Conte offers a clear nature-focused starting point for planning your trip: the Ain rises between Conte and La Favière, and named hiking and water destinations give your stay a specific focus. Choose your activity focus with care, from an easy out-and-back trail or a moderate circular hike to bridges, waterfalls, viewpoints and horseback riding.
The source and hiking trails around Conte
The Ain rises at an altitude of 681 metres between the villages of Conte and La Favière. The Source de l’Ain is a Vaucluse-type spring and a geological feature of interest. For travellers looking to orient their plans around a specific natural feature, the spring helps define the character of the location.
The easy “Sentier Interprétation - source de l'Ain - La promenade” route is 2.9 kilometres long and is listed as a signposted out-and-back trail with 36 metres of ascent. It starts and ends at the Source de l'Ain car park in Conte. The route is marked in orange and also has GRP markers.
A longer alternative is the “Source de l'Ain” route, a moderate 10.4-kilometre circular hike with 298 metres of ascent. It also starts and ends at the Source de l'Ain car park; its markings are GRP and PR. Its highlights include forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
The two hikes differ considerably in length and difficulty: the walk is the easier, shorter option, while the circular hike covers more distance and ascent. If you want to keep your hiking day compact, the first route is a good choice; if you are looking for a longer, moderate loop, the second offers the relevant details. The different markings help you identify each route.
Bridges, waterfalls and viewpoints
The “Sentier Interprétation - source de l'Ain - La boucle des passerelles” route features two footbridges, including a suspension bridge over the Ain. This is a distinctive feature for anyone who is particularly interested in river crossings and bridges on a hike.
The Cascade du Moulin du Saut can be reached via a small path. There is a place by the water for a picnic or a break. This makes the waterfall a specific destination even if you want your outing to centre not only on the route itself, but also on spending time by the water.
The Cascade du Moulinet is 20 metres high. From the Le Moulinet signpost, a marked path leads down to it. Its height and route offer a different point of reference from the Moulin du Saut, where a place to picnic or rest by the water is described.
The existing Saut des Maillys viewpoint has also been renovated and enlarged. Check local access conditions before setting off. This lets you include the viewpoint in your plans without making assumptions about current conditions on site.
Horseback riding and planning your stay
Hiking trails are not the only activity in Conte. The Centre Équestre de la Cavalerie de la Source offers riding lessons for all levels and ages, horse boarding, and rides to explore the surrounding area. The facilities therefore include both lessons and rides, as well as horse boarding.
This selection is based on specific activities and distinguishes between different interests, rather than assuming there is just one type of traveller. If hiking is your main focus, the distance, difficulty and elevation gain will help you compare the two routes. If water destinations or horseback riding matter more, these activities can shape your choice of stay.
Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-sous-Pymont, Pratz, Crotenay, Écleux, Villechantria, Coisia, Saint-Amour, Chaux-des-Crotenay
For the main travel overview: Jura.
