Discover Saignelégier

Saignelégier is the main town of the Franches-Montagnes district in the Canton of Jura. It lies at an altitude of 978 metres on a broad saddle of the Jura plateau, at the edge of the deeply cut Doubs Valley. Moorland, cultural venues and activities give a stay here a variety of focal points.

Étang de la Gruère and the Jura plateau

The Étang de la Gruère nature reserve lies mostly within the municipality of Saignelégier. It covers around 120 hectares; the high moor within it extends over 56 hectares. In places, the peat is up to nine metres thick and has accumulated over 12,000 years. The body of water was created in the 17th century, when a dam formed an artificial basin to power a mill. This means the site brings together a history shaped by human dam construction and the long formation of the high moor.

La Randoline leads from Saignelégier to Étang des Royes in two sections, then continues to Étang de la Gruère. The sections are marked by triangular signs, with explanations in the three national languages. In dry weather, the paths are suitable for all age groups. However, because of some narrow sections, they are not recommended for pushchairs. Their suitability is expressly conditional on dry weather; also take the narrow sections into account when planning your visit.

Culture and events

One of the churches in Saignelégier houses a high altar from Bellelay Abbey. The neo-Baroque Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was built in 1927; the Reformed Evangelical Church dates from 1903. Another cultural venue is Café du Soleil. It was established in 1980 in a renovated old Jura farmhouse. The building brings together a bistro, a hotel, a gallery and an event hall. Exhibitions in the gallery can be visited during the café-restaurant’s opening hours. Check the current opening hours before planning a visit to the gallery.

The Marché-Concours takes place every year over several days on the second weekend of August. Its programme includes a parade with more than 400 horses. If you are planning to travel to Saignelégier for the event, check the specific dates for the year in question.

Activities and visiting arrangements

The Centre Nature Les Cerlatez is dedicated to researching, providing information about and protecting moorland. It offers environmental activities, themed and artistic exhibitions, guided tours and walks for different audiences. Visits are possible by telephone request or by ringing the administration’s doorbell on site. As these visiting arrangements are set by the operator, it is best to confirm them before making plans.

The Manège des Franches-Montagnes offers trail rides, riding lessons and vaulting courses. A large indoor riding arena and an extensive sand paddock make it possible to ride all year round and in any weather. Check reservation requirements for activities before travelling. The Jura Resort has a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a 73-metre water slide. The covered ice rink offers ice hockey, figure skating and curling; curling is available by reservation. The spa is also accessible to people aged 16 and over when accompanied by an adult, as well as to guests not staying at the hotel. As details about facilities and access may change, check seasonal opening times and access conditions before your visit.

Cheese and regional products

At the Fromagerie de Saignelégier, guided tours explain how Tête de Moine AOP is made. A tour lasts between one and one and a quarter hours and ends with a cheese tasting. Groups are welcomed by prior arrangement only. The Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes also offers brewery tours, which require a reservation. These visits give your stay a specific culinary focus, but differ in duration and booking conditions.

Find a hotel for your stay

The visiting arrangements mentioned above are just as relevant as seasonal dates. This makes it possible to plan your stay around your interests without treating the different offerings and their requirements as if they were the same.

Discover more destinations: Les Breuleux, Les Bois, Muriaux, Le Bémont, Les Genevez, Epauvillers, Lajoux, Les Enfers.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Franches-Montagnes.