Le Bémont brings together the high plateau of the Jura Plateau and a long cultural history: the municipality includes parts of the Étang de la Gruère nature reserve, as well as the Chapelle de La Bosse, an old barn and horseback activities. You can explore the peatland landscape, historic buildings and activities as different focuses for your trip.

Landscape and trails around Le Bémont

Le Bémont is a political municipality in the Franches-Montagnes district of the Canton of Jura, Switzerland. Its territory includes part of the gently rolling high plateau of the Jura Plateau: marshy hollows, where water generally does not drain above ground, alternate with limestone knolls and extensive pastures. The municipality’s highest point is near the farms of Les Rouges-Terres, at 1,075 m above sea level. For orientation, Le Bémont is 1.5 km as the crow flies northeast of Saignelégier, the district capital.

The nationally significant Étang de la Gruère nature reserve extends partly across the municipality. The protected peatland covers 56 hectares; its peat layer is up to nine metres thick and has accumulated over 12,000 years. The circular trail around the Étang de la Gruère is 2.8 km long and takes just under an hour on foot. Trail conditions can vary seasonally.

Another hiking route passes through the hamlet of La Bosse, by its chapel and then across a meadow. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out. A short walk leads back to Le Bémont railway station. Check train connections separately.

Chapels and rural architectural history

The Chapelle de La Bosse was built in 1719, renovated in 1897 and consecrated in 1898. The chapel houses a Madonna and Child dating from the late 17th century. In 1975, the chapel was restored and placed under the protection of the Swiss Confederation.

A remarkably well-preserved old barn stands at Bas-de-la-Fin. Its features include the initials “Clos-Morel” and the date 1746—another tangible detail of the area’s rural building heritage.

The Oratoire Morel is also linked to a religious tradition: every Sunday in May, at dusk, the rural community of Rouges-Terres prays the rosary there. If you would like to plan your visit around it, confirm the date locally.

Horseback rides, carriage rides and sleigh rides

Christophe and Aurélien Beuret offer horseback rides through the pastures from La Bosse for all levels. Their offerings also include horse-drawn carriage rides and sleigh rides. At the Rais family farm, there are guided horseback rides for all levels and horse-drawn carriage excursions, including carriage rides with fondue. Check current availability for the Rais family’s offerings; reservation requirements may change.

There are several ways to explore the area: a short walk, a horseback ride from La Bosse or a trip by horse-drawn carriage or sleigh. Which option shapes your stay depends on whether you want to focus on peatland trails, architectural history or a horse-related activity.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Epauvillers, Muriaux, Les Genevez, Montfaucon Ju, Les Enfers, Les Breuleux, Saignelégier, Les Bois.

For the broader travel guide: Franches-Montagnes.