The Colporteur

Randonnée pédestre

Duration

3 days

Distance

45 km

Elevation gain

1250 m

This short 3-day itinerary links two medieval towns. Starting in St-Ursanne (Switzerland), most of the trail is in Switzerland, then you follow the border over the “Clos du Doubs” valley to reach St-Hippolyte (France) at the confluence of the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers. A host of surprises await you, including a magical woodland, a prehistoric park, caves and spectacular views. You can visit the pliers museum in Montécheroux, a town that has exported famous tools all over the world.

Until the 18th century, the Colporteurs transported a wide range of products, fabrics, lace and books from village to village in wooden boxes carried on their backs

Highlights

The two medieval towns
The ridge walk

Access

The return journey to St-Ursanne can be made by taxi or BlaBlaCar (30 minutes). Alternatively, you can do the trail in the opposite direction, in which case you should allow an extra 3 days.

Starting point - Saint-Ursanne

Saint-Ursanne Seleute (Switzerland)

Duration

Distance

9 km

Elevation gain

486 m

This short stopover allows you to take your time and visit this town with its remarkable historical heritage, including the collegiate church and cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the narrow streets of the town and the medieval garden with its medicinal plants. You then head for the Col de la Croix to admire the rugged terrain of this small part of Switzerland. You finally reach Seleute after walking along the ridge.

To discover along the way

Saint-Ursanne et la porte St Pierre

A few steps from the trail

La Chapelle de Plainmont

Seleute Réclère (Switzerland)

Duration

5h30

Distance

17.7 km

Elevation gain

464 m

From Seleute you have to climb back up to the ridge to continue your walk towards the border. You cross the Vallée d’Or, so named because of the white gold, salt, which is heavily taxed by the Gabelle and therefore inevitably smuggled. You will pass by the ruins of the Château de la Roche d’Or. Stop off at the Faux d’Enson tower for a 360° panoramic view and finish off with a visit to the Réclères caves and its prehistoric park.

To discover along the way

Les bornes frontières
La tour d’observation de la faux d’Enson

A few steps from the trail

Les ruines du Château de Roche d’Or (1000m)

Réclère (Switzerland) Saint-Hippolyte (France)

Duration

Distance

18.3 km

Elevation gain

525 m

From Réclère you follow the border along the ridge, before reaching Montécheroux, which was internationally renowned for the manufacture of tools for the watchmaking and medical industries. The path then skirts the rocky ridge overlooking St Hippolyte. You then come to the Grotte du Bisontin, a magnificent karstic arch that is said to have been a smuggler’s lair. It’s a magical place! Then you finish your tour in Saint-Hippolyte, a small medieval village at the confluence of the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers.

Warning! There are no resupply points along the route.