Hiking and cultural heritage give a stay in La Chaux-Du-Dombief two distinct focuses. The trails differ in length, duration, starting point and scenery: they range from a two-hour circular route along historic shepherds’ paths to a trail at Pic de l’Aigle and the family trail at the Cascades du Hérisson. Also worth exploring are the Chapelle Saint-Vincent in the village of Ilay and the parish church of Saint-Point in La Chaux-Du-Dombief. If you’re looking for accommodation, this selection can help you decide in advance whether hiking, cultural heritage or both are most important for your trip.
Trail options: circular route, Pic de l’Aigle and Cascades
Le sentier des cairns is a 4.1-kilometre circular route, with a stated duration of two hours. It follows restored historic shepherds’ paths and passes through rocky terrain, scree slopes, hollows and forests. The trail is suitable for families. From the route, you can see Lac d’Ilay, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Jura’s High Range, with the Alps in the background. Visibility depends on the weather. Duration and conditions can vary seasonally, so allow some flexibility when planning the route and check trail conditions before setting out.
Pic de l’Aigle stands at 993 metres and overlooks the valley of the four lakes. The access trail starts in the village of La Chaux-Du-Dombief, is two kilometres long and climbs 90 metres. A one-hour hike there and back leads from the car park to Pic de l’Aigle. Keep the reference details separate when planning: the two kilometres and 90 metres of elevation gain refer to the access trail from the village; the one-hour duration is for the return hike from the car park. Trail conditions can vary seasonally, and walking times may vary depending on conditions.
The family trail at the Cascades du Hérisson starts at the Saut Girard – Lac d’Ilay car park in Ilay, La Chaux-Du-Dombief, and is 2.6 kilometres long. It initially follows the river Le Hérisson, then passes through forest. At 2.6 kilometres, it is shorter than the 4.1-kilometre circular route Le sentier des cairns; the trail profiles also differ: here, the route alternates between river and forest, while the other follows historic shepherds’ paths through rocky terrain, scree slopes and hollows. This makes it possible to compare the distances and the landscapes along the way.
Cultural heritage in Ilay and La Chaux-Du-Dombief
The Chapelle Saint-Vincent was built in the village of Ilay after the Priory of Saint-Vincent-de-la-Motte, also known as the Priory of Ilay, was destroyed during the wars of the 17th century. The chapel houses a statue of the Virgin Mary from the former priory. The site thus brings together a later building history and an object from the former priory.
The parish church of Saint-Point is located in La Chaux-Du-Dombief. Alongside the history of the Chapelle Saint-Vincent, which is linked to the former priory, it is a second clearly identified church to visit as part of the destination’s cultural heritage.
Discover more destinations: Peintre, Foucherans, Arsure-Arsurette, Chambéria, Souvans, Graye-Et-Charnay, Courlans, Champagnole
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
