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Step into the shoes of a smuggler
Follow this route between the medieval towns of Saint-Ursanne (CH) and Saint-Hippolyte (FR). Tread the paths of the Doubs valley in the footsteps of the colporteurs and (re)discover the ultimate nomadic occupation.
Throughout this adventure you will follow the border between France and Switzerland, drinking in some stunning scenery.
COLPORTEURS, CROSS THE BORDER!3 days following in the footsteps of ideas smuggling
Step back in time and rediscover the importance of the pedlar for isolated populations in the mountains. Collect your goods in Saint-Ursanne, then set off for Saint-Hippolyte to sell them. As your journey progresses, you will learn that peddling is as much about ideas as about goods. Pedlars were known for spreading their subversive ideas (religious books, images, etc.). And on that note, don't forget to unearth the mysterious message hidden in the three letters you have been asked to take to Montécheroux.
Transports
Train
Gares de Saignelégier
ou de Saint-Ursanne
www.cff.ch
• Chemins de fer du Jura
www.les-cj.ch
Taxis
Saint-Ursanne :
+41 (0)32 461 36 63 / +41 (0)79 836 09 12
Saint-Hippolyte :
• Taxi service 0 800 800 245
• Allo taxi manu +33 (0)6 07 62 85 98
Bus (Suisse)
• Car postal
0848 40 20 40
www.carpostal.ch
• Chemins de fer du Jura
www.les-cj.ch
Balisage
Balisage commun sur l’ensemble du sentier
| En France Régional GR® 5 |
En Suisse |
 |
|
| Carte IGN 3623 OT Gorges du Doubs |
Carte Swiss Topo |
Highlights of the route
Saint-Ursanne medieval town, the Vallée d'Or and the small Franche-Comté town of Saint-Hippolyte.
Technical data file
The starting point for your three-day, 45km, walk is the picturesque medieval town of Saint-Ursanne, known as the "pearl of the Jura". After visiting the town, set off through the Vallée d'Or just like the white gold (salt) smugglers of the past.
Take a look at the restored customs officers' huts near Chamesol before finishing your journey with a visit to the little Franche-Comté town of Saint-Hippolyte, at the confluence of the Doubs and the Dessoubre.
Travel back from Saint-Hippolyte to Saint-Ursanne by taxi, or by public transport (bus from Goumois and then a train from Saignelégier) or on foot, on the GR5 following the "Au fil du Doubs" route (allow 3 extra days).
ONLINE MAP
ASCENT PROFIL
Le Colporteur - step 1
| DISTANCE : 9.00Km | ASCENT : 486 m | Walking time : 3h00 |
Begin your walk by exploring Saint-Ursanne, the "pearl of the Jura". Enjoy the picturesque medieval architecture before heading through Boétchérie Wood to Seleute. Why not stop on La Croix pass (789m) or near Plainmont Chapel (850m) to take in the view?
To discover on the way
. Saint-Pierre gate known as the Delémont gate
. Plainmont Chapel
. Col de la Croix viewpoint
Le Colporteur - step 2
| DISTANCE : 17.70Km | ASCENT : 460 m | Walking time : 5h30 |
This second step takes you across the border and plunges you right into the history of smuggling.Cross the Vallée d'Or just like white gold (salt) smugglers did in days gone by. Discover the ruins of Roche d'Or castle. Don't miss the views from Faux d'Enson tower! Your walk finishes with a visit to Réclère caves and an opportunity to explore the Jurassic period at Préhisto-parc.
To discover on the way
. Réclère caves
. Boundary markers
. Faux d’Enson observation tower
Le Colporteur - step 3
| DISTANCE : 18.30Km | ASCENT : 525m | Walking time : 6h00 |
Colporteurs, cross the border and shiver with the danger of the contraband you are carrying. Tremble as you pass the customs officer's hut near Chamesol and get to know the customs officers' ways. At Montécheroux, the museum of pliers is full of surprises. Lift the lid on the fascinating stories behind this everyday tool. Explore a real smuggler's hideaway, the Bisontin Cave, and finish your walk by exploring the small Franche-Comté town of Saint-Hippolyte.
To discover on the way
. The medieval town of Saint-Hippolyte
. Customs officer's hut
. Montjoie castle
Well for walking
. INFORMATIONS
Office de Tourisme de saint-ursanne - Jura tourisme
+41 (0)32 420 47 73 | info@juratourisme.ch
Place Roger Schaffter - 2882 SAINT-URSANNE - CH
www.juratoursime.ch
Office de Tourisme du Pays Horloger
Bureau de Saint-Hippolyte +33 (0)8196 58 00 |
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville - 25190 SAINT-HIPPOLYTE - FR
www.pays-horloger.com
. Weather
Tél. : 08 92 68 02 21 - refreshed 3 times per day
. Book your accommodation
. Take ID with you d’identité
. Préparer sa randonnée
plan : hiking shoes, backpack, rain gear , water bottle , sunscreen, hat, first aid kit, Swiss army knife , binoculars etc ...La time set for the steps is given for information only. This is an estimate based on an actual running time, which takes into account the length and height differences . Adjust your pace. Do not go too fast, take regular breaks and take time to marvel at the beauty of nature around you !
. Respect nature
