Explore Vulvoz, a hidden gem in Jura, Franche-Comté

From Les Bouchoux to the Moulin waterfall, passing through the Crossing of Corridors, this walk invites you on a journey of the senses through the high valley of Tacon, where there is only sound, landscape and light. From LES BOUCHOUX, the hike starting point, at the foot of the village near the bar and the grocery, the trail (yellow and red waymarking) ascends the small road to the right, parallel to the D 25 E1, until it reaches Bonneville.  The “chemin des Couloirs” ascends to the right and heads past a reservoir. After a stable; climb up a narrow trail to reach the forest. The path opens on to a rocky ridge (be caureful!). Follow the ridge line until you reach THE CROSSING OF CORRIDORS. Via the ridge, reach the Guichard Corridor (former ski humping hill). Head north (yellow waymarking) and reach the D 25 at la Crochère through pastures and wooded meadows. Follow the road to the left, and come to Sur l’Enversy via a grassy trail. The trail heads along a barrier and joins up with a stone path (quarry below the la Crochère cliffs). After a bend, reach the road at l’Enversy. The road descends to the right until it comes to the intersection at Le Prieuré. Continue on a path to your left and head past the hamlet of Prioré. Descend through a forest trail (tuffaceous concretion). After a short ascent, through a pasture, head between two houses to reach Les Petits-Bouchoux to the right. Head down a road to your right for 150 m. Branch off once more to the right to follow a path along the right embankment of the Tacon. Cross the torrent (bridge), and head up a trail to Moulin d’Aval for 100 m. Descend to the foot of the MOULIN WATERFALL, using the adapted trail. Head back the same way you came. From Les Petits Bouchoux, the road to the left, followed by a road suitable for vehicles, will lead you back up to the village of Les Bouchoux, leaving a Little Combe behind you to your left. Cut across the square and through the village to return to your starting point.

Boxwood, pine and birch trees will be your faithful companions on this walk through the dry grasslands of the Lezan Rock, scattered with beautiful viewpoints over the Bienne valley. Starting at the Health Course, the trail (yellow waymarking) follows the stone path to the right (sporty course) and then enters the forest before reaching la Varesse. Turn left to follow the road suitable for vehicles. Further on, it heads along a few pastures. The main path branches off to the left and then enters the forest. Ascend to the Lezan Rock. The trail enters a pasture to the left (bicycle path) and then heads right before curving to the left. It heads down for some time along the edge of the Lezan Rock before reaching THE DONKEY’S STEP. Without crossing the second bicycle path, head straight ahead along the trail and exit onto an open combe, with a power line running through it. Head up the combe’s east side to reach a good trail ascending southwards. At the top (electrical tower), turn left and reach a small pass (viewpoint over the la Prat barn, down to your right). The well-cleared trail through boxwood ascends to the left along the ridge line, before gradually descending into a coniferous forest. The path widens (stone fountain trough under a tufa waterfall, a limestone concretion deposited onto foam). Continue along the path, head past Tré la Croix and return to the starting point.

Forests, clearings and prairies, full of life, culminating at the jagged cliffs of the Rocks of Orvaz for a well-deserved break with a clear view over the valley of the Semine and the Orvaz cirque. From LA PESSE,, head to the La Pesse church. Turn left (MTB waymark no. 39) up route de Chaudezembre, and then descend to the Chaudezembre hamlet. Continue left on a tarmac road surrounded by pastures, ascending up to The quarry.Continue towards the Old Dairy for another 400 meters along this road, and then turn left at Cernois Bouiller, following a grassy path through a pasture. From here, cut through a long forest on a succession of grassy, rocky and muddy paths, including a short section of forest path. As it is relatively flat, this part of the trail can become humid and requires that you be careful. At the D25, head down the grassy, and later stony, trail on your left, joining up with the D25 400 meters further on at a hangar. Continue right on the D25 until you reach the Old Dairy. Branch off to the left (with care), and ascend a small road until you reach the ROCKS OF ORVAZ viewpoint. Continue on this road until you come to an adapted viewpoint (get off your bike). On returning to the road, continue towards le Montelet. Branch off to the left on a forest path, then take a muddy and stony path that opens onto the Cernétrou woods. Reach the Pass in Sur la Semine via a little grassy path to the left through the middle of pastures, and equipped with MTB paths, before joining up with the D25 once more. Take this road to return to the La Pesse church.

This beautiful hike through open landscapes will lead you to the edge and then to the heart of a formidable natural amphitheatre, the Orvaz combe, carved by the Semine river. From the BELLEYDOUX CHALET, the trail descends via a road to the left (yellow waymarking) towards the church Head around the church and along a first cemetery before walking under a second. Head down a farm path and cross over the Chon (stream) before heading up a meadow. Find a little road that leads to the entrance to the hamlet of GOBET. The road ascends to the right (drinking trough, vaulted cistern) into the hamlet and then branches off to the left (ignoring the road to the right towards Châtelet). You will come to a hairpin in the road. Continue on a farm path (hedges) until you reach a stony path. Continue to the left and head up into the forest until you reach la Croix. The road continues to the left and comes to a cistern at le Bugnon. Branch off to the right (earthy path) to reach the CHEMIN DU FACTEUR. > You can access the ROCKS OF ORVAZ by following the trail to the left, within 30 minutes there and back. On returning to the CHEMIN DU FACTEUR, descend through the meadows toward Orvaz to the south. On the verge of a pretty beech forest, turn left (the descent is steep, be careful!) to reach “chemin du Soufflet”. From here, branch off to the left (crossing the stream) and exit through the meadows into the hamlet of ORVAZ. > The Semine riverside is 30 minutes away there and back on your left (not waymarked). Follow the road to the right for 600 m until you come to a wooded square at the Pontard Bridge. Cross the bridge and ascend for a few tens of meters, then branch off to the right to follow a trail along the left embankment of the Semine until you come to the viaduct (viewpoint to the north over the tope of a gendarme and its limestone folds). Cross the viaduct to your right.   Take the road below the D 48 to your left. Head past two houses. The path slowly ascends to Bas Belleydoux. Follow the road to your left and head past a bend. Take a trail to your right that cuts across a bend in the road. Follow the road to the right, and head opposite a crossing, towards the village, that you will reach by ascending through meadows.

Starting in Avignon-les-Saint-Claude, after a short ascent bordered by dry grasslands, take a hike in a beautiful forest atmosphere, marked by the Belvedere of Ponthoux and several viewpoints. From AVIGNON-LES-SAINT-CLAUDE, the trail ascends (yellow waymarking) to the right of the chapel via a road (serving an allotment) and then an old path that follows along the fall line (bordered by ash trees and later by boxwood and junipers). Leave the road to your right and continue in the same direction. Exit onto a new road (limestone slab outcrops, characteristic of dry grasslands); follow this road for 200 m to the left until you come to a left bend (forest environment). The forest path ascends to the right into a clearing, which alternates between mud and stone, until it comes to a flat area. The trail branches off to the right, northwards, to reach the clearing of the Grande Combe. Head left on a narrower trail (old open environments followed by a beautiful high forest dominated by beech trees). The path heads west and reaches the BELVEDERE OF PONTHOUX after a few descents. The belvedere can be reached within a few minutes. Head back the way you came and continue on a narrow trail to your right, then take a pleasant stone path to reach la Bataille. Turn left and follow a path for 100 m. Take a narrower trail to your left, which often cuts into the stone. Descend via this trail. Head slightly uphill (reservoir on your left). Take the road to the electrical tower and follow it to the right to head back to the village and the parking lot where you started.

This Grande Randonnée (GR®) trail runs through the Jura Mountains from Mandeure, near Montbéliard in the Doubs in the north, through the Jura to Culoz in the Ain in the south. The GTJ crosses the entire Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, with a foray into neighbouring Switzerland. Inaugurated in 2004, the GTJ on foot follows the Grande Randonnée GR® 5 and GR® 9 trails, as well as the GR® de Pays. With the Grande Traversée du Jura on foot, lovers of nature and wide-open spaces will experience intense moments in a gentle mountain environment. Undulating over ridges, spanning cluses, emerging from a forest to skirt a lake, this is a gentle itinerary with no particular difficulties, taking in the most beautiful paths in the Jura Mountains. Accessible to all, it offers a total of 400 km of trails and a multitude of different landscapes and atmospheres. To meet every hiker's needs, the trail can be adapted to suit every taste: from 2 to 3-day hikes well-suited to families, to walks for hikers in search of rejuvenation, to more physically demanding hikes, and why not ... the complete route, to be completed in 15 or 20 days. The route runs through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, and part of it passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: a protected, unspoilt area that should be explored with respect. Good to know - Protected area Part of the route passes through the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, which is subject to special regulations: Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Camping in tents is prohibited. Please respect these rules to preserve the richness of this exceptional environment.

Within the large classified site of the gorges of the Flumen, this sporty hike unravels the mysteries of the Jura’s karstic geography with each fold, waterfall, torrent and belvedere. From the REPLAN, the circuit (yellow waymarking) heads down “Chemin des Moines” (The Monks’ path) to the D 436 in MONTBRILLAND. Head up the road following along the right border and head past La Roche percée for around 20 m. A stony trail descends to the right and crosses over a few screes. At Bas des Grès, continue right until you come to the Flumen and use the walkway next to its concrete penstock to cross it. > Flumen waterfalls, 15 mins out-and-back. Head up the path to your left; Head past a dam and continue until you come to the upsurges. Surrounded by high waters, head up the stony path to your right and then turn left (copse) to reach the waterfalls. On returning from the waterfall, the path heads down the left embankment to the Electricity factory. The steep trail to your left heads through Sous la Riote and up to the ridge on a tricky ascent (700 m difference in level), before exiting onto the LA ROCHE BLANCHE BELVEDERE. A grassy trail heads due south and, following along the fence, meets up with a road. Follow the road to your left for 500 m heading to the houses in La Cernaise. Between two buildings, turn left and join up with the D 25 in CHAMPIGNON DE LA CERNAISE. A forest trail which is muddy in places heads down to your left towards Les Moulins. Head 150 m down the “route des lacets de Septmoncel”, before turning left and joining up with a lesser bend called “le virage des Savants” (the Wise men’s bend). > The viewpoint from Saut du Chien and the MOULIN D’AVAL WATERFALL can be accessed in a few minutes via the road to your left. From the “Virage des Savants”, climb the bank opposite you and cut through the bends twice, heading up to the CHAPEAU DE GENDARME. > The foot of the Chapeau de Gendarme can be accessed within 10 mins there-and-back to your right by following a trail parallel to the road. When you return, a steep trail heads through the pastures and follows along the ridge before reaching SUR LES GRES. Return to your point of departure via a path that heads down to the right through a dry grassland. 

From the sunny hillside of the Bienne valley to the shaded and wooded hillside of the Ain valley, a long walk linking the industrious hamlets around Montcusel and Martinga. From the town hall (yellow waymarking), the trail descends to the village centre in MONTCUSEL, before ascending to the left via “rue de la niella” to reach la Neyelle. Follow the shaded path to the right and exit onto the hand-gliding take-off area. Continue on the main road that descends southwards. Branch off to the east, then head north, go past the Cul de la Pra and then ascend to the hamlet of GRAND SERVE. Follow a road to the right until you reach la Queille after two bends. Descend on a good path along the side of the hill looking over Douvre. Arrive at les Vignes (wide bend). Continue to your left to the bottom of a pasture. A gravel path, with two bends, opens onto a meadow (boxwood, junipers, pine trees, white birches). Head along the pasture and continue north on a sunken path. Reach Chanon. Continue on the road to your right until you come to CHANON LAKE, and then la Côte de Venière. The stone path to your left borders the meadows before reaching Chemin de Cruzille, under the forest canopy. Head under a power line (viewpoint over the Ain valley at the foot of the Vouglans dam). Take an earthy path in a southwestern direction heading along the Owl’s mound. The stony path passes through la Meille and descends to NEZAN.   Follow the road to the left and, at a drinking trough, ascend to the right on a trail followed by a road. Around 50 m after a pass (725 m, viewpoint), return to MONTCUSEL to the right.

The blue lakes, bordered and punctuated by many viewpoints, reflect the discreet charm of the villages perched over the Ain and the Bienne rivers. From MONTCUSEL (Black MTB waymarking no. 56), head down the main road towards MARTIGNA and up the D 295 for 800 metres.Leave the D 295 and follow a small road to your left for 100 m before turning right onto an earthy path through the forest until you reach La Meille.Follow the stony path to your right downhill, staying in the forest, and you will reach “Chemin de Cruzille”. Continue straight on the downhill path to reach a good path, follow this path to the right until you come to Côte de Venière. (Possibility of taking the 2 km tour of the Chanon lake to your right.)From Côte de Venière, head up the D 295 to your left through a landscape that opens onto the Chanon Lake towards the village of MARTIGNA. On arriving at the hamlet of Le Chalet, at the foot of the village, take the path to your left overlooking the road and head to Chemin des Buis.  Take the stony path to your left towards Aux Enfingues. (Possibility of taking a round trip to the THREE STRAIRS BELVEDERE (BELVÉDÈRE DES 3 ESCALIERS) 400 metres away: viewpoint over Chanon lake and the outstretched Jura mountains).Continue on the stony and earthy forest path towards the BELVEDERE OF BIEF DESSOUS (BELVÉDÈRE DU BIEF DESSOUS), which ascends slightly for 1.5 km, before heading back down to the D 299. Follow the road to your right until you reach the BELVEDERE OF BIEF DESSOUS.Follow the forest path to your left towards Sur Faucon, and then turn left again to reach Les Cornes de Dolan. Head down the stony trail to your left that will lead you to Grange des Plans, and continue right on the winding and steep path to Bois sous Faucon. (Possibility of taking a 1-km round trip to the Les Plans beach on the edge of the Vouglans lake.)Continue on the path to your left until you reach the EAST VOUGLANS DAM (BARRAGE DE VOUGLANS EST) and then take the road to the village of VOUGLANS. Head down “rue de Framboise” and then follow the D 299 for 50 m. Turn left onto “rue le Bourdia” to reach Le Bourdia. Continue your journey towards CHANCIA through La Planche on a long stony path bordered by fields before a stretch in the shade along the Ain river until you reach Sur l’Antenne and later Sur Valière, before arriving at Sur la Cize, at the entrance to Chancia.Take “Chemin de Nezan” to your left, which ascends sharply with two large bends and heads past Vers la Serra, A la Serra, and will take you to BELEVEDERE AU CHANAIS. The stony path heads up to the Source Saumur before heading through pastures to the hamlet of NEZAN. Take the tarmac road up towards MONTCUSEL. Continue past the summit and take the narrow (single) stony path to your left 50 meters further on to head back down to your point of departure. 

A pretty open route through high pastures from la Vie Neuve des Molunes, a sector which is characterised by its dispersed habitat. On the corner of the stopover gite AUX MOLUNES - LA VIE NEUVE, the trail starts on the path (yellow waymarking) along the hay fields towards les Granges. Staying on this path, head past a small ridge to your left and gradually descend. The path cuts through a small forest and opens onto a meadow. Take the grassy path that is more or less marked out descending along the ridge to the right. (Note to your left a former farm with a granary). Cut through a forest and exit onto a small road. Follow this road to the left to les Granges. The road to your right will take you to the houses in Laisia. A stone path ascends to the right towards les Platières. Bordered by ashes, it quickly ascends and opens out onto the combe at the summit. Cross this combe and head back down, opposite your, through the woods, to the hamlet of Les Platières. Take the very stony path to your left into the forest (white and red waymarking). Head to an open combe and follow a trail to your left into the pasture of Les Platières (cycling path). Go past a small lodge, down into a pasture to your right (cycling path) and reach the west ridge. Follow an old, little marked, path to the left of the valley that will take you to the crossroads in Cariche. The path (two cycling paths), descends through the meadows and heads up to a beautiful farm. Heads back downhill via a stone path to your left. You will come to a road, which you will follow to return to your starting point.

La Forestière is a UCI MTB, Cyclo, Kids and Enduro event. It attracts over 3,500 participants, and its reputation attracts the world's best riders as well as mountain bikers from all over France and abroad. Randos d'or 2 days (September 20 and 21) : Rando d'Or - MTB or VTTAE: La Pesse, Lélex, Arbent (from 16 years) Forest Kid's : Free Draisienne animation (2-5 years) Forest Kids multi-event on September 20 (6-8 /9-12 years) Rando découverte - 20 km by OKTEO: Arbent (from 13 years) Forest'vintage - 20 km: Arbent (mountain bikers before 2000) Forest'XCO U15 - U17: Viry - Arbent (13-16 years) - XCO Minimes 13-14 years -> U15 - XCO Cadets 15-16 years -> U17 by Pascal Girard Forest'duo mountain biking & rifle shooting : Youth (-36 years) Intergenerational (parent/child or grandparent/grandchild) Adults (over 36)

Completely renovated mountain hotel: from single rooms to 6-person family suites. The ideal place for a stopover or a family or group stay. Spacious rooms from 18 to 40m², fully equipped with WIFI, TV, separate bathroom and toilet. Come and take a breath of fresh air in Giron, the highest village in the Ain department at an altitude of around 1000 m, in a friendly, family atmosphere at the Relais Nordique. With its warm, mountain-style decor, it offers every convenience for an unforgettable stay, summer and winter alike! On site: gourmet bistro, restaurant, Nordic rentals (cross-country, classic or skating, snowshoes, sledges) and electric-assisted mountain bikes, meeting rooms (20 to 150 people). Le Relais Nordique is approved by the French Ministry of Education for children aged 3 and over!

It is a very nice and comfortable house located in the PNR of Haut-Jura and 1000 m high. It has been decorated and fitted out in a sophisticated and mountain style. It is perfect to relax in a very beautiful setting. There are a lot of activities to do all year round. 5 character guest rooms, tasteful décor, on the 1st floor of a large village house in Haut Jura National Park. Separate entrance. 1 room (queen-size bed), 2 twin rooms, each with own bathroom (whirlpool bath). Double room, multi-jet shower. Family suite: double room, twin room, bathroom (whirlpool bath). Separate WC in each room. Sauna. Large library/lounge/ dining room (wood-burner).|Large wooden deck with fine open views, peaceful, available for meals/relaxing. Flower garden. Book ahead for evening table d'hôte meals. Guest kitchen available. No smoking in bedrooms. Lower rate for 2 or more nights. Pets are allowed with a surcharge.

Approved by Jeunesse et Sports, Educ. Nationale, DDAS, affiliated with Ligue de l'enseignement. The center offers courses and activities according to the season: discovery class, snow class, multi-activities. The residence offers free rental of all or part of the premises, which include a professional kitchen, 2 catering rooms, an 80 m2 multi-purpose room, and four adaptable classrooms/activity rooms for educational stays in line with the teacher's/educator's/coach's pedagogical project. The vacation center combines four buildings, linked by corridors that allow you to move around without leaving the building. The accommodation comprises 90 places divided into 29 rooms (2 to 6 places) with shared sanitary facilities, including 2 PMR-accessible rooms with private sanitary facilities. The rooms are close to sanitary facilities equipped with washbasins and individual showers. The ESF can accompany you on mid-mountain hikes, ski tours, bike rides and snowshoe treks. The residence also caters for individuals, with overnight stays for hikers in the Dombes building.

Valérie and Marie-Flore warmly welcome you to their friendly gîte, ideal for a pleasant, relaxed stay. Stay in a 19th century building, located in a ski resort and at the heart of the Jura mountain range, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in summer and winter. Whether for one night or a longer stay, alone or with friends, you'll enjoy an exceptional natural setting. Every evening, Valérie proposes a menu based on local produce and specialities from elsewhere, with starter, main course and dessert, booked before 12 noon.

For a couple's getaway, it's the ideal place to relax in peace and quiet. Situated in the heart of a magnificent Jura house, these rooms benefit from a south-easterly exposure, offering sunny, serene views. Ideal for couples seeking intimacy and unique moments, they feature a private relaxation area with sauna and balneotherapy for complete relaxation. This establishment is for adults only.

The Monts Jura offers the ideal altitude for hiking between 900 and 1723 m. There are marked and maintained trails waiting for you. Since Lélex, the gondola lift La Catheline brings you to the crests of the Haute Chaîne du Jura; climbing from 900m to 1450m altitude. When you get there, you are only an hour and a half walk away from the Crêt de la Neige (172 3m), the highest point in the Jura. At Lélex and Crozet, both gondolas are equipped for MTB riding in summer. Both the Catheline and the Fierney allow mountain bikers to go back up easily and quickly in order to better enjoy the descent on both sides of the mountain! Please note: electric mountain bikes are not allowed in the Catheline gondola. It enables snowshoe enthusiasts to reach the summits easily and enjoy the crests in winter. Please note: the gondola lift is close to the National Nature Reserve of the Haute Chaine du Jura where specific regulations apply. We thank you for respecting it. For further information, please consult the Nature Reserve's website.

One of the classified ski area of the Monts Jura resort, at the foothill of the Jura's highest peaks with one of the best panoramas in Europe with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Alps. The longest and steepest slopes (800 metres) of the entire Jura massif. Lélex-Crozet attracts all level skiers, with its numerous ski lifts, its varied slopes, its powder snow "spots" and its 140 snow-making machines. Limitless field of expression for snowboarders and freeriders. Kite-surfers can reach the peaks on the Crozet side to practise their skills. The ski area is nearby the Jura Haute Chaine National Nature Reserve. It is essential to respect the regulations in force. 900m-1680m - 20km of pistes - 7 green, 6 blue, 6 red, 2 black - 10 lifts including 2 gondolas, 1 télécombi, 1 chairlift, 5 button lift, 1 rope lift.

Traditional, detached farmhouse (174 sq.m.) overlooking Valserine valley below the Haut Jura mountains. Wonderful mountain views, extensive outdoor area, Peaceful and attractive setting. Ground floor: entrance in old workshop leading to large living room: kitchen opening onto dining area and fireside. Half-level up: shower room, WC, lounge area (DVD). 1st floor: 4 spacious bedrooms (160cm wide bed, cot) (2 single beds) (2 single beds) (double bed), shower room (walk-in shower), separate WC. Heating: wood and wood pellets. BBQ. Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing on the doorstep. Fishing, cross-country et downhill skiing, climbing nearby. Only 1 dog, Snowshoe hire possible on-site.

This "model factory" made available workshops to workers in which they benifited from energy needs to their production in celluloÏd. The building trade had, at this time, innovator architecture and conception. The Great Steam, classified as Ancient Memorial since 1987 and certified heritage from the 20th century, was built in 1905 on the Auguste Chanard architect's plans. This is a model factory with innovatory architecture for the work of celluloid, plastic particularly inflammable. The building trade, a V open-shaped, is composed of two wings divided in two floors of partitioned studios which were rented to craftsmen. Each studio worked on electricity(thanks to hydroelectric energy) and had got fire-fighting system from outside : The Sprinklage system. Work surface was ringed by irrigation channel in which the craftsman threw out caught fire objects. The Great Steam was for his sleeping partner - The Electric Union (private society) a display which should serve the conquest of electric energy's distribution's market in several departments. It was exploited until 1967.

“Bimbeloterie” is the French term used to define the trade of all sorts of wood-turned trinkets: spinning tops, cases, whistles, wooden taps, jumping rope handles, etc. Nearly every home still has a few old specimens once made by parents or grandparents in the family workshop. The Vulvoz wood-turning workshop was built in the 1920s as an extension to a farm and manufactured yoyos, pen holders and rattles up until the 1970s.

The dipper is the only European passerine bird that has the particular ability of walking underwater against the current, in search for food. Its diet is comprised of aquatic insects, molluscs, and small shellfish among others. It perches on an above-water rock in the middle of the stream, searching for prey, before diving in and using its short wings to reach the bottom of the water. 

A little bigger than the common swift found in cities, the alpine swift nests in small colonies in the holes of certain large cliffs. It hunts small insects mid-flight and brings them back to the nest to feed its young.

During the 19th century, in agricultural areas, each home in the High-Jura kept livestock and cultivated their own cereal. Many mills worked on water. In Vulvoz, the structure that housed the mill straddled the Perrine waterfall. Each peasant would bring their harvest there. Barley, oats and grinding waste served to feed the livestock, whilst wheat was used for men. In 1930, the structure over the Perrine was turned into a hydropower plant. The electricity, carried to the village, was used to run a new, more accessible mill. In 1960, the operator closed its doors for good. 

Once quite widespread, the white-clawed crayfish is now only found in a few rivers in the Jura. It seeks fresh running water, where there is enough oxygen for it to survive. During the day, it hides in the pebbles on the waterbed. The female protects her eggs under her belly all winter. Her larvae hatch in May or June. Second to pollution, diseases carried by American species introduced into French water are its most dangerous enemies. Therefore, please do not move any white-clawed crayfish, or any other crayfish!

A view of what appears to be the end of the world: the impenetrable wall of the Vulvoz cirque and to the far west, the Becquet rock.

Here, the Tacon rushes over a limestone barrier, cascading into an intimate rocky cirque. This hydraulic site once served to operate a mill just upstream from the waterfall which no longer exists. The site of the Moulin d’Aval waterfall (or the Dalloz mill) has been listed in the landscape inventory since 1961.

The Cuttura Priory was created in 1190 on the Tacon’s right embankment, just below the village, by the lords of Chatillon-en-Michaille, a municipality in the Ain département 30 km away. In 1231, ownership of the priory was transferred to the Saint-Claude Abbey. But in 1639, both the priory and the village of Les Bouchoux (which was then located where the small hamlet of “les Petits Bouchoux” now stands) were destroyed in a fire. The Priory was rebuilt in the same place, but the village was moved to the promontory overlooking the Tacon valley, which is where it still stands today.

The farm was once more than a place for mere production. “A world within a house” and both an instrument for collective memory and a geographical marker, it represented both the buildings, the family inside, and sometimes even the craft performed there (sawmill farm, wood turning farm, etc.). In villages, you will notice that buildings are often organised in “spans”, mainly due to constraints relating to adjoining houses. Thus, each span tied the building to a specific purpose: stables, barns or housing. 

The red-backed shrike’s genus name, Lanius, comes from the Latin word for “butcher” and reflects this bird’s habit of impaling its prey on thorns, the tips of branches or barbed wire. When it doesn’t eat its prey straight away, the red-backed shrike builds up a reserve, called a “larder”, that it uses during bad weather, when insects are sparse, or to feed its chicks. This passerine bird feeds mainly on insects (beetles, large grasshoppers, etc.) and small vertebrae (voles, shrews, lizards, frogs, etc.).

Want to spend a simple and friendly time? It is in Georennes that you must go. His Bistrot will welcome you around a homemade pizza or a board of local products to share; all in a mountain setting. Sale of pizzas to take away every day depending on the menu. Reservation by phone.

With the colors of early market produce and local products, Muriel creates new seasonal dishes featuring Bresse poultry, frogs, crayfish... and a host of desserts. Moments of gourmet bliss!

Discover an unusual, intimate and cocooning place: the Finnish kota. The ideal place for a birthday party, an evening with friends or family. Kota Grill Menu - Kir Aperitif - Mixed salad - Assortment of grilled meats: Duck Breast, Marinated Chicken Fillet, Beef and Sauces - Potatoes in field dress with chive cream OR Grill assortment: Marinated Chicken Fillet, Beef, Salmon and Shrimps with Sauces - Field-dressed potatoes with chive cream - Choice of dessert: Entremet au Chocolat Maison or Tarte aux Pommes Maison (same dessert and same menu for all guests) - 1 coffee or 1 herbal tea - 1 bottle of Côtes du Rhône Rouge or Gamay du Bugey Rouge or Rosé for 4 (to be chosen in advance) - Sparkling and still mineral water (1 of each for 4 people)

Enjoy mountain dishes such as Jura fondue... We also sell artisanal products to take away. The restaurant offers traditional mountain cuisine. Local specialities and local wine, in a warm, friendly, family atmosphere.

The Bouchon Lyonnais on the outskirts of Geneva. The staff at the Café du Rhône will welcome you every weekday lunchtime. Gégé and Guillaume work hand-in-hand with Jean-Marc who is the inspiration and chef of this well-established local restaurant. After 20 years of service in the city of Lyon, Jean-Marc has gone back to the Rhône to concoct his local specialities for you: Lyon salad bowl Warm lamb tongue with an invigorating sauce Andouillette Homemade pike quenelles with crayfish sauce Tête de veau (Head of veal) Liver gâteau and many other local specialities to discover such as The tablier de sapeur Tripe stew Gourmet cuisine with a touch of the brasserie atmosphere. The Café de Rhône has a summer terrace area in the sunny courtyard. There is another room upstairs for up to 60 people.

A former cheese farm has been divided into two sections: one is a shop to discover and buy the cheeses and meats on offer, and the other is a restaurant to taste the regional specialities. The Fromagerie is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, offering hearty meals with a traditional added touch of the Savoyarde region. Come and visit the shop and buy some local products to make a picnic or to taste and share with friends and family when you go back home. (Cheese, deli meats, bread, pastries, groceries, local newspapers)

Restaurant at the foot of the Mont Myon, classified site & paraglider flight area Departure of hikes. Near the paragliding school and the climbing site of the Mont Myon. 2 rooms - Terrace Traditional homemade cooking with fresh products. Catering service - Party meals - Meal delivery

Discharge points and water supply.

Completely renovated mountain hotel: from single rooms to 6-person family suites. The ideal place for a stopover or a family or group stay. Spacious rooms from 18 to 40m², fully equipped with WIFI, TV, separate bathroom and toilet. Come and take a breath of fresh air in Giron, the highest village in the Ain department at an altitude of around 1000 m, in a friendly, family atmosphere at the Relais Nordique. With its warm, mountain-style decor, it offers every convenience for an unforgettable stay, summer and winter alike! On site: gourmet bistro, restaurant, Nordic rentals (cross-country, classic or skating, snowshoes, sledges) and electric-assisted mountain bikes, meeting rooms (20 to 150 people). Le Relais Nordique is approved by the French Ministry of Education for children aged 3 and over!

It is a very nice and comfortable house located in the PNR of Haut-Jura and 1000 m high. It has been decorated and fitted out in a sophisticated and mountain style. It is perfect to relax in a very beautiful setting. There are a lot of activities to do all year round. 5 character guest rooms, tasteful décor, on the 1st floor of a large village house in Haut Jura National Park. Separate entrance. 1 room (queen-size bed), 2 twin rooms, each with own bathroom (whirlpool bath). Double room, multi-jet shower. Family suite: double room, twin room, bathroom (whirlpool bath). Separate WC in each room. Sauna. Large library/lounge/ dining room (wood-burner).|Large wooden deck with fine open views, peaceful, available for meals/relaxing. Flower garden. Book ahead for evening table d'hôte meals. Guest kitchen available. No smoking in bedrooms. Lower rate for 2 or more nights. Pets are allowed with a surcharge.

Approved by Jeunesse et Sports, Educ. Nationale, DDAS, affiliated with Ligue de l'enseignement. The center offers courses and activities according to the season: discovery class, snow class, multi-activities. The residence offers free rental of all or part of the premises, which include a professional kitchen, 2 catering rooms, an 80 m2 multi-purpose room, and four adaptable classrooms/activity rooms for educational stays in line with the teacher's/educator's/coach's pedagogical project. The vacation center combines four buildings, linked by corridors that allow you to move around without leaving the building. The accommodation comprises 90 places divided into 29 rooms (2 to 6 places) with shared sanitary facilities, including 2 PMR-accessible rooms with private sanitary facilities. The rooms are close to sanitary facilities equipped with washbasins and individual showers. The ESF can accompany you on mid-mountain hikes, ski tours, bike rides and snowshoe treks. The residence also caters for individuals, with overnight stays for hikers in the Dombes building.

Valérie and Marie-Flore warmly welcome you to their friendly gîte, ideal for a pleasant, relaxed stay. Stay in a 19th century building, located in a ski resort and at the heart of the Jura mountain range, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in summer and winter. Whether for one night or a longer stay, alone or with friends, you'll enjoy an exceptional natural setting. Every evening, Valérie proposes a menu based on local produce and specialities from elsewhere, with starter, main course and dessert, booked before 12 noon.

For a couple's getaway, it's the ideal place to relax in peace and quiet. Situated in the heart of a magnificent Jura house, these rooms benefit from a south-easterly exposure, offering sunny, serene views. Ideal for couples seeking intimacy and unique moments, they feature a private relaxation area with sauna and balneotherapy for complete relaxation. This establishment is for adults only.

Traditional, detached farmhouse (174 sq.m.) overlooking Valserine valley below the Haut Jura mountains. Wonderful mountain views, extensive outdoor area, Peaceful and attractive setting. Ground floor: entrance in old workshop leading to large living room: kitchen opening onto dining area and fireside. Half-level up: shower room, WC, lounge area (DVD). 1st floor: 4 spacious bedrooms (160cm wide bed, cot) (2 single beds) (2 single beds) (double bed), shower room (walk-in shower), separate WC. Heating: wood and wood pellets. BBQ. Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing on the doorstep. Fishing, cross-country et downhill skiing, climbing nearby. Only 1 dog, Snowshoe hire possible on-site.

In the heart of the village of Chézery-Forens in the Parc Naturel du Haut-Jura, the gîte "Chez Dario" is just a stone's throw from the river La Valserine and 12 km from the Monts-Jura resort, ideal for skiers and snowshoe trekking. The gîte has been carefully arranged by Françoise so that you will find all the comfort and pleasure you need for a perfect stay in the mountains. At "Chez Dario" you will find : - a large living room - well equipped fitted kitchen, a balcony with direct access to the outside. - communicating living room that can be converted into an independent bedroom with a comfortable double bed - independent WC and washbasin - On the first floor, two independent bedrooms, each with 2 single beds side by side, with a small desk. One bedroom has a ground floor access to the village square. - Shower room, Italian shower - Separate WC. Bicycle and motorbike garage available. It was once the boys' school and is named after a much-loved Italian woodcutter. Since the 12th century Chézery has a long history with a busy abbey in the Middle Ages. In 2019 the house was completely refurbished.

Discover this unique gîte d'étape in a former 16th-century abbey, in the heart of the village and adjacent to the owners' inn. The second floor offers a spacious living room with kitchenette and sitting area, ideal for relaxing after a day of adventures. On the second floor, you'll find four quality bedrooms, each with a full en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin). The bedrooms vary, with one double, three large rooms each offering two distinct spaces (one with four single beds, two others with a bunk bed and three single beds). Nestled in the Parc Naturel du Haut Jura and close to the Pays de Gex, this is the perfect place for an extended stay or a stopover. Take advantage of the local hiking trail (GR), fish in the Valserine and discover the local cheese factory. Winter sports enthusiasts will love the alpine skiing and snowshoeing trails in the village of Lélex, just 12 km away.

In the heart of the Haute chaîne du Jura, the La Loge refuge welcomes you to an exceptional site! A summer and winter guarded mountain hut at 1436 m altitude, situated on the GR9 and close to the Lélex-Crozet ski area, enjoy an overnight stay, a break or a tasty meal during your getaway to the Crêt de la Neige, hosted by Cathy & Franck. Not far from the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve, please respect its regulations.