Planning a visit to Les Piards can focus on three themes: the history of Chapelle Saint-Rémi, the Sentier des Pèlerins and the cross-country skiing offered by the Nanchez Nordic Centre. They differ in scale: a historic pilgrimage tradition, a single hike of a set length and a season-dependent network of cross-country ski trails. Your choice depends on whether you are looking for cultural history, walking or winter sports.
The history of Chapelle Saint-Rémi
Chapelle Saint-Rémi was built in the late 15th century by two members of the Piard family. After a reliquary containing the remains of Saint Rémi was donated, it became a much-visited pilgrimage site. A reliquary is a container for venerated remains; in this case, it held the remains of Saint Rémi. The chapel’s history thus connects its construction with a religious tradition. In 1886, it was restored and remodelled. The construction, the donation of the reliquary and the later remodelling mark distinct stages: its creation, its significance as a pilgrimage site and, finally, its alteration in the 19th century. For travellers interested in cultural heritage, the appeal lies in considering these historical layers together.
Hiking the Sentier des Pèlerins
The Sentier des Pèlerins starts in Les Piards, is rated as an easy hike and is 7.2 kilometres long. It leads to the Croix des Pèlerins. The starting point, length, difficulty rating and destination provide clear guidance when choosing a hiking route. The easy rating is a useful guide alongside the distance; plan your walking time according to your own pace. The name Croix des Pèlerins means Pilgrims’ Cross, making the destination clear in English too. Check local trail conditions before your trip.
Cross-country skiing at the Nanchez Nordic Centre
The Nanchez Nordic Centre offers more than 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Unlike the Sentier des Pèlerins, the focus here is not on a single route, but on an extensive network of trails. The figures help you distinguish the scale of each option: a 7.2-kilometre hike compared with more than 100 kilometres of ski trails. Cross-country skiing is also seasonal. Snow conditions affect availability, and seasonal operations may vary. So check current conditions before planning your stay around this activity.
Forest and nature reserve on the mountain biking route
Another route option is the La Trémontagne mountain biking route. It passes through the forest and the various combes of Prénovel and Les Piards. The route also includes a walk along a constructed boardwalk through the Réserve naturelle régionale de la Tourbière du bief de Nanchez. Here, the focus is on forest and combe landscapes, as well as a boardwalk in a nature reserve—unlike the Sentier des Pèlerins, with its clearly defined length and difficulty rating. The reserve’s access rules apply when visiting. Seasonal restrictions or work may affect access to the forest. Check local conditions before setting out, especially if you plan to include this section.
Discover more destinations: Moirans-En-Montagne, Pont-de-Poitte, Menotey, Barretaine, Fort Du Plasne, Montbarrey, Cernon, Chille.
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
