Crêt Monniot

Crêt Monniot is a 1,141-metre summit in the commune of Arc-sous-Cicon, in the Doubs region of the French Jura. It ranks among the best-known viewpoints of the Haut-Doubs plateau and draws a steady stream of families and casual hikers looking for a rewarding half-day outing.

How do you get to Crêt Monniot?

The starting point is Arc-sous-Cicon itself. From there, follow the D388 towards Gilley, passing through the hamlet of Les Cordiers. After roughly five kilometres, signposts point the way to Crêt Monniot, marking the start of the actual ascent. Parking is available near the trailhead, and the route is well marked throughout, requiring no special equipment or experience.

What will you see at the summit?

The loop crosses pastureland and woodland before finishing along a pleasant forest path. The full circuit covers about 5.1 km with 273 metres of elevation gain, which takes around 2 hours 15 minutes at a steady pace — an outing well within reach of most visitors, children included.

Two orientation tables stand at the top, helping visitors identify the surrounding ranges. One faces the Jura ridges and the Alps, while the other overlooks the Haut-Doubs plateaus, the Loue valley, and the open plains of Franche-Comté. On a clear day, the summit offers a genuine 360-degree panorama that takes in the Lomont ridge, the Loue valley, the Jura plateaus, the Vosges, and — visibility permitting — Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps.

A further highlight is a themed interpretation trail called "water acting in the shadow," made up of five information panels. They explain how water has shaped the Jura landscape over thousands of years, from carving valleys to forming the terrain features typical of the region.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn generally offer the clearest air and the longest sightlines, making them the best seasons for the panorama. Summer is pleasant thanks to the shade along the wooded sections, though the summit itself remains exposed to the sun. In winter, snow cover can make the path harder going without proper footwear, but the view takes on an extra, wintry character that many visitors find worth the effort.

Who is this hike suited for?

With a modest elevation gain and a total distance under 6 km, the walk to Crêt Monniot suits beginners and families with children alike. The interpretation trail adds an educational dimension, making the outing engaging for younger visitors as well as adults.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Crêt Monniot? The summit reaches 1,141 metres, making it one of the more prominent viewpoints around Arc-sous-Cicon.

How long does the hike take? The full loop is about 5.1 km with 273 metres of elevation gain, roughly 2 hours 15 minutes at a moderate walking pace.

What can you see from the top? Two orientation tables help identify the Jura ridges, the Alps, the Lomont ridge, the Loue valley, the Haut-Doubs plateaus, and, on clear days, Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes — it's a gentle, well-marked loop with limited elevation gain, made more engaging by the educational trail about water's role in shaping the Jura landscape.