Sentier du Creux du Van

This hike will bring you to the impressive natural rock cirque Creux du Van. This regional icon has been created by the eroding power of water and ice centuries ago. On top, a breathtaking panoramic view is expecting the hiker. It is also a nature reservation area.

The 14-kilometre circular hike begins at Noiraigue railway station. After a short walk through the village, the yellow-waymarked hiking trail climbs steeply through the forest. At Les Oeillons, the route passes the restaurant before continuing on the long ascent between trees and clearings.

At the Creux-du-Van viewpoint, the landscape opens up. Crossing meadows and pastures, the route soon reaches its highest point at around 1,460 m, not far from Soliat. The forest is now left behind as the trail continues across the broad Jura heights to Grand Vy, where a restaurant stands directly on the route.

The long descent then begins. Forest and open terrain also characterise the return leg as elevation is lost rapidly. A short section runs outside the marked hiking trail network before rejoining the hiking trail. Towards the end, the route leads back into the village and to Noiraigue railway station. A good four and a half hours should be allowed for the approximately 800 metres of elevation gain and 14 kilometres.