Attractions and Places To See around Chaux-Des-Crotenay - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty, featuring impressive waterfalls, deep gorges, and panoramic viewpoints. You can visit the spectacular Le Grand Saut, the highest of the Hérisson waterfalls, or the unique Fan Waterfall. The Langouette Gorges offer a dramatic landscape with footbridges for exploration. Don't miss the Pic de l'Aigle for breathtaking views, or explore the many picturesque lakes like Lac d'Ilay and Lac de Narlay.

Yes, Chaux-des-Crotenay has a rich history. You can discover the medieval Château du Champ des Mottes, a significant historical site undergoing restoration. The ArchéoJuraSites association actively studies and protects the local heritage, and the Espace André Berthier in the village showcases archaeological findings. The area also holds numerous prehistoric and Gallo-Roman remains, including tumuli and ancient pathways.

For stunning panoramic views, head to the Pic de l'Aigle. From this summit, you can see the Jura mountains, the Hérisson valley, and Lac d'Ilay, with Mont Blanc visible on clear days. Another excellent spot is the Belvédère du Rachet, offering vistas of the 'Derrière Cornu' forest, the Baume rock, and the Saine and Lemme gorges.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. For hikers, there are mountain hikes around the waterfalls, such as the route from La Chaux-du-Dombief to the Fan Waterfall and Le Grand Saut. Cyclists can enjoy MTB trails like the 'Shore of Lac de Narlay – Grand Maclu Lake loop' or road cycling routes such as 'Mouthe – Col de Saint-Sorlin'. You can find more details on these routes in the Mountain Hikes, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides for the area.

Absolutely! The Hérisson waterfalls are a major natural attraction. You can explore a series of seven waterfalls and 31 'sauts' (jumps). Highlights include the Saut Girard Waterfall, which is one of the highest, and the impressive Le Grand Saut with its 60-meter free fall. The Fan Waterfall is also very popular, known for its unique stepped layout.

Chaux-des-Crotenay is home to local artisans, including woodturners who work with local essences and a saboteur sculpteur (wooden shoe sculptor). You can also visit La Taillerie in nearby Bellefontaine to explore the world of precious and fine stones, reflecting the Haut-Jura's history as a center for lapidaries.

The region boasts several beautiful lakes, many of which are part of Natura 2000 sites. Key lakes include Lac d'Ilay (also known as Lac de la Motte), notable for its island, and Lac de Narlay, the deepest lake in the Jura. You can also find Lac du Petit Maclu and Lac du Grand Maclu, which are part of an interconnected chain of lakes, and the picturesque Lac des Rouges Truites.

Yes, the area offers many family-friendly activities. Exploring the Hérisson waterfalls provides accessible paths and stunning views for all ages. The Langouette Gorges have safe footbridges, making them suitable for families. The various lakes offer opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying nature. The Espace André Berthier also provides an educational insight into the region's history.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural sites, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for enjoying the lakes and waterfalls, though it can be busier. Winter provides opportunities for snow-related activities, transforming the landscape into a serene, snowy wonderland.

The Pic de l'Aigle is popular due to its exceptional panoramic views. From its 993-meter altitude, visitors can gaze upon the vast Jura landscape, including the Hérisson valley, the Grandvaux, and Lac d'Ilay. On exceptionally clear days, the majestic Mont Blanc can be seen in the distance, making it a truly memorable spot.

Yes, you can take an excursion on the Ligne des Hirondelles, a scenic railway line that offers a magnificent journey through the Grandvaux region. Qualified guides often provide insights into the area's richness during the trip, making it a unique way to experience the landscape.

Nearby towns host various markets throughout the week, such as Champagnole, Morez, Clairvaux-les-Lacs, Arbois, Saint-Claude, and Lons-le-Saunier. You can also visit local producers, for example, by participating in a guided tour of the 'Plaisirs Fromajura' workshop to taste regional cheeses and other specialties.

The Cascade de la Billaude is an impressive waterfall where the Lemme river plunges through a narrow fissure into a rocky amphitheater in two successive drops. The site is well-equipped for hikers, offering various viewpoints to admire its power and beauty.