Epauvillers lies at 696 m above sea level in a hollow on the southern slope of the Clos du Doubs Jura range, around 230 m above the floor of the Doubs valley. These two elevations place the village in its landscape: the altitude of its location and its distance above the valley floor.

Location and landscape

The former municipality of Epauvillers included the foothills that descend steeply from Sous les Roches to the deeply incised Doubs, the broad ridge of Fin du Teck at 892 m above sea level, the Bois de Villers, whose highest point is at 917 m above sea level, and the rocky promontory of Chêtelat at 841 m above sea level. Of the elevations listed, the highest point is in the Bois de Villers; Fin du Teck and Chêtelat provide two further elevation markers.

The broad ridge of Fin du Teck and the rocky promontory of Chêtelat represent different landforms; the foothills sloping down towards the river add another. This helps put the elevation figures in context as parts of varied terrain, rather than as a single continuous elevation.

Epauvillers is part of the cantonally protected “la vallée du Doubs” nature reserve. If you plan to visit, check the current access rules, as these may be updated separately. After passing through part of Montenol, a trail leads east over the Chételat massif and back to Epauvillers.

Church and sacred sites

After being destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, the Église d’Epauvillers was rebuilt at the end of the 17th century. Its furnishings include a small late Neo-Baroque organ, built by the Wetzel brothers in 1868 and restored in 1971. Its creation and restoration mark different stages in the history of the same organ. The Grotte Notre-Dame de Lourdes is in the Finage area of Epauvillers. The church’s history and another sacred site therefore offer two specific points of interest for visitors interested in cultural history.

Trails, running and cycling

The 9.6-kilometre Tchérattes running trail starts in Epauvillers and is marked year-round. Visitors can explore the Tchérattes routes used by runners on foot or by mountain bike, without the pressure of timekeeping.

The “Les Tchérattes en liberté” offer includes refreshment stations, scenic experiences and a souvenir prize. Availability may depend on the format or date. Check in advance which offer applies on your chosen date.

The Clos du Doubs Bike route follows the sequence St-Ursanne–Epiquerez–Epauvillers–St-Ursanne. Near the village, the route passes through pastureland and descends towards the Doubs. Route details may vary seasonally; check the latest information before setting out.

After passing through part of Montenol, a trail leads east over the Chételat massif and back to Epauvillers. By comparison, this trail features a village crossing and a massif, while the cycling route highlights pastureland and the descent towards the Doubs. These differences can help you decide whether you would rather follow the sequence of villages and the ridge or focus on pastureland and the direction of the river.

Discover more destinations: Les Bois, Les Enfers, Montfaucon Ju, Le Bémont, Lajoux, Le Noirmont, Les Genevez, Les Breuleux.

For the broader travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.