Prémanon: Hiking, nature and Nordic activities

If you’re looking for a hotel in Prémanon, you can start by choosing your preferred focus: hiking, Nordic winter sports, nature or history. When comparing trails, consider the starting point, length and theme; for winter days, the type of activity and access conditions also matter.

Hiking trails with different starting points

In the centre of Prémanon, two information boards show hiking trails that start in the village. These include the Grande Traversée du Jura, which can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or mountain bike, on horseback, on skis or with snowshoes. The boards provide guidance for different ways of exploring the area.

Le Pont Perroud is an 8.3 km circular route that starts and ends in the centre of Prémanon. The Prémanon d'Amont hike starts at the Jardin des Randonneurs, passes through the village centre and then heads towards Prémanon d'Amont. The routes differ in their key features: Le Pont Perroud is a circular route with a set distance, while Prémanon d'Amont is defined by its starting point and direction.

From the footbridge, a short 400 m out-and-back path leads to the Cascade du Bief de la Chaille, a tufa waterfall. The 400 m refers to the entire round trip; compared directly with the 8.3 km circular Le Pont Perroud route, it is the shorter option.

The Sentier des Explorateurs is a hilly woodland walk for families interested in nature. Children from Prémanon primary school suggested it during the 2018–2019 school year. In the woods near the village, there are traces and clues to life in the air, on the ground and underground. These levels give the walk a clear natural history focus.

Nordic activities and access conditions

At the Site Nordique de Prémanon, visitors can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, dog sledding and Nordic ski touring. The Espaces Libertés in the village of Prémanon are free, groomed areas open to pedestrians, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and sledgers. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available at both locations; the Espaces Libertés are also open to pedestrians and sledgers.

The access point for the Nordic trails at La Darbella is on the edge of the D25. The trails starting there are relatively easy and head towards the Forêt du Massacre. The Forêt du Massacre is designated as a biotope zone, and access is subject to conditions. Check local access conditions before visiting during the season.

A historical highlight

The Belvédère des Maquisards is dedicated to a significant event from the end of the Second World War and has an information board about it. Compared with the Sentier des Explorateurs, the focus here shifts from woodland life to a historical event.

Discover more destinations: Grusse, Cuvier (Jura), Cuttura, Grande-Rivière, Florentia, Uxelles, Louvenne, Saint-Julien

For the broader travel overview: Jura.