To imitate: our gourmet stay in the Grand Chasseral region

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After following the Jura High Trail last autumn we “climbed” the Chasseral, this year we delved even deeper into the Grand Chasseral region. In the extensive valley landscapes behind the Chasseral, there are still some real insider tips to discover. Or have you ever heard of the avenue Les Joux or the Gorge du Pichoux? No? Perfect! Then reading on is doubly worthwhile. In the following lines, you can expect not only fresh excursion ideas, but also tangible tips for an enjoyable stay.

The Grand Chasseral region at a glance

The regional designation “Grand Chasseral” is the result of a realignment and bundling of the communication tools of the area, previously commonly known as the “Bernese Jura”. The Grand Chasseral region comprises around 40 municipalities and stretches from La Neuveville at the northwestern end of Lake Biel via Saint-Imier, Tramelan and Tavannes to Schelten on the border with the cantons of Jura and Solothurn.

In addition to a magnificent panoramic view over the Swiss Plateau to the Alps from the Chasseral – the highest elevation in the region – you will find an extensive network of hiking, cycling and bridle paths, architectural monuments from different eras and award-winning regional products. The following leisure tips show how to perfect the bridge between exercise and enjoyment on this basis.

Day 1: A fondue at Lac Vert in the Gorges du Pichoux

The starting point for our first excursion is the historic town of Bellelay. In 1140, an abbey was founded here at the instigation of the bishopric of Basel. Not much later, the monks of the monastery were mentioned for the first time in connection with the cheese now known as “Tête de Moine”, which at that time was used, among other things, as a means of payment. The Maison de la Tête de Moine, at the entrance to Bellelay, shows the background of the semi-hard cheese in a small museum. In addition, you can also taste it in its typical form – as a rosette.

But that’s not all: At the Maison de la Tête de Moine, you can also rent e-bikes and a fondue set. And that’s exactly our plan. In front of the Maison de la Tête de Moine, we pick up our reserved e-bikes and the bag with the fondue set. The basic equipment includes a Tête de Moine fondue mix made by the Spielhofer cheese dairy in Saint-Imier and plenty of bread. If that’s not enough for you, you can stock up on other regional products in the shop.

On the website of the Maison Tête de Moine you will find suggestions for possible routes of the bike tour. Since we want to do some sports before the fondue party, we decide to take a longer round trip, following route 23 to Tramelan and from there via route no. 54 into the Gorge du Pichoux. A brisk route, with one exception well signposted, which first leads us over the plateau of the Franches-Montagnes and has a surprising highlight in store: the Allee de Joux. With a length of 2.5 kilometres and around 250 stately trees, it is considered the longest avenue of mixed trees in Switzerland. To cycle through there – a dream!

Afterwards we head for the Gorge du Pichoux following winding roads. The Klus, typical of the Folded Jura, is registered in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. The perfect picnic spot is hidden at Lac Vert. To get there, park your bikes at the parking lot (if you drive from Bellelay towards the gorge like we did, then stop at the second gravel lot). From there, a 500-metre-long path leads to the shore of the idyllic reservoir. A beautiful place!

Key data of the bike tour Bellelay – Tramelan – Gorges du Pichoux – Bellelay

On the following map you can see the route of our bike tour from Bellelay via Tramelan to the Gorge du Pichoux. The route is 39 kilometers long and includes an elevation gain of 830 meters. The pure riding time with the e-bike is around three to four hours. Note that the short passage between Bas du Maupas and Pichoux is not signposted as a cycle path.

The e-bikes can be rented at the Maison de la Tête de Moine from CHF 45 for a half-day. Furthermore, child trailers are rented for 15 CHF. The fondue set including house mix and bread for two people costs 27 CHF. The Maison de la Tête de Moine is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday are closed days.

Day 2: Gourmet hike to the mountain inns on Montoz

Our second pleasure takes us from Bellelay to Péry. This is the start of one of a total of three gourmet hikes on the Montoz. The Montoz is an elongated mountain ridge that stretches from Untergrenchenberg to Tavannes. The whole ridge is followed by the 17-kilometre-long Chemin de Montoz, which we will also meet later that day.

The gourmet hikes lead to selected “métairies” typical of the region. These are farms that have a small restaurant where down-to-earth, simple dishes are offered. We are on the so-called Angus Route. This leads us from Péry train station along a wide, gravel path along the wooded flanks of the Montoz steadily uphill to the Pré la Patte mountain inn. A route that is pleasant to walk even on hot summer days.

After a little more than an hour’s walk, we reach the Bergerie du Pré-La-Patte. Here we are happily greeted by two friendly dogs and are allowed to sit on a cosily placed wooden bench. We don’t have to wait long until we are served a delicious-looking aperitif plate with various regional cheeses, including the Tête de Moine, and sausage from their own cows as well as a deliciously fragrant fresh Züpf. The perfect refreshment for the remaining meters of altitude up to the highest point of the Montoz. The Junod-Häring family also offers sleeping in straw on their farm.

With fresh energy, we tackle the remaining 250 meters of altitude until the encounter with the Chemin de Montoz. Breath is required on this section – the path climbs quite steeply. For this we are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view.

Once on the ridge of the Montoz, the route continues at a much more leisurely pace. After a good 30 minutes, our second culinary stop appears in front of us; the Bergerie de Malleray. In the local mountain inn, the Haldemann family offers dishes with their own Angus Natura beef. We have the choice between an Angus steak with French fries or in the fitness version with salad. We opt for the latter. The gourmet hike is rounded off with a refreshing scoop of ice cream. And without further ado we decide to follow the Chemin de Montoz to Tavannes. Alternatively, you could descend from the Bergerie de Mallery to Mallery or to Pery.

A successful excursion over the Montoz, which was completely unknown to us until then. And what can I say: The vastness of the landscape and the hospitality at the two mountain inns have inspired me for a long time!

Key data of the hike Péry – Montoz – Tavannes

On the map below you can see the route of the hike from Péry over the Montoz to Tavannes. It is a yellow-marked hiking trail with a difficulty level of T1/T2. The length of the route and the associated altitude difference require a certain basic level of fitness and it is advisable to plan a whole day including the stops for refreshments.

The Angus Route can be completed from Friday to Sunday from 1 May to 31 October. The offer includes an aperitif (Apéroplättli), a main course and a dessert and costs 45 CHF per adult person, excluding drinks. You can book the offer directly via the linked website of Jura & Three-Lakes Tourism. There you will also find further information as well as detailed times.

Starting point	Reuchenette-Péry railway station (590 m above sea level)
Reachability	Accessible by public transport
Length	16.7 kilometres
Elevation gain	830 m 671 m
Duration	5:00 h
Destination	Tavannes railway station (750 m above sea level)
Catering	Bergerie du Pré-La-Patte and Bergerie de Malleray

Day 3: On the Via Berna from Bellelay to Tramelan

For our third excursion tip, we return to the Maison de la Tête de Moine. Since last year, the stately building has not only stood for a centuries-old cheese tradition, but also for the start of the Via Berna. The new long-distance hiking trail, which crosses the canton of Bern in 20 stages, starts here in the north of the Grand Chasseral region

Since we won’t pass any mountain inns on today’s hike to Tramelan, we once again stock up on exquisite regional products in the museum shop. The shop is really totally invitingly equipped and the associated sun terrace with a view of the riding arena of the adjacent Centre Equestre has already blossomed into my favorite place in the two days on site.

On this first stage, the Via Berna offers a varied mix of landscapes typical of the Jura. Particularly beautiful are the sections through the high moor La Sagne – especially the short detour to the nature reserve at Rière la Rouge Eau – as well as the far-reaching view on the Haut de Bémont mountain range.

All in all, an entertaining and varied route. With the appropriate picnic in your backpack, it sets the perfect setting for an enjoyable hiking experience.

Key data of the Bellelay – Tramelan hike

On the map below you can see the route of the hike from Bellelay along the Via Berna to Tramelan. It is a yellow-marked hiking trail with a difficulty level of T1/T2. At Rière Jorat, a longer tarred passage awaits you. Otherwise, the trail leads mostly on gravel paths or along nature trails. The Via Berna is signposted with route number 38.

Starting point	Bellelay bus stop, Le Domaine (940 m a.s.l.)
Reachability	Accessible by public transport
Length	11.7 kilometers
Elevation gain	337 m 384 m
Duration	3:15 h
Destination	Tramelan railway station (890 m above sea level)
Catering	Pack a picnic (no refreshment stops along the way)

Our base: the Auberge de Bellelay

The time-honoured Auberge de Bellelay served as the basis for the three excursions and hikes presented in the Grand Chasseral region. The hotel building was built at the end of the 17th century as a hostel for Bellelay Abbey. After an extensive renovation, the former Hôtel de l’Ours reopened in August 2020 as Auberge de Bellelay and today scores with comfortable rooms and a historic ambience.

Double room incl. breakfast from 208 CHF/night | More information here: Auberge de Bellelay

Practical tips for your stay in the Grand Chasseral region

• A trip to the Grand Chasseral region is worthwhile all year round. My favorite season is early summer as well as autumn.
• Many establishments are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, including the Maison de la Tête de Moine and the Auberge de Bellelay. For this reason, it is recommended to stay between Wednesday and Sunday.
• Different variants of the gourmet hikes are available depending on your fitness level and culinary preference. There is also a vegetarian option on the Angus Route.
• If you like chocolate, don’t miss a stop at the Camille Bloch Visitor Centre in Courtelary when visiting the Grand Chasseral region. The Erlebniswelt, bistro and shop are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Here you can find more regional excursion tips on my blog.