Almost 200 metres long, the tectonic collapse zone at the Baume des Novalets is a geological site near Mournans-Charbonny. In the village, the Mon Rêve Museum offers guided tours, adding to the cultural attractions; the surrounding area also has a tourist driving route and seasonal activities. When planning, you can choose between different types of outings: a geological site, a museum tour or activities in the wider area.

The Baume des Novalets: tectonic features and access

The Baume des Novalets is a geological site shaped particularly by tectonic forces. Features that can be observed there include rare slickenside surfaces and pronounced erosion forms. The Baume includes a collapse zone caused by tectonic fault movements: it is almost 200 metres long, about 5 metres wide and more than 15 metres deep in places. These measurements describe different aspects of the structure: it is long, relatively narrow and especially deep in places. Tectonic movement and erosion are both present here; anyone interested in geology can observe both features at one site.

The Baume can be reached by road from the entrance to Mournans. Parking is 1.6 kilometres from the village; from there, a 100-metre forest path leads to the cave entrance. When planning a visit, allow for the separate road access and final stretch on foot. Check conditions in the cave and safety beforehand.

Culture and the Route des Sapins

The Mon Rêve Museum is located in Mournans-Charbonny, offers guided tours and covers 1,000 m². A museum visit is therefore different from exploring the features at the Baume: the museum offers a guided tour, while geological structures and erosion are the focus at the Baume. If you are interested in culture and geology, you can include both in your plans.

Another option is the nearby Route des Sapins, a 42-kilometre tourist road from Champagnole to Levier through the Jura forest. It passes 21 tourist sites and runs between Mournans-Charbonny and Équevillon. The difference from the Baume lies in the type of visit: here, a single geological site contrasts with a tourist road that passes several sites over 42 kilometres. This makes it possible to decide whether to focus your stay on one particular natural site or on a route with several stops.

Seasonal activities and other options

The nearby Haute Joux Nordic area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking trails. Sledging, equipment rental and ski school services are also available at the access points; winter activities are seasonal. These outings differ from the geological and cultural attractions in the village. If you are planning your trip around a particular winter activity, check that it is available during your travel dates.

The nearby Centre Équestre de la Cavalerie de la Source offers riding lessons for all ages and levels, as well as rides to explore the surrounding area. Booking before your trip is recommended. In Champagnole, Copains du Bike is a bicycle shop and repair business. If you plan to visit, check its current opening hours beforehand. Together with the seasonal options at Haute Joux, these offer a range of activities beyond the geological and cultural visits.

Discover more destinations: Cosges, Louvenne, Les Bouchoux, Bonlieu, Les Rousses, Baume-Les-Messieurs, Villechantria, Mantry

For the wider travel overview: Jura.