Cotes du Doubs
Description
The tour begins in La Chaux-de-Fonds, following the Veloroute toward Le Locle. Immediately after the airfield, you turn right and climb the first few meters of elevation on a small country road through a quintessential Jura landscape. You’ll soon reach the first single-track section, and after passing the Cernil Girard farm, you’ll hit an easily rideable downhill trail toward Saut du Doubs. There’s just one rocky section where you’ll need to carry your bike for a few meters. Once you reach the small forest road later on, the detour to the waterfall is a must. From here on, the single-track fun really kicks off. You’ll follow the route along the right bank of the river the entire way. Especially in the first section up to the dam, the trail is very narrow, so you’ll need to be considerate of hikers. The superb trail seems to go on forever, winding smoothly along the riverbank.
By the time you reach Maison Monsieur, the most beautiful part of the tour is behind you; from here on, the trails get wider and the riding pace picks up a bit. That’s not so bad, since it’s still almost 50 kilometers from here to St-Ursanne. Through secluded forests and past remote farms, the route continues along the Doubs, which has carved a deep gorge into the landscape here and forms the border between Switzerland and France. It takes just under three hours to get from Maison Monsieur to St-Ursanne. The trip is well worth it, as this small town at the bend of the Doubs is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Jura. The return trip from St-Ursanne is by train.
Alternatives: Take the country road from Maison Monsieur back to La Chaux-de-Fonds
Tips
- Start the tour in Biel and take the train to La Chaux-de-Fonds. The return trip from St-Ursanne to Biel is also by train via Delémont. Please note: Many ICN trains operate on this line, and bicycle reservations are required and subject to a fee.
Map & GPX-Track
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Details of the tour
78 km
815 m
1315 m
433 above sea level
1162 above sea level
1 day
Chaux-de-Fonds
Chaux-de-Fonds
1000
well suited
More information
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User comments (3)
About the author: Thomas Giger
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.
Great tour, but it drags on a bit! Currently, there are several fallen trees blocking the trail. After Maison Monsieur, take the road instead. The short trail through the tunnel isn't worth it. There are a few no-biking signs along the route, but they weren't a problem anywhere. There are several restaurants along the route, as well as places to stay overnight.
From Haut du Roches to Maison Monsieur, I thought it was great. The rest is nice, too, but it drags on all the way to St-Ursanne. At the beginning and toward the end of the route, there are a lot of pasture fences, and it’s not the kind of route that’s bike-friendly—where you can just roll right through. At the entrance to St-Ursanne, on the left side of the river, there’s a nice spot for swimming. From the town to the train station, there’s another steep climb—I’d allow about 15 minutes for it.
I rode the tour at the end of August 2019 (21-30 degrees). Fantastic, lonely landscapes. I climbed well over 1000 meters in altitude. The profile of the tour is very deceptive. There are many small ramps, which are normal on a river course. Allow enough time. I was traveling quickly and still had 6 hours riding time. (La-Chaux-de-Fonds - waterfall 1.5 h, waterfall - Maison Monsieur 2 h, Maison Monsieur - St. Ursanne 2.5 h). As there are so many beautiful spots, you have to allow enough time for breaks. Anyone who races through here has not understood anything ;-).
Don't do the tour on a nice weekend, unless you don't mind the hikers (or they don't mind you). The paths up to Maison Monsieur are very narrow and crossing them is difficult.
The tour could easily be extended to two days (sightseeing La Chaux de Fonds, swimming in the river, visiting St. Ursanne, etc.).
By the way, taking photos on the rock next to the waterfall is not recommended (at high water).