Montalchez walks

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hike from Chambrelien, passing through Champ du Moulin and following the Gorges de l'Areuse trail, with several views of Lake Neuchâtel. You will follow the blue trail, where you may spot chamois, then the gorge trail to admire the waterfalls.

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.

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.

Starting from La Sagne, you will go to Tête de Ran (1,422 m) via Combe des Quignets. From there, take the Chemin des Crêtes to Mont Racine (1,439 m), where you will have a view of Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. At the end of the Chemin des Crêtes, head towards the Chemin des Statues to finish your hike: sculptures carved from tree stumps by Georges-André Favre over a period of 35 years.

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.

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.

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

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 short walk starting from Morteau town centre, passing by the foot of Mont Vouillot and the town’s hills, then returning via the La Roche Jeannin viewpoint in the Bois Robert.

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.