Pierrefontaine-les-Varans: Hiking, Nature and Heritage

Pierrefontaine-les-Varans offers several specific options to help you plan your trip: circular trails vary in length and difficulty, and there are also climbing routes, waterfalls and river landscapes, as well as architectural and cheese-making heritage. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these themes can help you decide how to spend your days.

Hiking from Château de Sagey

The Vautran hiking trail is a challenging 13.2-kilometre PR circular route. The Crêtes trail is shorter at 8.9 kilometres and is described as a moderately difficult circular route. Both start and end at Château de Sagey in Pierrefontaine-les-Varans. Route Cascade de Vermondans No. 44 also starts and ends there.

The Vautran trail leads to Grotte de la Glacière du Roi. The Crêtes trail leads to a monument honouring the Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur. The routes therefore differ not only in length and difficulty, but also in their named destinations. Trail details and conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out. For the Crêtes trail, you should also observe local access conditions.

Cliffs, rivers and waterfalls

At 947 metres, Belvédère du Belmont is the highest point in the municipality and offers a view over the valley. Roche Percée is located in the Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger and faces southeast. It has climbing routes graded from 3 to 7a, suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers. Check route conditions and safety information before climbing.

The protected Rêverotte Valley lies between Pierrefontaine-les-Varans and Gigot; a clear, shaded river flows here. Hiking and mountain biking are listed as activities in the Vallées du Dessoubre, de la Reverotte et du Doubs Natura 2000 area. Before visiting the valley, check local environmental and access conditions.

At Cascade du Val, the rock’s different colours and layers are visible; limestone tufa forms below the waterfall. There is a prepared area for a short stop or a family picnic. Facilities may change, so it is advisable to check before your visit. Cascade du Moulin de Vermondans is located between Plaimbois-Vennes and Pierrefontaine-les-Varans. Its water plunges 25 metres and forms tufa deposits. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Architectural history and regional cheese culture

The church in Pierrefontaine-les-Varans has been listed as a Monument historique by decree dated 13 June 1991. Its main construction campaign is dated to the last quarter of the 18th century; construction campaigns are recorded for 1782 and 1787. Moulin de Vermondans has existed since the 14th century.

Fruitière de Pierrefontaine-les-Varans offers free visits by prior arrangement, including for groups and school classes. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance. Fromagerie de Pierrefontaine-les-Varans stocks four varieties of Comté as well as other regional AOP cheeses, including Morbier and Bleu de Gex. The selection may change; if you’re looking for specific varieties, check the current range in advance.

Plan more activities

Pierrefont’ Équitation offers riding and pony lessons, rides, trekking on horseback and holiday courses. For specific plans, ask about the current arrangements. Alongside the circular trails and natural sites, riding activities and visits to the Fruitière offer different ways to spend your time in Pierrefontaine-les-Varans.

Discover more destinations: Montenois, Le Russey, La Cluse-et-Mijoux, Montferrand-Le-Château, La Grange, Bart, Arc-sous-Cicon, Abbévillers

For the wider travel overview: Doubs.