Métabief-Frasne
65km
+1250m
3h30-4h00
spring/summer
2/5*
Physical & technical
Starting from Métabief, you’ll begin the second part of the 120 km gravel loop, which I completed in two days. This route will allow you to discover the full diversity of the Doubs. The first half of the itinerary consists of country roads mixed to wide gravel paths and singletracks.
The beginning of the route will lead you to Fort de Saint-Antoine, a former military fort converted into a cheese aging cellar for Comté. If you wish, you can plan a visit after your ride—just remember to book in advance 🙂 After climbing up to the fort, you’ll descend towards Lake Saint-Point, the third largest natural lake in France!
You’ll then head towards Fort de Malher, which offers a stunning view of Château de Joux, located just across from it. You’ll need to climb nearly 300 meters of elevation to reach it, but the view is absolutely worth the effort! After taking in the view, you’ll get back on your steps before descending towards Pontarlier.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can venture to the Fer à Cheval viewpoint, which isn’t directly on the route but is nearby. You’ll need to push your bike to get there, but the descent to Pontarlier afterward is smooth and enjoyable.
Once you arrive in Pontarlier, I recommend taking a break at a bakery or restaurant (you’ll find some good recommendations at the end of the article). After crossing the town, you’ll need to climb again on a quiet road that will lead you to a network of forest trails. This part was my favorite!
As you emerge from this long section in the forest, you’ll feel that the end of the route is near, and Frasne won’t be far away. You’ll follow a few more roads before reaching the finish point of this itinerary 🙂
Map & GPX
tested
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 :
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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
