Muriaux lies at 947 m above sea level, about 2 km southwest of Saignelégier, on the Jura plateau of the Franches-Montagnes and east of the deeply incised valley of the Doubs. The municipality covers a gently rolling high plateau of the Jura, with marshy depressions that usually have no surface drainage, limestone knolls, extensive Jura pastures, large spruce trees and woodland areas in between. The cantonally protected natural area «vallée du Doubs» also includes Muriaux.
Rocky landscape and hiking trails
The Rochers des Sommêtres form a rocky ridge reaching an elevation of 1,079 m. The summit offers an impressive viewpoint; the rocks are also used for climbing. From the villages of Muriaux, the Sentier des Sommêtres can be reached via a yellow-marked hiking trail towards Le Noirmont. Access is only possible on foot: the path is steep and includes steps cut directly into the rock in places. Check conditions before setting out, as terrain conditions can change seasonally.
Horses at Le Roselet
Le Roselet is home to the Fondation pour le cheval. You can walk around the facility freely or take a guided tour. You can also walk through the pastures. Around 60 horses, ponies and donkeys have a home at Le Roselet where their natural needs are taken into account. These include Franches-Montagnes horses bred there. There are therefore two different options for your visit: a free walk around the facility or a guided tour, complemented by a walk through the pastures.
Caves and devotion
The Grotte des Creuses, near the Combe de la Rochette, served as a refuge for the inhabitants of Muriaux during the passage of Swedish troops in the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). The cave thus recalls a specific episode in local history: it provided the inhabitants with protection during this wartime period.
The Grotte de Muriaux contains an enamelled cast-iron statue of Notre-Dame de Lourdes from Einsiedeln, as well as a stone statue of Sainte Bernadette, which has stood there since 1961 and was ordered from Einsiedeln. Marian prayers and Rogation ceremonies are held in the cave. The two caves thus represent different aspects of Muriaux: the Grotte des Creuses as a historical refuge, and the Grotte de Muriaux as a place of religious symbols and prayer.
Water and milling history
Water flows along the edge of the path to the Source de la Rochette; in places, it cascades down. Walkers can see the Source de la Rochette near the Restaurant du Theusseret. For a very long time, the watercourse at the spring powered a mill wheel. Joseph Bilat, the last miller, gave up his work and the building around 1850. Here, you can take in both a visible watercourse and a history of its former use.
Chapel and local traditions
At the Chapelle du Peuchapatte, information sheets on the back pew provide details about the sanctuary, the stained-glass windows and the furnishings. Masses are held in the chapel during the summer months. The seasonal timing is important for planning your visit: Masses take place during the summer months.
From Muriaux, you can head towards La Deute and the Trou des Voleurs. The site is associated with the story that looters found refuge in the Grotte de la Baumatte. The municipal boundary runs along the rocky ridge of the Arête des Sommêtres, where the Spiegelberg ruins stand. Muriaux is also associated with sculptures by the Fondation Oscar & Janine Wiggli.
Discover more destinations: Les Emibois, Les Breuleux, Lajoux, Les Enfers, Les Genevez, Le Bémont, Epauvillers, La Chaux-des-Breuleux.
See the broader travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.
