Les Breuleux is located on the high plateau of the Franches-Montagnes in the Jura, about 5 km south of Saignelégier, on a south-facing slope. The political municipality belongs to the Franches-Montagnes district in the Canton of Jura. At an elevation of 1,038 metres, it combines a distinctive pastoral landscape with marked circular trails, the Fondation pour le cheval and a ski area. When planning your trip, you can focus on different things: scenery and walks, observing horses or seasonal winter sports.
Wooded pastures and high plateau
The municipality covers a gently undulating part of the Jura plateau. Marshy hollows, where water usually does not drain away above ground, alternate with limestone knolls. In the central part, a hollow lies between two Jura ranges. Extensive pastures shape the landscape outside the village, dotted with large spruce trees growing alone or in groups. Wooded pastures alternate between clusters of trees and grassland. This blend of cultivated landscape and nature defines the character of the Franches-Montagnes.
The municipality itself also has varying elevations and landscapes: the Pâturage Communal woodland lies in the south. At its southernmost point, Les Breuleux reaches the northern slope of the Montagne du Droit Jura range, up to 1,113 metres above sea level. To the west, the area extends to the Point de Vue hill, where the municipality’s highest point lies at 1,185 metres. These geographical landmarks give you an idea of the municipality’s size and elevations.
Circular trails and activities on the pastures
Rando Mâlies comprises two marked circular trails that together explore the northern and southern slopes of the municipality. They lead to natural and cultural highlights of Les Breuleux. Each loop has five information panels about nature, cultural heritage and residents’ lives. This makes the walk an opportunity to explore several themes: the panels draw attention to the landscape and local life, while the two routes cover different slopes.
Activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, horseback riding and skiing are possible on the wooded pastures throughout the year. There is more to do than just one activity. The focus of your stay will also depend on the season; winter sports at the ski area should be distinguished from the activities that may be available on the pastures.
Observe horses and visit the sites
The Fondation pour le cheval operates four retirement homes for elderly horses. They are open year-round and can be visited freely and free of charge. There, you can observe elderly horses, ponies and donkeys in the stables or out on the pastures. A visit combines observing the animals with seeing them in different settings.
The Le Roselet and Maison Rouge sites each have a restaurant with a terrace and a children’s playground. If you include these places in your plans, you can consider the two sites and their facilities together without treating them as one: a restaurant, terrace and playground are listed for each.
Winter sports at Téléski Les Breuleux
The Téléski Les Breuleux ski area has five marked and groomed runs for beginners and experienced skiers. The base station is at 1,070 metres and the top station at 1,250 metres. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, bob sledding, a baby lift, sledding and snow tubing. Seasonal operations may vary. When choosing your travel dates, keep in mind that the runs and facilities are available according to the seasonal operating schedule; the other activities described on the wooded pastures offer a different focus.
Discover more destinations: Epauvillers, Muriaux, Les Enfers, Montfaucon Ju, Les Genevez, Le Bémont, Saignelégier, La Chaux-des-Breuleux.
For the broader travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.
