Les Emibois offers several distinct ideas for outings: a hike to Le Roselet, the signposted “Au Pays du Cheval” cycling route, and horseback rides or carriage rides at Elevage d'Emiwood. The distinction is useful when planning: the hike has a specific destination, the cycling route is a circular tour, and the riding activities take you out into the Franches-Montagnes countryside.
Getting here and hiking
Les Emibois is served by line 236 of the Chemins de fer du Jura. It connects La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Noirmont, Saignelégier and Glovelier. For the “Homes pour vieux chevaux” tour, the journey begins with a train ride to Les Emibois. The train stops there on request; from there, a walk leads to Le Roselet. If you are planning this journey, check the timetable and current operating conditions.
At Le Roselet, the stables of the Fondation pour le cheval are open to visitors free of charge. A large terrace offers opportunities to observe the horses in the dry paddock and pastures. The tour therefore combines a walk with a specific destination. If you are arranging a guided visit, check the conditions separately.
Another option is the winter hike through the pastures and forests of the Franches-Montagnes, which leads to Les Emibois. You can shorten the route by taking a train on request from the Les Emibois or Muriaux stops. This is a practical option if you do not want to complete the entire hike on foot. The train journey to Le Roselet and shortening the winter hike are different ways of getting there: one leads to a place to visit, while the other offers a way to shorten the route along the way.
By bike or on horseback
The “Au Pays du Cheval” cycling route follows a signposted cycle path from Saignelégier via Les Emibois to Les Breuleux. The family-friendly circular route starts and ends in Saignelégier and passes through Les Emibois. It is 16 kilometres long, with 278 metres of ascent and the same amount of descent, and is classified as fairly easy. Its distance, elevation gain and difficulty rating provide specific points of comparison when weighing up this cycling tour against a walking outing.
If you prefer riding, you can go on horseback rides or carriage rides at Elevage d'Emiwood in Les Emibois. The establishment is in the heart of the bridleway network; from there, rides take you through the landscapes of the Franches-Montagnes. Arrange the details directly with the establishment before travelling. This keeps the cycling route and riding activities clearly distinct, even though both reflect the region’s connection with horses.
At Aubry-Galloway in Les Emibois 60, guided tours can be arranged by appointment. Contact the farm before your arrival. Another local address is Au Pain d'Antan SA, which brings together a bakery, patisserie and tea room.
Landscape in the municipality of Muriaux
For regional context: Muriaux is located on the Jura plateau of the Freiberge (Franches-Montagnes), east of the deeply incised Doubs valley. The municipality covers a gently undulating upland area of the Jura plateau, with marshy hollows that mostly have no surface drainage, limestone knolls, extensive Jura pastures and areas of woodland in between. The rocky ridge known as the ArĂŞte des SommĂŞtres also runs through the area; the ruins of Spiegelberg stand on it. This information describes the municipality of Muriaux and complements the specific hiking, cycling and horse-riding options in Les Emibois.
For the broader travel overview: Muriaux.
