Outdoor activities
Tie your shoelaces and go!
The region is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Several popular walking routes pass directly through Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne; you can find these and further hiking suggestions here. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, check out these tried-and-tested cycling circuits.
Explore the region’s beautiful rivers, perhaps starting at nearby Ornans where you can join a guided tour on the Loue in a hired kayak or canoe. For the ultra-adventurous there is canyoning and water trekking as close by as Baume-les-Messieurs, an hour’s drive away.
The Jura region is riddled with caves – indeed one of Europes’ largest cave systems, the Verneau (pictured above), lies behind the rockfaces overlooking «La Maison Suisse». Proper caving gear is essential (and available for hire at some sites, including Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne).
But there are several tourist-safe grottoes as well (for example, Gouffre de Poudrey pictured above, Grotte d’Osselle, Grotte de la Glacière, Grotte des Planches, Grotte des Moidons) which are perfect for visiting on a rainy day, or to escape the summer heat.
A well-known via ferrata (fixed rope route) overlooks Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne. The village hostel hires climbing gear … or you can observe activity in comfort from the house balcony.
The young and young at heart can experience safe thrills not far away at the acrobatic adventure park just outside Salins-les-Bains. Expect to return home pleasantly exhausted!
The Ecurie des Sources riding stable just a few kilometres away in Eternoz offers training and trekking for all ages and experience levels. Closer still is the Ferme équestre du Pont du Diable at Crouzet-Migette, just up the road from Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne.
Take the Coni’fer steam railway between Les-Hôpitaux-Neufs and Fontaine Ronde for a relaxing one-and-a-half-hour return journey. You should also visit (and possibly take a swim in) one of the area’s beautiful lakes: Lac de Saint-Point and Lac de Remoray.
Fine and affordable ski slopes are an hour or so away at Métabief and Les Fourgs, or you can go further afield to the maybe trendier resort of Les Rousses.
The downhill ski resorts also cater to those preferring the Nordic style. There is a forest trail just minutes away near Levier, and it is easy to find other trails in the area.
After action, satisfaction – relax and recuperate at the ThermaSalina spa in nearby Salins-les-Bains.