Arc-sous-Cicon: Hiking and Hotels

Arc-sous-Cicon offers several different points of interest for planning a trip: hikes at Crêt Monniot, views of the Jura region, sensitive natural areas, and the architectural history of the Ecole-mairie. The choice between two circular routes, which differ in length, time required, and difficulty rating, is particularly clear-cut.

Hiking at Crêt Monniot

The “Crêt Monniot par les Cordiers” circular trail starts in Arc-sous-Cicon and climbs through the forest to the 1,141 m summit. The route is rated moderate, is 12.8 km long, and takes about three hours. This makes it the longer of the two options described. The time given is approximate and can help you factor the scope of the hike into your day’s plans.

The Crêt Monniot circular trail is shorter and rated easy: it is 3.4 km long and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The start and finish are at the Crêt Monniot car park in Arc-sous-Cicon. Along the way, the route crosses pastures and undergrowth; the return is along a forest path. Seasonal ground conditions may affect walking. Check local access information before setting out.

Choosing a route is not just about sharing the same summit destination: “Crêt Monniot par les Cordiers” covers 12.8 km and takes about three hours, making it a longer outing rated moderate. The shorter route is classified as easy, at 3.4 km and about 1 hour 30 minutes. This comparison highlights the different lengths of the hikes without combining the two routes into a single outing.

Views and sensitive natural areas

At Crêt Monniot, two orientation panels offer views of the Jura Mountains, the Loue Valley, and the high plateaus of Haut-Doubs. On a clear day, the view also reaches the Alps. This adds a landscape perspective to the route itself: the named views take in the Jura Mountains as well as the valleys and high plateaus of the surrounding area.

Natural areas are also relevant when planning a hike. The wetlands of Arc-sous-Cicon lie along a route in an environmentally sensitive area, where hiking is identified as a relevant activity. The Crêt Monniot circular trail also passes through the environmentally sensitive Prairies du Crêt Monniot area, where hiking is likewise identified as a relevant activity. These two areas are therefore important reference points when planning your hike.

Protection and route information may be updated. Before your hike, check local guidance and follow the signs and applicable rules in the Prairies du Crêt Monniot area. This helps you take the natural area’s designated sensitivity into account without losing sight of hiking as an activity.

Architectural history of the Ecole-mairie

The Ecole-mairie offers a different perspective on Arc-sous-Cicon. It was designed based on a proposal selected in 1847 and completed in 1864. A central avenue leads to a large semicircular stone staircase. The Ecole-mairie is fully listed as a historic monument. Its architectural history complements the nature and hiking topics with a concrete example of the village’s built heritage.

Nordic skiing

For winter trip planning, elevation details are also available for two areas: the “Crêt Monniot” area is at 1,100 m, while the “Arc sous Cicon” sector is at 800 m. In the Arc sous Cicon sector, you can start skiing directly from the reception building. Skiing is seasonal and conditions may vary, so check in advance whether it will be operating during your trip. The different elevations and the described starting point help put the available information about Nordic skiing in Arc-sous-Cicon into context.

Discover more destinations: By, Pontarlier, Hyèvre-Paroisse, Malpas, Bart, Charquemont, Émagny, Montbenoît

For the broader travel overview: Doubs.