Hotel in the Haut-Jura close to cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing and hiking trails

In the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, Foncine is an unspoilt and typical Jura village. At an altitude of 870 metres and just a few kilometres from Switzerland, its natural beauty is evident all year round, making it an ideal playground for sports enthusiasts and families who want to enjoy the great outdoors.

Close to Auberge de la Rivière, you can explore some of Foncine’s unmissable sights: the source of the Saine river, Le Bulay’s panoramic viewpoint with its stunning views of the Jura mountains, the Le Creux Maldru, a cave which extends some fifteen metres underground and served as a shelter for priests during the French Revolution, and La Langouette’s waterfalls and gorges. 

In the winter, the nearby hamlet of Chez Valentin is the perfect starting point for hiking and snowshoeing. In just a few minutes, you can reach snowshoeing trails, cross-country skiing trails and downhill runs (ideal for children) for the ultimate outdoor family holiday! 

Incredible natural landmarks and hiking trails

Boasting lakes and forests, mountains and uplands, waterfalls and rivers, villages and vineyards, the Haut Jura is home to wonderfully varied landscapes: perfect for exploring with that special someone, friends or family. 

A haven for hikers of all levels, the region has more than 5,000 kilometres of paths and trails which criss-cross these stunning landscapes.

A stay at Auberge de la Rivière is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the region’s unspoilt natural surroundings:

• Les Cascades du Hérisson: Made up of some 3131 successive waterfalls over a distance of 3 kilometres, the Hérisson river drops 300 metres here: a stunning sight for tourists! These impressive waterfalls are recognised as a Grand Site de France, and are definitely worth a visit.
• Le Plateau des 7 Lacs: In the heart of the Hérisson Valley, this is another Grand Site de France and with good reason! Nicknamed “little Scotland”, this region boasts lakes, forests and mountains. Along with Les Cascades du Hérisson, this is the largest natural landmark in Franche-Comté.
• Le Belvédère des 4 Lacs: Accessible on foot from Le Pic d’Aigle and by car (parking is available), this is a stunning site! It boasts views of 4 lakes – Narlay, Ilay, Petit and Grand Maclu and beautiful light, depending on when you visit
• Chalain lake: Although it has three beaches and offers a wide range of water sports, this is also a great spot for hikers and fans of fauna, flora and archaeological remains. You’ll be amazed by the Jura’s largest lake, with its stunning turquoise waters and the forests and mountains which surround it.
• Clairvaux lake and Vouglans lake: These lakes, respectively just 35 kilometres and 55 kilometres from Auberge de la Rivière, are the ideal destination if you’re looking to relax with friends, family or your other half, or go hiking as you marvel at the water and the beautiful surroundings.
• Mont d’Or: Less than 30 kilometres from Auberge de la Rivière, near Métabief and straddling France and Switzerland, Mont d’Or stands tall at 1,500 metres. Whether you make your way up on foot or by car, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from the top.

Auberge de la Rivière boasts an ideal location, close to two ski resorts, Métabief and Les Rousses. In summer, there’s plenty of exciting outdoor activities to keep you busy, whether you’re staying with your other half, family or friends: mountain biking, tree-top rope courses, horse riding, orienteering, via ferrata and more. 

Fans of water sports will find just what they’re looking for at the Lac des Rousses, from swimming and canoeing to kayaking and stand-up paddle.

Once the snow starts to fall, it’s time to enjoy winter sports and incredible hikes: the Jura’s ski resorts are within easy reach of Auberge de la Rivière and are ideal both for beginners and children and for experienced skiers and thrill-seeking adults. 

To the south, Les Rousses, a sustainable Flocon Vert resort, is made up of 4 villages in the heart of the Jura mountains, at altitudes of between 1,107 and 1,680 metres. With 57 downhill ski runs, 200 km of cross-country skiing trails and 78 km of snowshoeing trails, there’s plenty to enjoy, especially now that a new ski area has opened: Jura sur Léman is the culmination of a brilliant Franco-Swiss initiative.

To the north, Métabief, which is in the heart of the Jura’s mountains, reaches an elevation of 1,400 metres and boasts 37 km of downhill ski runs, three cross-country skiing trails, four fun zones for children and plenty of snowshoeing trails. It’s the perfect day out, just 30 km from Auberge de la Rivière.

Two iconic hiking trails cross through the village of Foncine: 

• The Grande Traversée du Jura: whether you opt for walking, cycling, horse riding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, there’s no better way to explore the Jura on one of the seven routes of this trail which links the departments of Doubs and Ain.
• The Échappée Jurassienne: with 352 km of signposted trails, make your way from Dole to Nyon, along the shore of Lake Geneva, or Saint-Claude, climbing steadily to enjoy stunning views of the region’s incredible landscapes from the summit of the Jura’s mountain range.

These two incredible hiking trails which cross the Jura go right past Auberge de la Rivière: the perfect opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved rest after a busy day! 

Known for its incredible local ingredients and traditional dishes, the Jura is a wonderful destination for foodies! The region produces a number of well-known and popular cheeses, including Comté, Mont d’Or and Morbier. Treat yourself to a Comté fondue or a warm Mont d’Or or Morbier, served with potatoes and bacon.

To accompany iconic local dishes such as trout or chicken in yellow wine, Comtois stew and Morteau and Montbéliard sausages, opt for local wines from the Jura region; in addition to the traditional red and white crus, you’ll want to try the region’s local specialities, vin jaune (a matured white wine) and vin de paille (a sweet, syrupy white wine).