Creux du Van - The Jurassic Amphitheatre

🗺️ Overview

• Starting point: Noiraigue, 780 m (Devins parking)

• Highest point: Creux du Van center, 1454 m

• Distance: ~12 km loop

• Elevation gain: ~780 m

• Duration: 3.5-4 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

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This counts as a classic even if I don’t do it that often. The Creux du Van is a landmark in the Swiss Jura: a semicircular cliff ridge that plunges dramatically into a natural amphitheatre. It’s one of the most impressive rock formations in the country and a rewarding loop hike that combines forest paths, alpine views, and dramatic cliffside panoramas.

The Trail

The hike starts in Noiraigue, at 740 m. Cross the village and the train tracks to reach the Devins parking, located just at the foot of the hill. From there, follow the asphalt road, which turns to gravel after a few minutes. Shortly after, you’ll reach a signpost offering two options to hike the Creux du Van loop.

I followed the right-hand path, which takes you above the cliff first and below it on the return. The gravel road climbs steadily for the first 20–30 minutes, leading to a ferme with a buvette — a great spot to pause, especially with kids.

Just beyond the buvette, take the “Sentier des 14 contours”, a zigzagging trail through the forest. After about 1 hour, the forest clears and the cliff circle suddenly opens up in front of you — a stunning moment.

The trail then continues along the rim of the Creux du Van, which was recently renovated. It now features a wide gravel path, secured viewpoints, and a low stone wall (to keep cows in, not you out!). The path weaves in and out of the wall to reach scenic viewpoints. One of the most spectacular spots is a flat rock slab sticking out just before the summit.

About 10 minutes further brings you to the center and highest point of the circle at 1454 m. You can optionally detour inland to Le Soliat (1464 m), the actual peak, though it’s rather anticlimactic. If you're not a peak freak, simply continue along the ridge.

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Descent

After another 10 minutes, the path begins descending steeply down the shoulder of the cliff. This stretch is shaded and may still have snow in May, making it slippery. If you're hiking early in the season, it’s better to hike the loop clockwise, keeping this steep part as the uphill section.

After about 20 minutes of descent, you’ll reach a gravel road. From here, you can choose the steeper footpath or the gentler but longer road. Eventually, you arrive at a T-intersection pointing to Ferme Robert in both directions. The time is about the same either way — I usually go left.

Soon you’ll find a picnic area. You can follow the road or, if you're feeling adventurous, take the unmarked shortcut trail on the right. It’s a small detour that reconnects shortly before Ferme Robert.

After another 20 minutes, you’ll reach Ferme Robert, a rustic restaurant and exhibition space accessible by car. From here, continue briefly along the road until a signpost directs you down a footpath to Noiraigue. This path avoids the road's long loop and brings you back to the original signpost in 10 minutes. Another 5 minutes and you’re back at the parking.