Foncine-le-Haut is a town in the Jura, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, located 55 km east of Lons-le-Saunier.
Bordering the Doubs, located in the middle of the mountains (its altitude varies from 850 to 1212 m), the village has just over 1,000 inhabitants. Until the 19th century, the population was dispersed in many hamlets. In a verdant natural setting, its traditional agricultural activity (breeding and Comté cheese dairy) and artisanal activity (woodworking) has been combined since the 1980s with a tourist welcome centered on winter sports (cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing). In summer, hiking enthusiasts are spoiled here.
Foncine-le-Haut was also once renowned for its craftsmen and workers specializing in watchmaking and diamond cutting, but these activities could not continue.
Its historical heritage, its remarkable natural environment and its sports and leisure facilities and facilities make the small town a popular vacation spot in all seasons.
Be careful not to confuse the village with Foncine-le-Bas, a bordering town of around 300 inhabitants separated by the Saine valley.
Before discovering the winter sports resort or the natural environment of the village, a first visit to Foncine-le-Haut can include certain elements of built heritage.
This is the case of the Saint-Léger church (15th century), in the village, whose remarkable pulpit comes from the abbey of Bonlieu where it was purchased during the Revolution. Many chapels and oratories also dot the territory, which has many hamlets whose inhabitants were sometimes isolated in the past in winter. To see as well, the chapel dedicated to Saint-François de Sales (18th century), in the hamlet of Ruines, the oratory of Saint Roch (17th century), or the oratory of Saint Joseph erected in 1675 by grouped woodworkers in the brotherhood of Saint Joseph.
To see again, the monument of the Sacred Heart, 7 meters high, surmounted by a statue of Christ who seems to extend his arms over the country. This astonishing construction was made with pierced stones typical of the geology of the place.
Always before setting off on the slopes… or the hiking trails, we will stop at La Chevry to observe a menhir, on the right bank of the Saine, spanned a few steps by a bridge of Roman origin.
The site of La Roche splite is also worth the detour: a 100 m high cut due to erosion which allows you to distinguish beds of hard white limestone and an accumulation of bluish marls.
Finally, we will not forget the source of the Saine, at the foot of Mont Bayard, dug into the mountain.
In terms of winter sports, the resort offers a hundred kilometers of slopes for all levels on four sites. Daily pass: 4.50 to 8.50 euros. Ski rental on +33 3 84 51 95 30. Information on the snow conditions and the open slopes on +33 3 84 51 93 11 or +33 3 84 51 90 77.
For snowshoeing, 40 kilometers are laid out on different sites. Daily pass: 3 euros, free for those under 25. Information on +33 3 84 51 93 11.
Finally, for downhill skiing, 3 runs served by three ski lifts are available to amateurs. Half-day pass: 10 to 13 euros. Information on +33 3 84 51 93 11 or +33 3 84 51 90 77.
For beginners, but also to discover disciplines such as biathlon or take approved tests (flakes, stars...), the ski school is reachable on +33 6 47 38 40 14.
In summer, it's the hikers who are at the party. Many marked trails have been laid out of varying difficulty. It is obviously preferable to inquire before committing to the medium mountains. Contact +33 3 84 51 93 11 or the Grandes Traversées du Jura association on +33 3 84 51 51 51.
Note that from the village, a themed "botanical" trail and a "sports" trail are also accessible.
For those who prefer mountain biking, some 200 km of adapted trails and routes are available at the start or including Foncine-le-Haut. A special guide is available on +33 3 84 51 93 11.
A bowling alley is also available to holidaymakers or simple visitors, as well as tennis courts (reservation on +33 3 84 51 93 11).
Finally, the village is known to trout fishing enthusiasts, in the Saine river (from the second Saturday in March to the 3rd Sunday in September). Cards on sale on +33 3 84 51 93 11.
Finally, in a completely different register, to combine the pleasure of apprehending a unique know-how and gastronomy, a visit to the cheese dairy is possible... Information on +33 3 84 51 92 46.
