Saint-Claude Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Saint-Claude, France. Read our comprehensive travel guide now!


Introduction to Saint-Claude

Saint-Claude is a small municipality located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in the eastern region of France. This town is nestled in the Jura Mountains, where its lush forests and rolling hillsides create a picturesque setting.

Saint-Claude is a heaven for adventure enthusiasts because of the rich biodiversity and serene atmosphere. One can taste the region’s quintessential charm by indulging in outdoor recreation or exploring its amazing cultural and historical attractions.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we will uncover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Saint-Claude, France.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Claude

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The small town of Saint-Claude boasts several museums and historical places for travelers to enjoy.

  • Musée de l’Abbaye: This museum displays fine art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to modern times, including works by famous artists such as Picasso and Matisse.
  • Musée de la Pipe et du Diamant: This museum showcases the town’s history of pipe-making and diamond-cutting, which still contributes to the local economy.
  • Cathedrale de Saint-Claude: This impressive cathedral dates back to the early 17th century, and it features beautiful stained glass windows, frescoes, and more.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Claude: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Saint-Claude is a paradise for nature lovers, where adventure awaits around every corner. Following are some of the best natural attractions to explore in Saint-Claude:

  • Parc Naturel du Haut Jura: A vast natural park covering more than 162,000 acres of land, the Parc Naturel is a great place to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Grand Crêt d’Eau: The highest peak in the Jura Mountains and a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
  • Lac de l’Abbaye: A serene lake surrounded by mountains, this spot is perfect for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Claude

Saint-Claude makes a perfect base for a hiking, biking, or skiing holiday. The region offers many scenic routes that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. Here are some popular trails to explore:

  • Sentier des Calèches: This 13km trail features wetlands, ruins, and beautiful scenery.
  • Preserves de Joux: This 10km trail gains altitude, offers some incredible vistas, and leads to the fort of the same name.
  • Cascade de la Frasnée: This 1.5km trail leads to a stunning waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Claude: Activities and Tours

Besides natural attractions, Saint-Claude offers ample opportunities for travelers to indulge in various activities and tours. Some of the most popular things to do are:

  • Canyoning: An adrenaline-pumping activity that involves jumping, sliding, and rappelling down river canyons.
  • Cheese Tasting: The region is renowned for its Comté cheese. Various farms and dairies offer cheese-tasting tours.
  • Watch-making: Witness the intricate process of watch-making, and delve into the history and success of this local industry.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Claude

Based on popular activities and attractions, here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Saint-Claude:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Saint-Claude and explore the historic town center
Day 2 - 3 Go hiking in the natural park or visit the pipe and diamond museum
Day 4 Try canyoning along the rivers
Day 5 Head to farms or cheeseries to sample local Comté cheese
Day 6 Learn more about watch-making with a factory tour or demonstration
Day 7 Visit the waterfalls, go mountain biking or skiing!

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Claude

Must-Try Dishes

Saint-Claude offers an array of traditional dishes that reflect Bourgogne-Franche-Comté’s rich culinary culture. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Potée Comtoise: A hearty stew made with smoked pork, potatoes, and various vegetables.
  • Saucisse de Morteau: A smoked sausage found in the area that is best served grilled.
  • Galette: A savory crepe that is usually filled with cheese, mushrooms, and other ingredients.

Local Beverages

When it comes to beverages, the region offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Some of the most popular are:

  • Vin Jaune: A famous yellow wine that’s unique to this area.
  • Chardonnay: A white wine that’s produced in nearby vineyards.
  • Eaux de Vie: This is a type of brandy or liquor that’s made from various fruit, including plums and apples.

Where to Stay in Saint-Claude: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint-Claude offers several accommodation options for travelers, including budget-friendly hostels, cosy guesthouses, and luxury hotels.

  • La Maison des 4 Saisons: This guesthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is located near the historic town center.
  • Hôtel de Paris: A beautiful hotel located in the heart of the town, it offers elegant rooms with beautiful views.
  • Auberge du Tilleul: A charming bed and breakfast located in a peaceful area - it has a lovely outdoor terrace and garden.

What to Buy in Saint-Claude: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When travelling to Saint-Claude, you’ll find plenty of local products and souvenirs to bring back with you. Some of the most popular are:

  • Comté Cheese: Take home a wedge or two of this famous cheese, produced in the region.
  • Woodwork: The town has a long tradition of wood crafting, creating intricate pipe carvings and other small wooden objects.
  • Watches: The Swiss border is not far from Saint-Claude and the region has a long history of manufacturing award-winning timepieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Claude

Saint-Claude, like the rest of France, has its own unique customs and traditions. The region is known for the following:

  • Music and dance: the region has a rich musical heritage, with dole saxophones being played at many events.
  • Watches: the watchmaking tradition in Saint-Claude has been passed down from generations and products are often handcrafted to great acclaim.
  • Leather goods: The town has a long-standing history of leatherworking. A number of skilled individuals still hand-produce excellent leather goods.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Claude

The ideal time to visit Saint-Claude is from late spring to early autumn when the temperatures are warm and the outdoor recreation are at its best. Summer is the busiest season, so if you want to avoid the crowds, then we recommend visiting during spring or fall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Claude

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Engage with locals and try to learn more about their way of life.

Don’t:

  • Do not underestimate the persistence of wind in the mountains—it is important to bring warm layers.
  • Do not litter, respect the environment, and leave your locations as you found them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Claude

Saint-Claude is relatively safe, but it’s always best to keep some precautions, including:

  • Keep your valuables secure and be careful in crowded areas
  • Be cautious when exploring natural areas like waterfalls, jumping can be dangerous
  • Always carry a map or GPS system, and pay attention to weather conditions in the area

Health in Saint-Claude

France has an efficient healthcare system, and medical assistance is easily accessible in Saint-Claude. Travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies and take any necessary precautions before setting off on their adventures.

Getting to Saint-Claude: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Claude

The closest airports to Saint-Claude are:

  • Geneva Airport in Switzerland, located 46 km from Saint-Claude, and
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport located 107km away

Bus Stations Near Saint-Claude

There are various bus stations that connect to Saint-Claude, but the nearest towns for transport connections are:

  • Oyonnax, a small town with train and bus services.
  • Lons-le-Saunier about 50km away where there is a train station and a bus station.

Other Options

Driving to Saint-Claude is also an option as France has numerous highways that connect to the area.

How to Get Around in Saint-Claude

Saint-Claude can be explored easily on foot, and cycling is another way of getting around in the town and its surroundings. If you plan to cover larger distances, then renting a car or using public transportation can be a better alternative. Either way, transport infrastructure is well developed and accessible.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Claude: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saint-Claude is well-connected and makes an excellent base for discovering the surrounding areas. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider are:

  • Lyon: France’s culinary capital and known for its historic architecture, and only a few hours’ drive away from Saint-Claude.
  • Geneva: A lovely Swiss city on the shores of Lake Geneva and situated a few miles from the French border, having numerous museums, parks, and galleries.
  • Val d’Isere: Nestled in the French Alps, this ski resort is a popular winter destination but also offers plenty of summertime activities.

Conclusion

Saint-Claude is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From its beautiful natural sights to the unique history of watch-making, and delicious food and wine, this small town offers travelers an authentic French experience. Do make this place a part of your travel itinerary for your next French adventure.