In Chaux-des-Crotenay, circular trails, striking viewpoints and traces of local history come together. When planning your visit, you can choose different focuses: an easy, clearly measured loop, trails through gorges, or the history of Sainte-Marguerite Church and the area.

Hiking trails with different routes

Parcours E is an easy 9.6-kilometre circular trail that starts and ends in Chaux-des-Crotenay. Along the way, it passes the Grande Cheminée, regarded as an unusual geological feature. If you are looking for a loop with a fixed starting and finishing point in the village, this is a specific option. Official route information may be updated, so check the latest description before setting out.

Parcours F has a different focus. It follows the former tramway line through a tunnel and over a viaduct above the Malvaux Gorges, before returning via Montagne Ronde. The route also takes the constructed path through the Gorges de la Langouette. The two routes therefore differ in more than their layout: Parcours E centres on its 9.6 kilometres and easy circular route, while Parcours F highlights the former tramway line, structures and gorges.

The Le Rachet circular trail follows an out-and-back route to the Belvédère du Rachet of the same name. Unlike Parcours E, no distance is specified; the defining feature here is the destination at the viewpoint. This lets you choose between an easy loop, a route with historic and scenic sections, and an outing to the viewpoint, without planning your walks around an unverified duration.

Views over the plateau and gorges

The Belvédère du Rachet is situated on a rocky outcrop above the Chaux-des-Crotenay plateau. From there, the view takes in the Derrière Cornu forest, the La Baume rock, the Saine and Lemme gorges, and the Nozeroy plateau. On a clear day, Mont Rivel also comes into view. The panorama therefore encompasses several named landscape features—from forest and rock to gorges and plateaus—and offers a distinct focus alongside the hiking trails.

Another striking place is Château du Champ des Mottes. It stands on a rocky outcrop on the second plateau of the Jura Mountains, at an elevation of 808 metres. This setting sets it apart from the viewpoints and trails: its defining feature is the combination of rocky outcrop and plateau.

Church and cultural heritage

The present-day Sainte-Marguerite Church was built from the last third of the 15th century onwards on the site of a castle chapel. Inside is a heraldic stained-glass window bearing the coats of arms of the Poupet and Clermont families. The window dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The church’s construction history and stained glass give the local-history theme a specific historical context.

The Espace André Berthier in the village of Chaux-des-Crotenay presents the area’s cultural heritage and history. It provides a distinct focus alongside the church and its historic artworks, centring on the heritage and history of the Chaux-des-Crotenay area.

Guided tours of Château du Champ des Mottes are regularly organised as part of discovery days and the European Heritage Days and European Archaeology Days. As event dates may change, check the relevant dates before your visit. The tours offer an alternative to taking in the rocky outcrop as part of the landscape; the events mentioned provide a guide for planning.

Getting there from the south

From the south, travel via Champagnole on the N5 to Pont de la Chaux, then take the D16 to Chaux-des-Crotenay. Check current road conditions and signposting before you set off.

This gives you several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: circular trails with different routes, the view from the Belvédère du Rachet, and local and regional history. Whether any of these influences your choice of holiday apartment depends on whether you want to focus on hiking, landscapes or cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Maurice-Crillat, Grange-De-Vaivre, Souvans, Darbonnay, Dampierre, Graye-Et-Charnay, Pont-D'héry, La Favière.

Back to the main travel overview: Jura.