The commune of Planches-près-Arbois is located in the Jura department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 4 km south-east of Arbois.
Its territory of 1.4 km² occupies the bottom of the “reculée des Planches” (also known as “reculée d’Arbois”), a “reculée” being a typically Jura term designating the bottom of a valley ending in a dead end by steep walls.
Oscillating from 320 to 571 m altitude, the entire locality thus constitutes a remarkable and protected natural site (in particular under Natura 2000).
Les Planches-près-Arbois thus have unique and renowned landscapes, covered with forests (51% of their surface area) and meadows (30%).
The Cuisance river has its source at two points, the Planches cave and the Fer à cheval cirque.
The village, which remained modest, was only made a parish in 1788. There were mills and stagecoaches going to Switzerland that had to be pulled by oxen at this location due to the relief...
Today, it is its exceptional natural heritage (sources, waterfalls …) which constitutes the wealth of the commune (less than 100 inhabitants), which has become essential for vacationers visiting the region or staying in the Jura.
In terms of built heritage, the village has preserved a number of old houses and farms of traditional architecture. Although modest, it does not lack picturesqueness and character, with its fountains and flowered balconies...
At the entrance to the small village, it is worth mentioning the church of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin. It was built shortly before the Revolution in a neo-Gothic and neo-classical style when Louis XVI accepted the creation of a parish, since in winter, it was difficult for the faithful to go to the neighboring village of Mesnay... We note that the vault of the choir is decorated with golden stars on a sky blue background (as was originally the case at Arc-et-Senans) and that a painting evoking the Assumption is housed, classified as a object.
The natural heritage is more varied and it is to this that the influx of tourists is due!
Thus, the Tufs waterfall (one of the sources of Cuisance) some 500 m south of the village turns out to be a miracle of geology. 10 m high by 15 m wide, the waterfall has a fan shape and, above and downstream, natural dams made of tuff (limestone rock) called "gours" (basins) are visible. The spectacle is striking but fragile: it is forbidden to bathe or even wade…
Nearby, “water stairs” have also been formed.
Downstream, the river itself has an astonishing “bubbling” character. The village takes its name from the remains of planks once thrown on the watercourse to connect Arbois to Champagnole.
This very particular geology, these limestone cliffs and these springs which constitute the singularity of the remote area and the commune are completed by the cave of Planches, discovered at the beginning of the 19th century, comprising four galleries, and open to visits at from 1936. For security reasons, access to it has been prohibited until further notice since 2012.
Nearby, however, there remains a fish farm (known as the Grottes) which offers trout fishing and sale of gourmet products based on trout raised in these places. Information on +33 3 84 66 13 30.
In addition to the bars and hotels, two establishments of interest should also be mentioned: "O rêve de terre" where vegetables and red fruits are produced and which also offers seed swaps (attach +33 6 73 24 18 99) and the Re-Sources Jura center which hosts courses and stays “to reconnect with nature and oneself” and program of shows and exhibitions: contact +33 6 32 32 10 80.
Outside the waterfall and cliffs, a number of hiking trails are possible from the village which will delight lovers of photos and unique landscapes. From Les Planches, routes of varying length following the course of the Cuisance are available, including Arbois, but it is also possible to reach the plateau and the village of La Châtelaine and its belvederes on the "reculée" to the east. Maps and information at the town hall on +33 3 84 66 11 96 or from the Arbois tourist office on +33 3 84 66 55 50.
Please note: in season, due to the influx of visitors, the village is pedestrianized. There is parking near the church.
