Muriaux: High Plateau, Horses and Cultural Heritage

Muriaux lies at 947 m above sea level, about 2 km southwest of Saignelégier, on the Jura plateau of the Franches-Montagnes and east of the deeply incised Doubs Valley. The municipality includes a gently undulating high plateau with marshy hollows, mostly without surface drainage, and limestone hillocks. Jura pastures, large spruce trees and the forest areas in between shape the landscape. The canton-protected natural area “vallée du Doubs” also includes Muriaux.

High Plateau, Rocky Ridge and Viewpoint

The Rochers des Sommêtres form a rocky ridge that reaches an elevation of 1,079 m. Its summit offers an impressive viewpoint, and the rocks are also used for climbing. Muriaux’s municipal boundary runs along the Arête des Sommêtres ridge. The ruins of Spiegelberg Castle stand on this ridge.

One way to explore the area on foot is the Sentier des Sommêtres. From the villages of Muriaux, it can be reached via a yellow-marked hiking trail in the direction of Le Noirmont. Access is on foot only; the trail is steep and includes steps carved directly into the rock in places. As terrain conditions can change seasonally, check them before setting out.

Horses and Pastures in Le Roselet

The Fondation pour le cheval is located in Le Roselet. Visitors can walk freely around the facility or take a guided tour; it is also possible to walk through the pastures. Around 60 horses, ponies and donkeys call it home, including Freiberger horses bred there. Their accommodation takes the animals’ natural needs into account.

This makes Le Roselet a distinct focus for a stay: the animals and pastures are at the heart of the experience, while the Rochers des Sommêtres are defined by their rocks and views. Both themes can be taken into account when planning, without combining them into a single outing or route.

Caves, Chapels and History

The Grotte des Creuses lies near the Combe de la Rochette. During the passage of Swedish troops in the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), it served as a refuge for the inhabitants of Muriaux. The history of another cave site, the Trou des Voleurs, is linked to a local story: looters are said to have taken refuge in the Grotte de la Baumatte. From Muriaux, you can set out in the direction of La Deute to reach the Trou des Voleurs.

The Grotte de Muriaux contains an enamelled cast-iron statue of Our Lady of Lourdes from Einsiedeln and a stone statue of Saint Bernadette, ordered in Einsiedeln in 1961. Marian prayers and Rogation services are held there. The Chapelle du Peuchapatte is different: information sheets on the back pew provide details about the sanctuary, the stained-glass windows and the furnishings. Masses are held in the chapel during the summer months.

The Fondation Oscar & Janine Wiggli in Muriaux is also associated with sculptures. Together with the caves and the chapel, it offers another perspective on the area’s cultural and religious themes, alongside its high-plateau landscape and hiking and rock-climbing destinations.

Source de la Rochette and the History of the Mill

The Source de la Rochette flows or cascades along the edge of the path leading to it. Walkers can see the spring near the Restaurant du Theusseret. For a long time, the watercourse powered a mill wheel. Joseph Bilat, the last miller, gave up his work and the building around 1850. The spring thus brings together a natural site and the story of how water was used in the past.

Discover more destinations: Les Emibois, Les Bois, Les Genevez, La Chaux-des-Breuleux, Epauvillers, Les Enfers, Le Bémont, Le Noirmont.

For the broader travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.