Les Bois lies at an altitude of 1,035 metres on the Jura plateau in the southwest of the Franches-Montagnes, on a slope that gently descends southwards. From La Chaux-de-Fonds, the village forms the western gateway to the Canton of Jura and the Franches-Montagnes plateau. Les Bois offers concrete themes to help you choose a destination, from hiking and horse riding to golf and skiing history.
The Plateau and the Doubs Landscape
The municipality encompasses a section of the gently rolling plateau of the Jura. Its features include marshy depressions, generally without surface drainage, and limestone hillocks. Large spruces, standing alone or in groups, break up the landscape across the extensive pastures.
To the northwest, the Doubs valley, cut canyon-like into the Jura plateau, forms the municipal boundary. Rock ledges run through the wooded valley slopes. To the west, the municipal area extends to the Combe du Valanvron, an erosion valley that opens into the Doubs valley at Biaufond. Lac de Biaufond is an artificial lake on the Doubs.
On Foot, on Horseback and by Mountain Bike
Walking trails run along the Doubs. Horse rides on designated riding trails are offered in Les Bois, and mountain-bike tours follow routes set aside for this purpose. In winter, cross-country skiing tours are possible in the forests around Les Bois; this seasonal activity depends on snow conditions.
The trail through the Gorges de la Ronde connects Biaufond with Les Bois via the Échelles de la Mort. Lac de Biaufond is the starting or finishing point of the route. Several footbridges and numerous caves line the trail, which reaches Biaufond through a well-preserved natural landscape. The mapped trail Sur les traces du Paysan Horloger passes through the municipalities of Les Bois and Le Noirmont and tells the story of the farmer-watchmakers of the Franches-Montagnes. While the gorge route focuses on its footbridges, caves and connection to Biaufond, this trail is devoted to the historical theme.
Golf and Culture
The Golf Club Les Bois has an 18-hole course set in the characteristic landscape of the wooded pastures of the Franches-Montagnes. The course alternates between holes in the forest and holes in more open terrain. Both the number of holes and the contrast between woodland and open ground are defining features of the golf offering.
The Musée du Ski is located in the former restaurant at Le Boéchet station. It traces the development of skiing from its beginnings to the present day. Two timelines show the development of alpine and Nordic skiing.
At Maison Rouge, visitors can freely explore the stables of the Fondation pour le cheval and the exhibition about the Franches-Montagnes horse. The story of the farmer-watchmakers is also featured: the Espace Paysan Horloger houses a museum in the basement of the building that traces this history.
Further historical traces offer a glimpse into everyday life in the former municipality. The Moulin de La Mort supplied the people of Les Bois and the surrounding area with flour before it burned down on 12 April 1893. A preserved plague cemetery was established in 1636.
Travel by Train
The regional Chemins de fer jurassiens network includes the La Chaux-de-Fonds–Saignelégier–Glovelier route and the La Chaux-de-Fonds–Le Noirmont–Les Breuleux–Tramelan–Tavannes route. Les Bois is on the second route. Check the timetable for your travel dates if you plan to use this train connection.
Discover more destinations: Lajoux, Les Enfers, Le Bémont, Saignelégier, La Chaux-des-Breuleux, Muriaux, Le Noirmont, Epauvillers.
For the main travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.
