Chemin de Bellelay

This route through the Petit-Val holds many surprises in store. Starting at Bellelay, the cradle of the famous Tête de Moine AOP cheese, the path leads through landscapes of wooded-pastures to the impressive Pichoux Gorge. Enjoy the sweeping views of the Jura countryside and the tranquillity of the little-known valley.

The 15-kilometre circular hike begins at the Bellelay, Le Domaine bus stop. The yellow-marked hiking trail initially climbs through alternating woodland and open pastures. The route soon reaches its highest point at around 1,070 metres. It then descends to Fornet-Dessous and enters the quiet Jura forests once more.

Via Semplain, the trail descends to Le Pichoux, the lowest section of the route. The climb to Sornetan now follows. In the village, the route passes the Reformed church before gaining height once again between woodland and pasture. Small settlements and open spaces provide bright accents in the heavily wooded terrain.

Via Moron, which also has a church directly on the route, the trail finally returns to Bellelay. After around four and a half hours and approximately 620 metres of ascent in total, the circular hike ends back at the bus stop. The Restaurant de l’Ours is just a few steps away.