Les Enfers – Bogs, hiking trails and dragon’s teeth

Les Enfers is situated on the Franches-Montagnes plateau in the Jura, south of the Doubs Valley and north of Montfaucon. The landscape consists of bogs, pastures, fields and forests. Several interests come together here as you plan your trip: you can explore the bog landscape, consider walking or cycling routes, and discover military structures. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to decide on the focus of your trip first.

Bogs and landscape

La Tourbière des Enfers lies in the municipalities of Le Bémont and Les Enfers. It was added to the Federal Inventory in 1991 and is listed in the Swiss federal register of raised and transitional bogs of national importance. The “Bas et haut marais” area also includes peat bogs listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory. Together with pastures, fields and forests, bogs are among the landscape features that define Les Enfers.

A remarkable tree in Les Enfers stands out for its unusually long main branches. Its side branches form upright shoots. This precise description of the tree’s shape offers a different way to experience the landscape from the broad expanses of bogs and open pastures.

Hiking trails and tours

The “Randonnée des Energies” runs from Les Enfers, near Montfaucon, to Soubey on the Doubs. East of Les Enfers, it passes through pastureland. The Sentier du Doubs follows a different described route: a loop from Les Enfers via Cernévillers, Lobchez and Soubey, returning to Les Enfers. The main difference between the two routes is their course: one leads to Soubey, while the other returns to its starting point via several places. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

From Les Enfers, a trail continues towards Moulin Jeannotat after leaving the cantonal road. Road and trail conditions can change here too. Another trail connection is to Ferme de Cerniévillers: access from Pré-Petitjean involves a walk of about four kilometres. Check the trail details before setting off. The farm is in natural surroundings above the Doubs.

The one-day “Balade découverte dans les Franches-Montagnes” starts in Montfaucon and leads via Les Enfers to the Cerniévillers farm. Hikers are then invited to lunch featuring the farm’s high-quality organic produce. Biofarm Cerniévillers also offers guided tours.

Dragon’s teeth and other cultural topics

More than 200 Dents de dragon, also known as dragon’s teeth, are visible within the municipality of Les Enfers. These are pyramid-shaped concrete defensive structures designed to prevent the advance of motor vehicles. The fortifications of Les Enfers are a military structure dating from the Second World War. Two humorous pitch boards were put up in 2014 along several hiking trails within the municipality.

In summer, evening prayers and a Mass for the Assumption of Mary are held at the Oratoire des Esserts. Dates may vary; check the current schedule in advance.

Cycling routes and local food

Les Enfers has a network of cycling routes. The “Franches-Montagnes – Clos du Doubs” mountain bike route runs from Les Pommerats to Les Enfers, a village below Montfaucon, via a minor road. For refreshments, a mountain bike loop starting in Saignelégier lists Montfaucon and Les Enfers as possible stops. The Auberge de la Gare in Pré-Petitjean is also listed as a place to stop for food. Check in advance what is currently available along the way.

Cheese and dried sausages from Ferme de Cerniévillers are available in local or regional shops. As outlets and product availability can change, it is advisable to check locally. Local products complement the range of landscape, hiking and cycling topics, without combining the different tours into a single route.

Discover more destinations: Le Bémont, Le Noirmont, Lajoux, Les Breuleux, Montfaucon Ju, Epauvillers, Les Genevez, Les Bois

For the broader travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.