Goumois on the Doubs: Gorges, Trails and Cultural Heritage

If you choose Goumois as a destination for a stay, three themes particularly define the place: the Doubs gorge landscape, trails for hikers and cyclists, and evidence of the town’s history. Goumois lies on both sides of the border between France and Switzerland; the Doubs separates the two sides. This location gives nature and cultural experiences a cross-border setting.

Scenery and views along the Doubs

From the “La Corniche de Goumois” viewpoint, you can look out over the Doubs gorges and the Swiss Jura. Rocher du Singe is also among the rock formations of Goumois. The surrounding area is shaped by nature, mountains and the river, all of which have been preserved here; there are also numerous hiking trails. You can explore Goumois both through individual viewpoints and through the landscape that connects the town and its trails.

Hiking and cycling

The Grande Traversée du Jura passes through Goumois. The town is a valued place to replenish supplies along the route before it continues through the Doubs Valley along the GR5. Before setting out, check trail conditions and the latest information about supply options. One hike near Goumois is 12 kilometres long, has 220 metres of elevation gain, takes three hours and is marked yellow and blue. Another hike along the Doubs leads into Switzerland. The information offers two different points of reference: specific distance and time details for one route, and a riverside route across the border for the other. Also check the current trail markings before your hike.

For cyclists, there is the technically challenging mountain-bike loop 18, “La Franco-Suisse,” near Goumois. It is 23 kilometres long and has 794 metres of elevation gain. Unlike the three-hour hike, the loop offers a different kind of outing: its technical classification and stated elevation gain give it a distinct profile. Check current trail conditions before setting off.

The “La Perle Franco-suisse” hike also follows the water. In the Goumois Valley, it brings to life the history of an earlier use of the river’s hydropower. On this route, the riverside landscape is thus combined with a glimpse into how it was used in the past.

Cultural heritage and nature

The village’s surroundings include the ruins of the feudal Château de Franquemont. The “Christ en croix” is housed in the Nativité-de-Notre-Dame church in Goumois: a carved, painted and polychrome wooden crucifix from the 18th century. It has been listed as a protected object since 5 September 1991. The castle ruins and the crucifix represent different facets of the cultural heritage: the remains of a feudal castle on the one hand, and a specifically identified work of art with a recorded protected status on the other.

The natural setting is also home to a rare bat species. A site in Goumois is one of the two known breeding sites for this species in the Haut-Doubs; it is very rare in Franche-Comté. This information adds a note about the regional importance of a particular site to the picture of the landscape, without equating it with a viewpoint or a hiking stop.

Getting there and planning

The border location also matters when travelling to Goumois. There is no public transport on the French side of Goumois; the Swiss side can be reached from Saignelégier by postbus. Check connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pontarlier, Arc-sous-Cicon, Vuillecin, Montbeliardot, Marchaux, Longevilles-Mont-D'or, Saint-Point-Lac, Recologne

For the main travel overview: Doubs.