Discover La Chaux-des-Breuleux

La Chaux-des-Breuleux lies at an altitude of about 1,014 m on the Jura plateau of the Franches-Montagnes, west of the La Tourbière peat bog. The village is now part of the municipality of Les Breuleux; it was formerly an independent municipality in the Franches-Montagnes district of the Canton of Jura. The place was first mentioned in a document in 1397 under the name La Chaux. Agriculture shaped its history for centuries.

Moorland and trails

The nature reserve of the La Chaux-des-Breuleux moor is protected by the state. La Tourbière de La Chaux-des-Breuleux has been a nature reserve of national importance since 1974 and is the largest peat bog in the Franches-Montagnes. Both the elevation and the moor therefore shape the area’s geographical character.

A circular trail around the moor passes Étang Le Lavoir and continues through pastures and forests. The loop is listed as 6 km long and taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes; the duration may vary slightly depending on conditions. Check trail conditions before setting out. The distance and approximate walking time provide a specific basis for planning without presuming a particular level of difficulty.

The name of Étang Le Lavoir also has a historical interpretation: long ago, watchmakers from the region are said to have washed watch crystals there. The acidic water is said to have given them a crystal-like shine. The trail by the pond is thus linked to a story about the region’s watchmaking tradition.

The Route du Jura offers a different perspective: it runs for 36 km from Saignelégier to La Chaux-de-Fonds. After visiting the small Étang de la Gruère, the route description recommends turning right immediately in La Chaux-des-Breuleux. By comparison, the 6 km moorland trail is a shorter, clearly defined loop; the Route du Jura can be understood in terms of its two endpoints and total length.

Farm history and crafts

Ferme La Baumatte is listed as a Category A cultural property in the 2026 cantonal inventory of cultural properties of the Canton of Jura. The attic houses an old workshop belonging to a farmer-watchmaker. Four large windows face southeast, with workbenches set into their recesses. These architectural details bring the farm’s history to life.

The farm also has a forge, which was probably built in the second half of the 19th century. It was used to make tools and some watch parts. The workshop and forge thus represent two different crafts: the work of a farmer-watchmaker and the production of everyday objects and individual watch components.

Pastures, horses and other activities

On the Jura plateau around the village, walking and hiking trails cross extensive pastures and forests. Horse riding, cycling and cross-country skiing are also part of the area’s recreational offerings. These trails and activities offer different ways to experience the Franches-Montagnes landscape, without implying that they all follow the same route.

Écurie Double C offers horseback rides in the heart of the Franches-Montagnes and along the banks of the Doubs. Its offerings also include an adventure trek lasting two to five days. Franches-Montagnes Destinations is associated with tailor-made excursions in La Chaux-des-Breuleux—on horseback, in horse-drawn carriages or in covered wagons. One-day excursions by horse-drawn carriage with a barbecue are also available. Options therefore range from a day trip to a multi-day trek. Booking details may change; check them before planning an activity.

If you are looking for a hotel in La Chaux-des-Breuleux, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: the moorland circular trail, farm history or activities with horses each offer a different starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations

Les Bois, Saignelégier, Epauvillers, Montfaucon Ju, Lajoux, Le Noirmont, Les Breuleux, Les Enfers

To the main travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.