Goumois lies on both sides of the French-Swiss border, with the Doubs separating them. From the “La Corniche de Goumois” viewpoint, you can look out over the Doubs gorges and the Swiss Jura. The Rocher du Singe is also part of the landscape: it is located among the rocks of Goumois.
Landscapes and trails around Goumois
Numerous hiking trails wind through an area where nature, mountains and river have been preserved. Visitors who want to explore the landscape on foot will find different route details to help plan their trip: a hike near Goumois is 12 km long, with 220 m of elevation gain, and takes three hours. It is marked in yellow and blue. Another accessible hike follows the Doubs and leads into Switzerland. Check current trail conditions and markings before setting out.
The Grande Traversée du Jura also passes through Goumois. The village is a valued place to stock up along the route, which then continues through the Doubs Valley along the GR5. Check current route conditions and supply options before setting off.
The difference between hiking and mountain biking
For mountain biking, Goumois offers the technically challenging VTT circuit 18, “La Franco-Suisse”. It is 23 km long, with 794 m of elevation gain. The hiking details of 12 km and three hours refer to a hike near Goumois, not to this VTT circuit. This makes it possible to distinguish the routes described for walking and mountain biking by their respective distances and elevation gains, without mixing up the details.
Cultural heritage in the village and by the river
The village surroundings include the ruins of the medieval Franquemont Castle. The Church of Nativité-de-Notre-Dame houses the “Christ en croix”, a carved, painted and polychrome wooden crucifix dating from the 18th century. It has been listed as a protected object since 5 September 1991. Goumois thus combines evidence of medieval architecture with a religious work of art whose date of creation and protected status are clearly stated.
The “La Perle Franco-suisse” hike offers another way to experience the area’s heritage. It follows the water and brings the history of the river’s former use for hydropower to life in the Goumois Valley. The trail thus connects the river landscape with its history of use.
Plan your journey and accommodation
When looking for a hotel in Goumois, you can start by deciding whether hiking, cycling or cultural heritage will be the focus of your trip. Also take the preferred side of the river and your journey there into account: there is no public transport on the French side of Goumois. The Swiss side can be reached from Saignelégier by PostBus. If you’re relying on this connection, check the timetable before travelling.
Fishing and nature in the Haut-Doubs
Goumois is a fishing area; anglers can enjoy their hobby on both sides of the river. Before fishing, check the applicable regulations and the status of any required permits.
Wildlife is also part of the surrounding area: a site in Goumois is one of the two known breeding sites in the Haut-Doubs for a bat species that is very rare in Franche-Comté.
Discover more destinations: Foucherans, Larnod, Chamesol, Mancenans, Arc-Et-Senans, Pontarlier, Morteau, Besançon.
Go to the main travel overview: Doubs.
