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Pontarlier walks
The banks of the Doubs from Pontarlier to Doubs
Follow the river from Pontarlier to the village of Doubs. Enjoy the coolness of the pine forest before crossing a pasture and looking out over the town nestled at the foot of Larmont.
Route de découverte de Pontarlier
Pontarlier is a sub-prefecture of the Doubs department. The town is often regarded as its capital. Surrounded by low mountains, this town has undeniable charm and boasts a number of historic monuments such as the Porte Saint-Pierre. This walk, covering around ten kilometres, allows you to see many of these monuments as well as several parks. From the Church of Saint-Bénigne to the Parc des Ouillons, Pontarlier will reveal its many facets to you. The route presents no difficulties. It is, however, classified as ‘moderate’ as the route is over 10 kilometres long and may not be suitable for young children.
The Château de Joux and Fort Mahler
Pass through pastures dotted with gentians and friendly, cuddly horses, then through cool fir forests with slender trees to discover Fort Malher and Château de Joux overlooking the valley with all the imposing severity of a medieval watchtower.
Discovering the Grand Taureau
Through mountain pastures and forests, along paths and forest tracks, discover a summit above Pontarlier, with beautiful views of the Alps on a clear day.
Le Grand Taureau
The highest point of the Montagne du Larmont, the Grand Taureau, at an altitude of 1,323 metres, offers a panoramic view of Pontarlier, the Loue Valley, the Jura mountains (the Aiguilles de Baulmes, the Knoll, the Mont d'Or), the Alps and Mont Blanc in good weather. This well-balanced route allows you to enjoy the coolness of beautiful pine forests and the sunshine of these alpine pastures dotted with gentians, accompanied by the music of our cowbells.
Circular of Arcan to Grand Taureau
Circular snowshoe loop above Pontarlier towards the Grand Taureau (altitude 1,323 m). Gentle climb. Steeper return which can be avoided by following the road, which is partly snow-covered. View of the Alps in good weather. View of Pontarlier and further north. Only part of the route is marked. Much of the route is used in winter.
View of the two castles
A short hike for the whole family with breathtaking views of Château de Joux and Fort Malher!
The Grand Tour of Château de Joux
This route connects the four most beautiful viewpoints around Château de Joux. Views of the castle from every angle, as well as superb panoramas of the Doubs valley and the Fer à Cheval gorge. If you have time, you can add a visit to the castle (1 to 1½ hours). The Sandor site and the church at Oye-et-Pallet further enhance this walk.
The mirrors
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.
Château de Joux
Located in the heart of a magnificent natural site, Château de Joux has overlooked its cluse since the year 1000. By installing a toll booth there, the lords of Joux were able to build this stone fortress. You will walk along both sides of the valley, climbing the Larmont anticline to Fort Mahler for superb views of this castle, which watches over the valley with all the imposing severity of a medieval watchtower.
Les Granges Dessus
From the hamlet of La Grange Dessus, you will walk through the Bois de Ban to discover the Château de Joux, located in the heart of a magnificent natural site, overlooking its cluse since the year 1000. Along the way, there is a viewpoint over Mont d'Or and Lac Saint-Point.
Forests and pastures all the way to Les Papillons restaurant
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.
Fort de Joux No. 80
This is a well-marked mountain bike trail. Number 80.A very varied and technical circuit, very interesting from a mountain biking point of view.
Montpetot Chapel and Roche Sarrasine
A short route in the heart of the Haut-Doubs that will let you discover Château de Joux from an unusual angle.
Simon Pion's horse riding trail
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.
More walks in Pontarlier
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