Fort Du Plasne: Lake, Moorland and Cultural History

Fort Du Plasne combines the circular hiking trail to Lac de Fort-du-Plasne with local history and traditional crafts. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider whether you’d like to spend most of your stay hiking or make time for historical and craft-related visits. This will help you plan your trip around the activities that interest you most.

The circular hiking trail to Lac de Fort-du-Plasne

This easy circular hike is 6.5 km long and takes about two hours. It starts and ends at the car park by the church in Fort-du-Plasne. The wide, well-maintained path leads to Lac de Fort-du-Plasne, which is bordered by peat bogs. The estimated duration will help you fit the hike into your day’s plans. Trail conditions may change; also check local parking arrangements before setting out.

Lake and peat bog

East of Fort-du-Plasne, Lac de Fort-du-Plasne lies at an altitude of 885 m. The lake is natural and privately owned, and covers about 1.2 hectares. A peat bog area extends to the northeast. The bog is a wetland and a refuge for rare biodiversity; it is also designated as a Ramsar site. The lake and bog give the hike a distinctive landscape setting.

Church and architectural history

The main construction campaign for the parish church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Fort-du-Plasne took place in 1820. The village’s historic building style can also be placed in context: in the 19th century, houses were built of stone and arranged in groups. They had one storey above the ground floor and were roofed with wooden shingles or tavaillons. These features describe the settlement’s 19th-century architecture.

History and traditional crafts

The Chalet du Coin-d'Aval is an authentic former cheese dairy dating from 1825. It is considered the only surviving example of the 40 chalets that stood in Grandvaux in the 19th century. Guided tours explain the traditional production of the forerunner of Comté cheese. If you’re interested in the history of cheesemaking, the tour offers a practical insight into this historic subject.

Poterie du Lac à la Dame makes everyday items, one-of-a-kind pieces and commissioned work in stoneware and porcelain. Guided tours of the workshop explain how the pieces are made and the individual steps involved; there is no obligation to buy. As visiting arrangements may change, check them in advance.

Donkey walks

La Flânerie d’Audrey offers donkey walks from Fort-du-Plasne, both guided and self-guided. These two options give you a clear choice when planning a walk. The activities also include animal-assisted sessions for children, adults, older people and people with disabilities.

Discover more destinations: Les Planches En Montagne, Doucier, Pannessières, Voiteur, Foucherans, Chaux-des-Crotenay, Morez, La Pesse

For the main travel overview: Jura.