In the land of springs, waterfalls and lakes, no one would suspect the presence of one of the most astonishing "canyons" of the Jura, well hidden under the canopy of woods.
In the Haute Vallée de la Saine, in Les Planches-en-Montagne, hide the mysterious Langouette gorges. Hollowed out by the river, they offer an impressive spectacle: in the narrow and 40-metre-deep gorge, the water rushes in with passion and bubbles in whirlpools, waterfalls and giant potholes.
(source text: https://www.jura-tourism.com/patrimoine-naturel/les-cascades-et-gorges-de-la-langouette/)
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Distance: 9 km from the chalet
GPS: 46.65585984045425, 6.005383937826398
It is in the heart of the classified site of the Haute-Vallée de la Saine, a melting pot of many natural riches, that one of the jewels of the territory is nestled: sheltered by a limestone amphitheatre of impressive dimensions, the Saine – and not the Seine! – discreetly takes its source.
At the foot of the rock walls of this gigantic cirque, the torrent gushes naturally through an improbable scree... The Saine then continues its mad course downstream, shaping gorges, waterfalls and landscapes that are both wild and gentle for centuries. Here, white water games are guaranteed, especially in the aftermath of heavy rainfall.
(source text: https://www.jura-tourism.com/patrimoine-naturel/source-de-la-saine/)
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Walking distance: 6 km from the chalet - 245 m elevation gain - 1h30
Driving distance: 3.7 km from the cottage
GPS point: 46.6699144888972, 6.076617785418725
The Bief de la Ruine waterfall evolves in the heart of the spectacular site of the Malvaux gorges. The latter, tirelessly dug by the Saine River over the centuries, are a dream place for canyoning and offer visitors a unique panorama.
One of the most surprising features of this waterfall is that it only comes to life after heavy rains, or when the snow melts. When the site is dry, it gives way to the spectacle of sculpted stone and reveals the "Creux des Jewels", a natural cavity where the water swirls more or less violently, and polishes, thanks to the force of its current, a multitude of limestone pebbles.
Composed of 13 successive jumps in "stages", the Bief de la Ruine waterfall extends over a length of 350 m with a difference in altitude of 110 m in height, which makes it the largest waterfall in the department. Within its rocky amphitheatre, the stream then meanders under the viaduct of the old Tram track before swelling the waters of the Saine.
This bridge, on which the tram linking Champagnole to Foncine-le-Bas ran until 1950, now allows visitors to enjoy a privileged view of the waterfall and the gorges.
This original site bears witness to a perfectly harmonious encounter between a prodigy of nature and the work of man. On site, it is possible to measure all its splendour by taking the path along the old tram track. Note that during the hike, you will have to cross a 180 m tunnel drilled into the mountain – a crossing for which you can plan to bring a flashlight.
(source text: https://www.jura-tourism.com/patrimoine-naturel/gorges-de-malvaux-bief-de-la-ruine/)
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Distance : 7 km from the chalet
GPS point: 46.638840284824745, 6.029994037316791