Sentier de la Jougnena
Overview
-
-
Distance 19 km
-
Duration 5 h
-
Ascent 480 m
Intro
The historical trail through the Jougnena valley shows the close connection between Jougne, Ballaigues and Vallorbe. Information panels illustrate the history of the valley from Roman times to the present day. Along the way, you can visit the Vallorbe Iron and Railway Museum, the Le Day viaduct and the Saint-Maurice chapel.
Description
The theme trail between Vallorbe, Ballaigues and the French village of Jougne explores the geography, history and present time of the cross-border industrial valley of La Jougnena. It follows an inoperative railway line and a former pilgrimage route. Information panels along the way explain the history of the trade and transport routes since Roman times as well as the development of crafts and iron smelting. Further information documents are available from the tourism office in Vallorbe.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Vallorbe nestles on the banks of the Orbe river. The hike starts at the train station which is surprisingly large for a village with less than 4000 inhabitants. This is due to its historical importance: Vallorbe is a railway junction and an important border station. In 1915, the Mont d'Or tunnel was opened here on the Paris-Dijon-Vallorbe-Lausanne-Simplon-Milan line. The trains cross the Orbe river on the impressive Le Day railway viaduct which you pass along the hiking trail. Some 450 metres downstream, the Orbe is dammed by the Barrage du Day. Crossing the dam wall, the trail then continues to Ballaigues.
A bit outside in the forest near Chez Barrat, you will discover a historical track (Roman road). In the middle of the 19th century, salt was transported from the French salt works to Bern and western Switzerland. After a short while you enter France on foot. The trail follows the river Jougnena which rises at the south-western end of the Aiguilles de Baulmes, flows into France and then back into Switzerland into the Orbe. Before arriving in Jougne, where you turn around, you pass the Saint-Maurice chapel. It is located on a former pilgrimage route between the abbey of Saint-Maurice in Valais and Burgundy. From Jougne, you follow a railway line that once connected Vallorbe at the foot of Mont d'Or and Dent de Vaulion with Pontarlier. Opened in 1875, it was damaged during the Second World War and gradually closed down. If you want to delve further into the industrial history of the region, you can visit the iron and railway museum back in Vallorbe.
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 |
Vallorbe
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Vallorbe
|
| Ascent |
480 m
|
| Descent |
480 m
|
| Distance |
19 km
|
| Duration |
5 h
|
| Duration back |
5 h
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Quick Facts
Route number
