Basel–Franches-Montagnes
Overview
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Distance 36 km
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Ascent 760 m
Intro
Through the sheer rock walls of the Gorges de Pichoux, passing the former Bellelay Monastery, you reach the Freiberge region at 1000m altitude, its rugged beauty laced with lush green pastures, firs and moors.
Description
When you leave the historic town of Delémont, the Sorne River will accompany you through a broad depression and past the villages of Courtételle and Courfaivre in the Fold Jura. The river originates on the eastern edge of the Franches-Montagnes district. It is one of the most important tributaries to the Birs. Grey herons are often spotted here as they search for breakfast, surrounded by river, highway and railroad tracks. Cars and trains don’t seem to disturb the birds, not even bike riders. But the moment they see a camera, they’re gone in a flash! A lovely part of the river follows after Bassecourt along the main road where there is not much traffic. Shortly before Undervelier you reach the "Grotte de Sainte-Colombe". This cave extends 30 m into the mountain. The karst spring all the way in the back is said to have magical healing power and therefore it is now a place of pilgrimage.
The beautiful "Gorges du Pichoux" feels almost like a mountain pass. It is located in an area with countless small springs. Limestone rocks coming loose from the steep cliffs are often found lying in the road. The gorge is two km long and the Sorne loses 200 m in altitude here. It’s always great to be in Haute-Sorne. Not even the long uphill struggle can change this. Bellelay is located at 930 m on the eastern edge of the Franches-Montagnes district. The former premonstrate monastery, a Roman Catholic order, is an impressive sight, and let’s not forget the "Maison de la Tête de Moine", where the famous “monk’s head cheese” is sold.
The 1000 m mark is finally reached in Les Genevez. It smells heavenly here because of the recently cut trees. The distinctive forests and pastures are typical for this area, as are the long dry stone walls. Groups of hikers, stately farm houses, cows, sheep, horses, donkeys or mules are other frequent encounters. And the wind farms in the distance, surrounded by the down-to-earth beauty of the Franches-Montagnes region.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Delémont
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Tramelan
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| Ascent |
760 m
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| Descent |
170 m
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| Distance |
36 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
36 km
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Theme |
Through a nature conservation area
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/... |
Quick Facts
Route number
