Frasne-Métabief
65km
+1300m
3h30-4h00
spring/summer
2/5*
Physical & technical
Starting from Frasne, this 120 km gravel loop, which I’ve chosen to divide into two days, will allow you to discover the full diversity of the Doubs. Far from any traffic, you’ll traverse the department by following peaceful country roads and forest paths also used by the Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ). You’ll pass through numerous cow pastures and can take a break at one of the many dairies located near the route.
The beginning of the route mainly follows country roads, which you will join after leaving Frasne. You’ll pass through the Frasne-Bouverans Peatland Nature Reserve, which is accessible on foot, with bike facilities available for secure parking. You’ll then continue towards Bonnevaux, where you’ll find La Pastorale Farm Museum, a traditional farm of the Haut-Doubs that perfectly illustrates how local farmers have adapted to the challenges of this mid-mountain region for dairy production. Still on country roads, you’ll reach the village of Remoray, where you’ll pass by its church and the old 19th-century presbytery.
Next, head towards Mouthe, the coldest village in France, which recorded a record low temperature of -36.7°C on January 13, 1968! But don’t worry, in summer the temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 25 and 30°C. You can also admire the Source of the Doubs, which originates in Mouthe. Nearby, you’ll find the Chalet de la Source, a restaurant/café perfect for a mid-route break. There’s also a water fountain located just above.
After Mouthe, you’ll continue along gravel paths while tackling most of the elevation gain, which is reserved for the second half of the route!
You’ll also follow the Swiss border, crossing it for about 5 to 6 kilometers on the other side.
You’ll then reach Métabief, the end point of this route. If you prefer to complete the entire loop in one go, Métabief can also serve as the halfway point on the itinerary 🙂
- What is a peatland? It is a wetland colonized by vegetation in a water-saturated environment. Peatlands cover only 3% of the world’s land surface but store nearly 550 billion tons of carbon, which is twice as much as all the forests in the world.
Map & GPX
testé
Accessibility
Best Addresses
(*tested)
RESTAURANTS
Boulangerie aux saveurs frasnoises*
Bakery - sucré&salé
ACTIVITIES
La Source du Doubs*
Walk to the Source of the Doubs
Culinary Specialties / Local Products
- La Fondue Comtoise
- Le Poulet aux Morilles
- La Potée Comtoise
- Les Salaisons :
-
Morteau sausage and Montbéliard sausage, known for being slowly smoked in a "Tuyé," a large conical chimney used in local farms.
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- La Morbiflette
- Le Fromage
- Le Comté
- Le Morbier
- Le Mont d'Or
- Les boissons
- l'Absinthe : More than just a drink, absinthe is accompanied by a whole ritual. It was banned for many years before being reinstated in 2001.
- le Pontarlier/Pontarlier Anis : Anise-flavored alcoholic aperitif made in Pontarlier, created in 1921 by Armand Guy (registered trademark for the “Pontarlier-Anis” from the Pierre Guy distillery in Pontarlier).
- Le Gâteau de Ménage
My Equipments
For this itinerary
Discover the Doubs through a 120 km gravel loop starting from Frasne. A perfect route for adventure enthusiasts!
Article in collaboration with @doubs_tourisme and Département du Doubs @doubscd25
