Parking at the Consolation site car park (S).
Exit the car park in the direction of the site, past the water mill and take the road to begin your ascent (1).
When climbing up, there is a sign on the right pointing out the Roche du Prêtre at the edge of a path, take this (2).
Having arrived at the top by the road, go ahead to the right of the restaurant to find a path with a Roche du Prêtre signboard (3).
Take this and, once you reach the top, go past the statue of the Virgin Mary and take the path left towards the zipline. Here, goover the bridge to the right and follow the path along the cliff (4). At the intersection with another path, turn left into an area with housing called la Scie above.
Here, take the path on the left, along the pasture to get to a path crossed by a wooden fence (5).
Head straight on taking the path following the signs for Roche du Prêtre, to reach the top the Roche du Prêtre and its viewpoint (6).
Then head back onto the road and, at the junction, take right heading downhill make your way back to the aforementioned wooden fence (7).
There, turn right at the sign for Consolation, ignoring the sign advising the wearing of a helmet. Follow the path along the cliff until you come to some metal stairs.
Follow the path to find a further set of metal stairs.
At the bottom, turn right on the road to get to the Consolation site, always following the directions indicated by the signs, namely towards Consolation. Head through the park to then return to the car park (F).
A walk around the Cirque de Consolation with a thrilling variety of views and valleys. Beautiful panoramic views and bodies of water on way.
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Activity: Walking
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Distance: 6.19 km
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Calculated time: 2h 50
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Return to departure point: Yes
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Vertical gain: + 358 m
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Vertical drop: - 359 m
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Highest point: 832 m
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Lowest point: 503 m
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Area: Jura mountains
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District: Consolation-Maisonnettes (25390)
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Start/End: N 47.158547° / E 6.605913°
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IGN map(s): Ref. 3523OT, 3524OT
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Description
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 504 m - Dessoubre (rivière)
- 1 : km 0.16 - alt. 522 m
- 2 : km 0.42 - alt. 556 m
- 3 : km 0.64 - alt. 616 m
- 4 : km 0.8 - alt. 657 m
- 5 : km 1.63 - alt. 672 m
- 6 : km 2.85 - alt. 826 m
- 7 : km 3.03 - alt. 808 m
- S/E : km 6.19 - alt. 503 m
Useful Information
- Equipment is required, especially good walking shoes, and a helmet is recommended.
- Various shops in the park.
- Not suitable for children due to the two difficult sections on metal stairs, nor should it be attempted in the rain.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Other walks in the area
The Saut du Doubs
Departure from Villers-le-Lac (25 - Doubs)
This walk is a marvellous way to explore the beautiful Saut du Doubs.
Môtiers: The Poëta-Raisse Gorges
Departure from Môtiers (Canton of Neuchâtel)
Rousseau once wrote «I have, opposite my windows, a beautiful waterfall which from the mountain top, plunges from a rocky escarpment into the valley, with a sound heard for miles around, especially when waters are high». From waterfall to waterfall, alongside these impressively steep gorges which once inspired fear (poëta from the latin putidus meaning "altered, fetid"), this trail will lead you through a delightful hike through rocks and water.
The Nouailles Gorges and the Source of the Loue
Departure from Mouthier-Haute-Pierre (25 - Doubs)
From the old village of Mouthier, you will climb up to the tourism hotspot Franche-Comté , one of the major natural sites of Doubs: the Source of the Loue and up the Nouailles Gorges. You will overlook its emerald green waters interspersed with rapids and waterfalls, climbing and a scenic, physically demanding trail, perhaps surprising along the way some old forgers printing counterfeit money in the shade of caves and returning by the crest of cliffs and lookout points overlooking the valley.
Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, lookout points, Source de la Loue (spring), Rocher de Hautepierre (rock)
Departure from Mouthier-Haute-Pierre (25 - Doubs)
The Loue Spring (tributary of the Doubs) is a resurgence of the Doubs. After journeying underground, it comes out into the open air at the bottom of a 'reculée' (steephead valley), at the foot of the rock face. It has cut deep into the limestone of the Jura massif, creating an enclosed valley, which I invite you to gaze at and contemplate from the many lookout points. You will also go down to the bottom of the gorge to discover this impressive resurgence.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.