Bellefontaine: Lakes, Peat Bogs and the Risoux Forest

Bellefontaine lies at the foot of the Risoux Forest and near the lakes and peat bogs of Bellefontaine and Les Mortes. The forest, lakes and peat bogs shape the setting for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can start by deciding whether to focus mainly on trails and viewpoints, cross-country ski tracks or the landscape itself. The options described vary by terrain and season.

Forest, Lakes and Peat Bogs

The Risoux Forest covers 2,200 hectares between Bellefontaine, Bois d’Amont and Les Rousses, forming a continuous forest massif. The lakes and peat bogs of Bellefontaine and Les Mortes feature characteristic boreo-arctic vegetation and play an important role in the water cycle. These landscapes therefore shape not only the character of the area but also its ecological significance.

A prefectural order protecting biotopes applies in the central part of the Risoux. It protects biotopes needed for the breeding, feeding, resting and survival of several protected species. If you plan to visit sensitive areas, check the current regulations beforehand; protection rules may be updated.

Hiking Trails with Different Routes

A marked trail lets you explore the lakes of Bellefontaine and Les Mortes on foot or by mountain bike, and reach the Roche Bernard and Roche Champion viewpoints in the Risoux Forest. The Sentier de la Roche Bernard is a difficult 10-kilometre out-and-back trail to the Roche Bernard viewpoint, which overlooks the lakes.

The Sentier des Baganiers offers a different route: the 5.5-kilometre loop passes through forest, fields and peat bog along sections of the lake plateau. It then follows the edge of the Risoux forest massif back to the village. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their stated length and route: the trail to Roche Bernard is rated difficult and follows an out-and-back route, while the Baganiers loop passes through a variety of landscapes. Trail conditions may change seasonally.

Cross-Country Ski Tracks and Mountain Biking

The Bellefontaine Nordic ski area has three access points to the ski tracks: at the village, by the lakes and at Risoux. Winter operations depend on snow conditions. At the foot of the lifts in the village, there is equipment rental and services from the French ski school. These visitor services may change seasonally; check them before your trip.

There is also a named option for mountain biking: the Tour des Lacs de Bellefontaine et des Mortes route 18B is a mountain biking route and is also accessible to VTTAE (electric-assist mountain bikes). A car park for this route is located next to Bellefontaine’s tourist information point. You can use the marked trail to explore the lakes; route 18B is another mountain biking option.

Crafts in Bellefontaine

La Taillerie is a jewellery and stone-cutting business. There is parking directly in front of the shop, and the workshop is fully independently accessible to wheelchair users. Opening hours and visiting arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check before your visit. Alongside the trails, forest and seasonal ski tracks, this craft business offers another specific point of interest to help plan a trip to Bellefontaine.

Discover more destinations: Aumont, Les Arsures, Saint-Lothain, Coisia, Saint-Maurice-Crillat, Maisod, Clairvaux-Les-Lacs, Peintre.

For the wider travel overview: Jura.