Luca In The Alps

🗺️ Hike Overview Starting point:  Le-Haut-de-la-Côte, 1050 m Highest point:  End of the via ferrata, 1120m Distance:  ~2.4 km round trip Elevation gain:  ~150 m Duration:  1h30 (loop) Difficulty:  K3 via ferrata Download GPS file Via ferrata di Tichodrome is special as It Is the only via ferrata in the Jura! It starts above Noiraigue on the other side of the cliff at the parking of the restaurant Le-Haut-de-la-Côte, 1050m. From there you go down the road towards Noirague (there is a shortcut in the woods) after crossing the road twice you climb in the forest for 5 min and there you are at the start of the via ferrata. N.B.: The via is closed from 01/01 to 30/06 as it is the period when the Tichodrome bird makes its nest! The entire via is nested along a rock ledge. It is not a difficult one, marked and K3. The most thrilling point is right at the center where there is a short but very exposed section. It takes about half an hour to arrive at the end where ...

🗺️ 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 Download GPS file 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 ...

  🗺️ Overview Starting point:  La Gittaz Dessous, 1250 m Highest point:  Aiguilles de Baulmes, 1560 m Distance:  ~6.5 km Elevation gain:  ~350 m Duration:  ~3 to 3.5 hours Difficulty:  Moderate (steep sections, narrow paths) Family-friendly:  Yes, with caution (Cave Noire detour is short but exposed) Download GPS file This hike offers a taste of adventure, quiet Jura forest trails, and wide views over the lakes — all just above Saint-Croix. It includes a steep ascent to a ridge, an optional detour to the  Cave Noire , and ends at the dramatic summit of the  Aiguilles de Baulmes , a jagged crest with stunning cliff views. The Trail The hike begins at La Gittaz Dessous (1250 m) , accessible via a small road from behind Saint-Croix . There’s a small parking area at the village, but the better option is to continue a little further — follow the left fork at the signposts instead of going to La Gittaz Dessus. You’ll find a larger and sh...

🗺️ Overview Starting point : Col du Mollendruz (1180 m) Summit : Châtel Cross (1442 m) Distance : 7.8 km round trip Ascent : ~270 m Time : ~1h30 with a brisk pace or 2h30–3h round trip with kids Difficulty : Easy Suitable for : Families, beginners, snowshoes in winter Download GPS file The hike to the summit cross of  Châtel , above Montricher, is one of my all-time classics. It’s easy, scenic, and family-friendly—perfect even with a 4-year-old, who managed (almost) the entire walk. Whether in  summer   or  winter , this route works beautifully—snowshoeing in the cold months or hiking under a clear June sky, as you can clearly see in the pictures below 🤣 . Bonus: there are cozy mountain huts along the way for tea, cake, or even fondue. The Trail While there’s a longer route starting from Montricher , I usually begin at Col du Mollendruz (1180m) , where the snowshoe trails are marked in winter. There’s ample parking, but it can fill up on sunny...