Attractions and places to see around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans, situated in the Doubs department of France, offers a landscape rich in natural features and historical sites. The region is characterized by its karst springs, deep valleys, and scenic viewpoints within the Jura Massif. Visitors can explore a variety of natural wonders, including waterfalls and gorges, alongside cultural landmarks. The area provides opportunities to experience both the natural beauty and the heritage of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
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Popular around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans
A unique promontory combining a place of worship and an exceptional panorama over the Val de Vennes and even the Jungfrau, a peak of over 4000m in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland!
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along the DESSOUBRE
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Mill of which we find traces from the 15th century which has had the name of Laval mill and Fauvel mill throughout its history. There were then several buildings there. The flour mill was destroyed after a fire in 1989. The sawmill, which still exists, closed in 1988 then was restored in 2016 following its inclusion in the historic monuments two years earlier. Only the transmissions are still there, the rest of the equipment having been dismantled when it closed. The adjoining house which accommodated the owners is today a gîte.
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If you are looking for a historic and picturesque hike in the Doubs, you can visit the Sainte-Radegonde de Loray chapel. This chapel was built in 1541 and was a place of pilgrimage for people with walking difficulties. It is said that Sainte-Radegonde, former queen of the Franks, fought and defeated a ghoul there. The chapel is located near the Roche Barchey, a rock formation with a deep pit that was believed to be a gate to hell. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the Roche Barchey belvedere and see the traces of an ancient castle nearby.
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If you are looking for a scenic hike in the Jura Massif, you can head to the Roche Barchey Viewpoint. It is a rock formation pierced in its center, hence its name (Roche Barchey means “pierced rock” in Celtic). From the top of the rock, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Val de Vennes and the Haut Doubs, as well as the chapel of Sainte-Radegonde and the Lomont mountains in the distance.
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Whether you visit the waterfall in full flow or not, this circus has something to offer. The deafening roar of flowing water contrasts with the majesty and serene tranquility of the circus in times of drought.
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Sometimes the waterfall is dry, like September 2022, but the surroundings are still beautiful! You should like to scramble.
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Thanks to the community, my husband and I discovered this lovely little place this afternoon. Very easy walk with a magnificent arrival on the porch of the Great Grotto. The recent rains allowed a beautiful activity of 3 waterfalls.
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The region is rich in natural features. You can visit the Lançot Waterfall, a wild romantic basin with a spring waterfall characteristic of a karst spring. Another must-see is the Consolation Cirque, a deep, steep-sided valley framed by magnificent cliffs, offering stunning views and opportunities for exploration. Don't miss the Roche Barchey viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the Val de Vennes and the Haut Doubs.
Yes, Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans offers several historical and cultural sites. The Girardot Mill is a historic site with traces dating back to the 15th century, featuring a restored sawmill. You can also explore the Sainte-Radegonde Chapel, a historic place of pilgrimage with an exceptional panorama. Other notable sites include the Église de Pierrefontaine-les-Varans, the 16th-century Château de Sagey (now a library), and the Mémorial FFI with its poignant wooden sculptures.
The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking and cycling on numerous trails. For specific routes, consider exploring the various options in our guides, such as Hiking around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans, Cycling around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans, or Road Cycling Routes around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans. Guided outdoor sports activities are also offered by Haut-Doubs Sport Nature, and there's a dedicated climbing site at Rocher du Château.
Absolutely! The Espace Loisirs et Découvertes de la Roche du Trésor is a fantastic option for families. It offers a 'prehistoric village,' a pedagogical kitchen, multi-sports terrain, a climbing wall, and an outdoor swimming pool available from June to September. This center caters to groups and families with various themed stays related to arts, cooking, sports, environment, and prehistory.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Roche Barchey viewpoint, which offers expansive vistas of the Val de Vennes and the Haut Doubs. Another excellent spot is the hill of Le Peu, standing at 860 meters, providing a 270-degree panoramic view where you can spot 27 church steeples in the Doubs department. The Belvédère de Pierre Lamadou also overlooks the wild valley of the Reverotte and its cool fir forests.
Beyond the prominent waterfalls, you can explore the Grotte des Bougeottes, a historical cave near Le Peu that served as a refuge during past conflicts. The region is also characterized by its karst springs, such as the one feeding the Lançot Waterfall, and deep, steep-sided valleys like the Consolation Cirque, which are typical of the Jura rock basin.
Yes, many attractions are accessible via hiking trails. For example, you can hike to the Lançot Waterfall, which is an easy walk. The Consolation Cirque is a natural landscape park ideal for hiking, especially after heavy rains when the Grande Cascade is active. There are numerous trails, including those leading to viewpoints like Roche Barchey and the Sainte-Radegonde Chapel. You can find detailed routes in our Hiking around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans guide.
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoor swimming pool at Espace Loisirs et Découvertes. The waterfalls are often most impressive after heavy rains. In winter, the Tartot site offers a family-friendly ski slope and opportunities for snowshoeing, making it a great destination for winter sports.
During the winter months, the Tartot site becomes a hub for winter sports. It features a family-friendly ski slope, 650 meters long, which is open on Wednesdays, weekends, and daily during school holidays. Equipment rental is available on-site. Snowshoeing is also a popular activity, allowing you to explore the snowy landscapes.
Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The Lançot Waterfall is often praised for its wild romantic basin and the beautiful activity of its cascades after rain. The Consolation Cirque is appreciated for its stunning landscape and hiking opportunities. The panoramic views from spots like Roche Barchey are also highly rated by the komoot community.
Yes, the Espace des Arcades in Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans regularly hosts cultural events. These include monthly cinema screenings, various exhibitions, and performances such as theater and concerts. It's a great place to experience local culture and entertainment during your visit.
The region is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. There are numerous trails for both road cycling and mountain biking (VTT), with specially arranged routes. You can find detailed routes and guides for Cycling around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans and Road Cycling Routes around Pierrefontaine-Les-Varans to plan your adventure.


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