Crotenay: Hiking Trails, Fishing Waters and the Jura

Crotenay offers a range of options for a stay: connected hiking trails, fishing waters and places to visit in the wider area. The trails provide access to the Champagnole Nozeroy Jura area, while the Ain and Étang de Malaval offer different fishing opportunities. Crotenay also has two ponds. You can choose your destination based on whether your plans focus more on creating your own hiking routes, spending time by the water or exploring the surrounding area.

Hiking Trails Around Crotenay

The hiking trails in Crotenay have connected markings and signposts. You can put together your own circular routes in any direction. The markings help you find your way, while the freedom to create your own loops gives you flexibility when planning your hikes. Hiking routes from Crotenay can be downloaded from the tourist office; check the office’s current information page before setting out. The hiking trails accessible from Crotenay make it possible to explore the Champagnole Nozeroy Jura area.

Hiking lets you focus on creating your own route. By contrast, the Ain has a designated fishing section marked as No-Kill. These different features can help you choose activities that suit your interests.

Fishing on the Ain and at Étang de Malaval

The Société de pêche de Crotenay designates a private Category 1 fishing area on the Ain. It starts 150 metres upstream of the Moulin des Anes and extends to the place known as Les Tables. The entire fishing section is designated as a No-Kill stretch. These two boundaries and the designation clearly define the area.

Étang de Malaval is another fishing highlight in Crotenay. It is open from the first Saturday in April to the third Sunday in November; check the season dates before your trip. The pond is home to carp, tench, pike and small fish. It forms part of the Jura’s natural heritage. A sales outlet for Étang de Malaval is located at the post office. Check the current fishing permit regulations in advance.

Places to Visit and Perspectives

In the wider area around Crotenay, the beaches of Lac de Chalain are a destination for a day trip. Fishing and canoeing on the Ain are also leisure activities in the area. At an elevation of 629 metres, Belvédère de la Roche du Midi offers a view of the village of Besain and its pond. Alongside the hiking trails, these waters and a specific viewpoint provide different themes to consider when planning your trip.

Aéroclub de Champagnole Crotenay offers sightseeing flights that let you discover the Jura and its lakes from the air. This is a different perspective from hiking: instead of combining trails on the ground, you take in the landscape from above. Champagnole-Crotenay airfield is located in the commune of Crotenay. It has restricted approval, a grass runway (02–20), and is used for leisure activities and medical evacuations.

Discover more destinations: Chambéria, Grange-De-Vaivre, Port-Lesney, Pupillin, Arsure-Arsurette, Saint-Claude, Arbois, Sampans.

For the broader travel overview: Jura.