Chaux-des-Crotenay: Hiking and Local History

You can get to know Chaux-des-Crotenay through its hiking trails, a viewpoint, and specific evidence of local history. Options range from an easy loop with a stated distance to the out-and-back trail to the Belvédère du Rachet; other routes pass through gorges or follow the former tramway line. If you are looking for a hotel, you can plan your trip around your interests: hiking, scenery, or cultural heritage.

Hiking from a Loop Trail to a Viewpoint

Parcours E is an easy 9.6 km loop trail that starts and ends in Chaux-des-Crotenay. The route passes the Grande Cheminée, considered an unusual geological feature. This gives the loop a geological point of interest as well as a clearly stated distance. Route details may be updated; check the latest route description before setting out.

Le Rachet is an out-and-back trail to the Belvédère du Rachet of the same name. The viewpoint is on a rocky outcrop above the Chaux-des-Crotenay plateau. From there, views extend over the Derrière Cornu forest, the La Baume rocks, the gorges of the Saine and Lemme, and the Nozeroy plateau. On a clear day, Mont Rivel is also visible.

The two trail types offer a clear distinction for planning: Parcours E is a loop that starts and ends in Chaux-des-Crotenay; Le Rachet is an out-and-back trail to the viewpoint. No distance or walking time is provided here for Le Rachet.

Parcours F: Tramway Line and Gorges

Parcours F follows the former tramway line through a tunnel and over a viaduct above the Malvaux gorges. The route then returns via Montagne Ronde. The trail also includes the purpose-built path through the Gorges de la Langouette. With its tunnel, viaduct, rocky landscape, and gorges, this route has different named trail features from the Parcours E loop or the path to the Belvédère du Rachet.

Church and Local History

The present-day Sainte-Marguerite Church in Chaux-des-Crotenay was built from the last third of the 15th century onward on the site of a castle chapel. The church houses a heraldic stained-glass window bearing the coats of arms of the Poupet and Clermont families. It dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. The building thus brings together the history of its site and a dated example of heraldic stained glass.

The Espace André Berthier in the village presents the cultural heritage and history of the Chaux-des-Crotenay area. While the church, with its construction history and stained-glass window, offers specific historical details, the Espace takes a broader look at the area's cultural heritage and history.

Château Champ des Mottes and Guided Tours

Château Champ des Mottes stands on a rocky outcrop on the second plateau of the Jura Massif, at an elevation of 808 m. Guided tours of the château are regularly organized as part of discovery days and the European Heritage and Archaeology Days. As event dates may change, check the latest dates before your trip.

Approach from the South

The approach from the south runs from Champagnole along the N5 to Pont de la Chaux, then along the D16 to Chaux-des-Crotenay. Road conditions and signage may change; check the latest route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Septmoncel, Lamoura, Gigny, Lajoux, Bellefontaine, Pont-D'héry, Pannessières, Choisey

For the broader travel overview: Jura.