Cerniébaud is a commune in the Jura department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 25 km east of Champagnole (by road).
Bordering the Doubs to the south-east, its territory of 10 km² ranges from 926 to 1237 m in altitude. Bordering the Nozeroy plateau to the northwest, the locality is located on the Haute-Joux chain, which belongs to the Jura massif. Its highest point, Mont de Saint-Sorlin, is located on the edge of the commune of Les Pontets, to the south-east.
The municipality of Cerniébaud has preserved a green environment, made up of forests (61.5% of its area) and meadows (some 26%). The latter are mainly dedicated to the mountain pastures of cows of the Montbéliarde breed, adapted to the mid-mountain terrain and whose milk makes it possible to produce excellent cheeses.
However, for several decades now, the small town, which has only 90 inhabitants, has been especially renowned for its cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, which have also become very popular paths for walkers in summer. Green tourism enthusiasts be warned!
If Cerniébaud does not have a rich built or historical heritage (it is notably devoid of a church, the town being co-owner of that of the village of Fraroz, a few kilometers to the north-west), we nevertheless notice on the small town or the hamlets a few wayside crosses and dwellings or farmhouses with traditional architecture. They are thus adapted to the climate that is often snowy in the heart of winter...
On the other hand, as regards the natural heritage, Cerniébaud, which is largely covered on its "eastern" half by the forest of Haute-Joux has certain riches.
Between wooded areas, meadows and valleys, the green partially turns into white in winter and the town then becomes a small resort: its area is indeed one of the components of the Nordic Site of Haute Joux which is also covers the locality of Mignovillard. 22 cross-country ski trails are then available to enthusiasts (i.e. a potential total of 172 km!) and 13 trails reserved for snowshoeing (i.e. 58 km of varied routes). Basic price per day: from 5 to 9 euros. Inquire on +33 3 84 51 19 15.
Located on the edge of the slopes and the forest, the Chalet de la Haute Joux, which serves as a base camp for skiers and includes a holiday village offering a number of activities in winter and summer: cross-country ski or snowshoe rental and lessons, biathlon with instructor, temporary ice rink, and from spring onwards, horseback riding, climbing, orienteering, archery, mountain biking, adventure course for young people (ziplines, etc.). Note that if the chalet can accommodate a hundred holidaymakers in terms of accommodation, the activities are partly accessible to non-residents. Information on +33 3 84 51 10 39.
In addition to this Nordic family resort, other activities are also possible in season. It is thus possible to attend the milking of the cows in several farms of the commune (with possible tasting of dairy products) or to discover the astonishing site of Sapin Lyre, north of the village, on the road to Mignovillard: at the n the edge of the forest, a fir tree has developed following what evokes the shape of a lyre…
Farms like the fir tree or even some elements of small heritage will obviously mark out hikes in summer all at the same time soothing and exotic in an environment as green as it is preserved. Different marked routes on or from the town are accessible, which climb for example from Mont de Saint-Sorlin, the highest point of the chain, the bravest can also reach Champagnole to the west or Mouthe and the source of the Doubs, to the south-east… Maps and information on +33 3 84 52 43 67.
The second weekend of January, the Traversée de la Haute-Joux brings together several hundred skiers for races of 10 or 20 km.
The last weekend of January, the car rally of the Ronde du Jura traditionally includes an event taking place in the locality: the Haute-Joux special.
