Best attractions and places to see around Les Planches-Près-Arbois include a unique geographical formation known as the "reculée des Planches," characterized by steep cliffs and a valley. This commune in the Jura department of France is rich in natural beauty, featuring impressive waterfalls and the source of the Cuisance River. The landscape offers a mix of forests, meadows, and dramatic karstic relief. Visitors can explore natural sites and historical landmarks within this protected region.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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Popular around Les Planches-Près-Arbois
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Gravel biking around Les Planches-Près-Arbois
Meanwhile, there are QR codes in various places to get information. Still worth a detour
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The Château de La Châtelaine is an 11th-century fortified castle, the remains of which stand in the municipality of La Châtelaine. Built on a rocky plateau framed by two inlets of the Planches Valley, it overlooks the large source of the Cuisance River. It towers 200 meters above the municipality of Planches-près-Arbois.
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The natural waterfalls of the Tufs, formed on porous limestone rocks, offer an almost fairytale spectacle with their 15 m waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.
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This viewpoint near the road offers a beautiful view of the valley and the steep rock faces, with a view extending as far as Arbois.
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A small, secured viewpoint, high above the Arbois valley, offering fantastic views over the French Jura landscape.
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The ruins of this once impressive complex lie hidden in a magical forest. Large and small structures are scattered throughout, offering magnificent views of the valley.
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Driving and seeing with your eyes open, wonderful!
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The most prominent natural attraction is the Tuff Waterfalls, a geological marvel forming an impressive fan-shaped cascade with natural dams and basins. It's part of the Cuisance river's source, which also originates here, creating small cascades. The entire area is nestled within the dramatic "reculée des Planches," a unique geographical formation with steep cliffs and a valley.
For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint. It offers spectacular vistas of the Reculée d'Arbois and its towering cliffs, overlooking a sheer drop of around 500 meters. The viewpoint is equipped with a platform and barriers for safe viewing of the valley.
Yes, you can explore the Ruins of the Château de La Châtelaine, an 11th-century fortified castle. Its remains sit on a rocky plateau, offering views over the Cuisance valley. Additionally, the nearby town of Arbois features historical sites and charming old town architecture.
The region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring, gravel, and road cycling. For detailed routes and guides, explore Cycling around Les Planches-Près-Arbois, Gravel biking around Les Planches-Près-Arbois, and Road Cycling Routes around Les Planches-Près-Arbois.
The nearby town of Arbois is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant environment for walks and exploration. The natural sites like the Tuff Waterfalls can also be enjoyed by families, though access during peak season is regulated.
The area is characterized by the dramatic "reculée des Planches" (also known as the "reculée d'Arbois"), a unique karstic relief of the Jura plateau. It features high rock walls, cirques, and valleys, with notable areas like the "Cul des Forges" and "Cul du Bray." This geological formation creates the stunning backdrop for sites like the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint.
Just 4 km away, Arbois is known as the "capital of Jura wines" and offers additional attractions, including the Maison Pasteur and vineyards. Another notable town is Salins-les-Bains, a city with a rich history of salt production, featuring a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the Tuff Waterfalls for their fairytale spectacle and the Fer à Cheval Viewpoint for its magnificent panoramas. The historical charm of the Ruins of the Château de La Châtelaine and the pleasant atmosphere of nearby Arbois are also highly appreciated.
While historically significant, the Grotte des Planches has been closed to visitors for an indefinite period since 2013. However, its resurgence, where water emerges, remains a notable natural feature in the area.
Yes, visitors can purchase local products such as trout, vegetables, and fruits directly from producers in the area, offering a taste of the regional specialties.


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