Les Enfers lies on the Jura plateau of the Franches-Montagnes, south of the Doubs Valley and north of Montfaucon. Peat bogs, pastures, fields and forests shape the landscape. When planning your stay, you can choose between routes on foot and by bike.

Peat Bogs and Landscape

The Tourbière des Enfers is located in the municipalities of Le Bémont and Les Enfers. It was included in the Federal Inventory in 1991 and is listed in the Swiss federal list of raised and transitional bogs of national importance. The «Bas et haut marais» area includes peat bogs listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory. Protected bog areas are therefore among the defining features of a stay in Les Enfers.

A remarkable tree also offers a specific natural feature: its main branches are unusually long, while its side branches form upright shoots. You can look out for details like these alongside the broader landscape features if you want to combine your stay with walks.

Hiking Trails and Excursions

The «Randonnée des Energies» runs from Les Enfers near Montfaucon to Soubey on the Doubs. East of Les Enfers, its route passes through pastureland. Another route leads from Les Enfers towards Moulin Jeannotat after leaving the cantonal road. The Sentier du Doubs offers a different kind of route: its loop runs from Les Enfers via Cernévillers, Lobchez and Soubey back to the starting point. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The walk to Ferme de Cerniévillers from Pré-Petitjean is about four kilometres; check trail conditions before setting out. The farm is set in natural surroundings above the Doubs. The Cerniévillers organic farm offers guided visits. The one-day «Balade découverte dans les Franches-Montagnes» takes you from Montfaucon via Les Enfers to the Cerniévillers farm. Hikers are then invited to lunch featuring the farm’s high-quality organic products.

Local produce can also be part of your plans: cheese and dried sausages from Ferme de Cerniévillers are available in local or regional shops. Availability may change, so check what is on offer before shopping.

Culture and Local Highlights

More than 200 dragon’s teeth are visible in the municipality of Les Enfers. The «Dents de dragon» are pyramid-shaped concrete defensive structures designed to prevent the advance of motor vehicles. The fortifications of Les Enfers are a military structure dating from the Second World War.

Evening prayers are held at the Oratoire des Esserts in summer, and a mass is celebrated there on the Feast of the Assumption. Dates may vary, so check before your visit. Alongside the historic structures, this seasonal feature is another factor to consider when planning your timing.

Exploring by Bike

Les Enfers offers a network of cycling routes and plenty of opportunities for walks on foot. The «Franches-Montagnes – Clos du Doubs» mountain bike route runs from Les Pommerats to Les Enfers via a secondary road, to a village below Montfaucon. A circuit starting in Saignelégier is rated fairly easy and family-friendly. As this rating may change, check it before your ride.

On the mountain bike circuit starting in Saignelégier, Montfaucon and Les Enfers are listed as places to get refreshments; the Auberge de la Gare in Pré-Petitjean is another place to stop. Food and drink options may change, so it is advisable to check in advance. This lets you plan your cycling and possible meal stops separately, without conflating them with the hiking trails described above.

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

For the wider travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.