucle partielle permettant de visualiser de superbes points de vues sur la ville et les alentours. La randonnée est assez courte, mais attention certains passages sont relativement raides et peuvent s’avérer glissants.Attention : le parcours présenté en 2016 vient d'être partiellement remanié (lire § Infos pratiques).

There is little elevation gain and lots of forest for this walk, which is recommended in summer on the Jura plateau.

A pleasant little outing to discover this waterfall, which cascades down a sixty-metre drop in two stages. These drops, each around thirty metres high, are spectacular when it has rained. This is therefore an outing to do after a period of rain if you want to enjoy the scenery offered by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Haut-Jura.

A very steep section of the Sentier des Chamois trail offers views of the rugged terrain of the Flumen Gorges and the Gendarme's Hat, as well as a cool break at the waterfall. You will need good walking shoes as the slopes are steep.

This circuit, starting from Morez, will take you on a tour of the surroundings of the Bienne and its Trou Bleu, as well as the Saillard Viaduct, crossing two Himalayan footbridges. Information panels are dotted along the route.

From Morez, I suggest a lovely route overlooking the Bienne Valley, mainly through woodland, with a few scenic viewpoints. The length of the route and a few steep slopes are the main challenges (see the Practical Information section).

This hike takes you to the Queue d'Âne and Queue de Cheval waterfalls, then climbs a little to the Septmoncel area, via a good circular route that is a little physically demanding at times.Please note that some sections can be tricky due to wet ground, particularly the section between (9) and (10), which is quite steep.

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.

Morbier forms part of the cultural and historical region of Franche-Comté. The village is renowned for its eponymous cheese, its cross-country skiing area and its clock-making industry. Indeed, around 1660, the Mayet brothers crafted their first clocks in this village and, in the 19th century, Morbier, along with Morez, was the capital of Comtois clock-making. The village of Morbier overlooks the Morez gorge and forms part of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.

This loop will allow you to discover the bottom of the Flumen valley (and its waterfalls) as well as the ridges above it.

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.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The section from Mijoux to the Refuge de la Loge is the first stage of the six-day hiking tour “La GTJ from Mijoux”. The GR® 9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Retord plateau and climbs the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Camping in tents is also prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to there being no snow. The GR® 9 enters the Ain department via Mijoux, before following the spectacular ridges of the Monts-Jura, passing through the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif. It then descends towards Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, crosses the Plateau de Retord, and then crosses the Grand Colombier. The trail continues its route to Culoz and the Rhône Valley, before leaving the Ain to reach Savoie and continuing southwards. Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations. Dogs are prohibited, even on a lead, as is camping in tents. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November - subject to snow conditions The second stage of the 3-day, 2-night Crêts en Combes hiking tour. Starting from Lélex, this circular route combines the main GTJ route with the suggested alternative via Mijoux and the Col de la Faucille. The crossing of the Hautes-Combes jurassiennes, the Valserine valley and the crests of the Haute Chaine du Jura promise breathtaking landscapes. On one side, the view overlooks the ridges, on the other, it overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and partly in the Haute Chaîne Nature Reserve, the hike takes place in a preserved natural area. The trail is marked with red and whiteGR®® signs.

Open from 1 December to 30 March. The circular Golf Loop is a walk accessible to all, starting from Mijoux. It is varied, with coniferous forest, beautiful expanses at the end of the golf course, all accompanied by the gentle sound of water flowing from the river.A sumptuous walk to discover the Valserine with the magic of snow-covered landscapes.The trail can be used with snowshoes or on foot.It is accessible for families, with sledges and children.This route can only be done in winter when there is snow and is marked in purple.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From Mijoux to the Refuge de la Loge via the Haute Chaîne: second stage of the two-day "Le balcon du Léman"hiking tour. An exceptional route through the highest peaks of the Jura mountains and the wild landscapes of the Haut-Jura plateau, with spectacular panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from the highest peaks of the Jura mountain range. These wild spaces full of surprises and wonders will make this multi-day hike unforgettable. Part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, and camping in tents is also prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. From Mijoux to the Refuge de la Loge via the Haute Chaîne: the third stage of the four-day multi-day hike “La Valserine enchanteresse”.From the enchanting Valserine to the summit of the Jura, this route through the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura offers magical views of the Alps from the Jura Mountains. A journey of mystery, magic and discovery…Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations: dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead, as is camping in tents.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Set off on a crossing of the Haut-Jura between Mijoux and Chézery-Forens through varied landscapes of valleys, peaks and forests. Over three days, you will travel along the Jura ridges, passing by the Grand Mont Rond, the Crêt de la Neige and the Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. This crossing takes you to the heart of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. As you will be self-sufficient in terms of food, remember to bring your own supplies so that you can enjoy this adventure to the full.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. Three-day crossing of the Haut-Jura, from Mijoux to Chézery-Forens, via the Jura ridges and the peaks of Grand Mont Rond, Crêt de la Neige and Reculet, with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Alps. Self-sufficient hike. Protected area: part of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs and tent camping are prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve this exceptional environment.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. From Lélex to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne:second stage of the two-day hiking tour "On the roof of the Jura mountains". From the wild Valserine valley to the balcony of Lake Geneva, this route immerses you in the authenticity of the Haut-Jura. As you cross the Hautes Combes, you will be struck by the raw beauty of the wide open spaces, the silence of the deep forests and the open horizon of the plateaus. The trail gradually climbs, revealing exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire Alpine range. A life-size immersion in a land of traditions and high-altitude landscapes.Please note – Protected areaPart of the route crosses the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to specific regulations:Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.Camping in tents is prohibited.Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Open from 15 December to 30 March. The Nicode trail, located in the authentic village of Mijoux, is ideal for walking and getting some fresh air. It forms a circular route along the edge of the Valserine. A sumptuous walk to discover the Valserine with the magic of snow-covered landscapes.The trail can be used for several activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, walking.Accessible for families, with sledges and children. This route can only be used in winter when there is snow and is marked in purple.

Offers an unforgettable view of Lake Geneva, Geneva and its water jet, and Mont Blanc in the background.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This circular route to the ridges offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc, as well as the entire Lake Geneva region and the Jura.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions This is one of the most beautiful trails in the Haute Chaîne du Jura, offering a hike that largely follows the ridge line of the massif and allowing you to enjoy sublime views of the Alps. The route starts from the tourist office at the Col de la Faucille, climbs through the forest on a pleasant and varied trail, sometimes crossing the ski slopes. When passing through the Crozat mountain pasture, be careful not to approach the dogs and their herd. Finally, at 1,668 metres, the summit of Colomby de Gex offers a beautiful panorama of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps. Along the route, the landscape is strongly marked by geology: glacial erosion, marine fossils, etc.

A short walk accessible to younger children, which quickly leads to a magnificent viewpoint over Geneva, the Salève and the majestic Mont Blanc. This hike, accessible from April to November, is ideal for a short outing to admire the landscape from the Col de la Faucille. The route alternates between stony paths and forest trails. At the end, the Redoute viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Geneva, the Salève and the Mont Blanc massif. On a clear day, the panorama extends to the Swiss Alps, offering a unique spectacle at sunrise and sunset.

A superb hike, easy to follow (excellent signposting), with no particular difficulties, well worth doing for the magnificent panoramic views it offers over most of the route.

Open from 1 December to 30 March A lovely walk through the forest in the nature reserve leading to a viewpoint offering views of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Hiking in the nature reserve - Dogs not allowed - Most of the route is located in a wildlife quiet zone, so it is mandatory to follow the markings.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. The Petit Montrond hike is a must-do, offering breathtaking views considered to be among the most beautiful in Europe. The trail climbs through woodland and open areas where you will find picnic tables. From the Col de la Faucille, a staircase with 419 steps leads to the summit of Petit Montrond at 1,540 metres, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lake Geneva plain, the Alps and Mont Blanc. The descent is via the same route, offering a different perspective on the surrounding landscape.

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. This easy-to-access, varied trail, dotted with natural curiosities, enters a preserved forest. It then leads to the Turet viewpoint for a spectacular panorama of Gex, the Lake Geneva plain, Mont Blanc and the surrounding ridges. Starting from the Col de la Faucille, this family hike offers a rejuvenating immersion in nature. The biodiversity here is remarkable. After a gradual, gentle climb, the Turet viewpoint reveals an exceptional panorama of Gex, the Lake Geneva plain and, on a clear day, the majestic Mont Blanc. The return journey follows the same route. In winter and spring, this area is subject to special restrictions, which are essential for the preservation of sensitive species (access is limited between December and June, see regulations). Please note that dogs are strictly prohibited, even on a lead, throughout the year.

From the Col de la Faucille, a beautiful hike to one of the highest peaks in the Jura. Superb views of the Alps and Mont Blanc.

A walk through the Marais forest, taking in a vantage point, the Roche Devant, overlooking the Bellefontaine valley.