Villard-Saint-Sauveur walks

This circular route on the heights of Saint-Claude offers a magnificent view of the Gorges du Flumen and the ridges of the Haut-Jura from the Belvédère de la Roche Blanche, then takes in the village of Les Moussières before descending via the Crêt Joli and its typical Jura landscapes. The climb to La Roche Blanche is challenging and requires a high level of fitness. The use of walking poles is strongly recommended in wet weather, not only for the ascent but also, and especially, for the descent from the viewpoint (14).

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.

I suggest you try this lovely, slightly challenging route from Saint-Claude to the heights of Septmoncel. Along the way, you’ll come across some lovely views.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Starting from Avignon-lès-Saint-Claude, after a short climb lined with dry grasslands, the walk takes you through a lovely woodland setting, featuring the Ponthoux viewpoint and several vantage points overlooking the Bienne Valley, the Plan d’Acier industrial estate and the dam.

This challenging hike will take you along steep paths to the Surmontant viewpoint, then on to the Maquis Cave. The viewpoint offers a remarkable view over the Bienne Valley. Three-quarters of this route is unmarked. A good sense of direction and a good command of map-reading and GPS use are essential.

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.

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

Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions The third and final 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 ridges 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 GR® (red and white) signs.

Mountain bike ride in the Haut Jura Nature Park with views of the Jura Mountains. Moderator’s note Reviews indicate that the car park at the start is private. Plan to find a space elsewhere in the village

Long closed for safety reasons, the spectacular Gorges de l’Abîme, near Saint-Claude, now reveal a whole new side to themselves. After several years of development and works, this remarkable natural site is once again accessible thanks to a fully secured trail that allows visitors to experience, up close, one of the most impressive landscapes in the Haut-Jura. As you follow the path, you’ll walk amongst steep cliffs, rock faces sculpted by water and specially designed sections offering breathtaking views of the deep canyon carved out by the torrent. This walk combines the untamed beauty of an environment that was long difficult to access with the pleasure of a comfortable and safe exploration. With its geological heritage, woodland atmosphere and the roar of the water echoing at the bottom of the gorges, the route invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of one of the Jura’s most iconic natural sites.

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.

This is a snowshoe hike best undertaken after a fresh snowfall to enjoy the magical scenery of the woodland and snowfields stretching as far as the eye can see at La Grande Molune, a large, abandoned farmhouse. Yellow markers can help with navigation along part of the route.

Open from 1 April to 30 November – subject to snow conditions. From Bellecombe to Mijoux via the Haute Chaîne: the second stage of the four-day walking tour “La Valserine enchanteresse”. La Valserine is no fairy, but she enchants with every step. Her magical valley guides us between the high plateaus and ridges of the Jura, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. A journey through wild nature and poetry.