Foncine-le-Haut brings together a range of ways to explore: a hike to the Source de la Saine, rated difficult, viewpoints, trail-running routes and seasonal winter activities. Forest walks and food-related visits are also on offer. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between activities whose availability depends on snow and the hiking and nature destinations described here. That way, you can tailor your trip to the topics that interest you most.
Discover the views and landscape
The Belvédère du Bulay offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Jura range, the green Saine Valley and the Combe d’Entre Côtes du Milieu. On clear days, you can also see Mont Poupet and Mont Blanc. You can walk to the viewpoint from the village. Alternatively, you can park at the foot of the rock and climb a roughly 300-metre-long staircase to the summit.
Another viewpoint is on the Chemin de croix de Foncine-le-Haut. The trail passes about fifteen metal crosses and offers a view of Foncine-le-Haut. The approximate number and material of the crosses give the trail its own distinctive character; it also combines a walk with a specific destination.
The landscape and geology take centre stage at the Source de la Saine. The spring rises from a limestone basin with folded rock strata and fault lines; distinctive vegetation clings to the rock. The hike there is 11.5 kilometres long, rated difficult and takes about three hours. It starts in front of the Foncine-le-Haut Tourist Office at number 60. Parking is available there or nearby; as parking arrangements may change temporarily, check them before setting out.
Hiking, running or exploring the forest
The Espace trail Champagnole Nozeroy Jura has four trail-running routes that start in Foncine-le-Haut. Distances range from 400 metres to 22 kilometres; some sections follow the Val Foncine Trail. Unlike the 11.5-kilometre hike to the Source de la Saine, which is rated difficult and takes about three hours, the four trail-running routes range from 400 metres to 22 kilometres. Routes may change over time. If you have a particular option in mind, check the latest route information before setting out.
The Forêt du Paradis is a good place for a forest walk. The Tourbière de l’Entre Côtes du Milieu is a different kind of destination: it is a sensitive natural area and is designated a Natura 2000 site. This designation makes the protected area a distinct nature-focused destination alongside the hiking and running options.
Winter activities dependent on snow
Foncine-le-Haut has four cross-country skiing areas, whose availability depends on snow conditions. The Chez Valentin cross-country ski trails in the Forêt du Mont Noir are connected to the Chapelle des Bois, Chaux-Neuve and Pré Poncet areas, as well as the Refuge du Pré d’haut. These connections give cross-country skiers several named reference points for planning, but do not replace checking snow conditions.
At Les Arboux in the ForĂŞt du Bayard, there are unprepared, marked and free trails for skiing and snowshoeing. The area is open continuously when there is snow. The trails therefore differ from those at Chez Valentin: snowshoeing and unprepared routes are explicitly available here too. Whether these winter options are suitable for your trip depends first of all on snow conditions.
Comté and seasonal visits
The Fromagerie des Rebelles is a Comté cheese dairy and a cooperative fruitière. Visitors can take a guided tour led by its members. In summer, the Rucher du Bayard offers guided tours and tastings. The two experiences have different focuses: Comté is the centrepiece at the cheese dairy, while the Rucher combines a visit with a tasting. The seasonal timing of the Rucher’s offer is important when planning your trip: tours and tastings are available throughout the summer.
For an overview of the wider destination: Jura.
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