In somewhat gloomy weather, we started our journey from Belgium towards the beautiful Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. After a long day of driving, we finally reached the parking lot of Pic de l’Aigle. To our surprise, we saw more campers than expected, about 14 of them. This was somewhat unusual for a weekday at the end of September. The air already felt quite chilly, so I quickly set up our rooftop tent and began cooking. However, my small portable gas stove didn’t seem too pleased with my choice, as it made quite a bit of noise, possibly disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the parking lot. To be honest, I’m not entirely satisfied with my choice of that particular model (the Coleman 424).
After dinner, I decided to venture out in the dark, but I soon turned back and chose to explore the path to Pic de l’Aigle the next morning, just before sunrise. (In hindsight, this turned out to be a beautiful choice.) So, as they say, “So be it.” The next day, I woke up around 6 o’clock and headed to Pic de l’Aigle. Once there, I realized I had missed the sunset the day before due to our late arrival, but oh well, you can’t have it all in life.
Despite the cold wind, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the path was surprisingly easy, although it did offer a bit of a challenge. What surprised me was that despite the presence of a total of 16 campers in the parking lot (two more had arrived overnight), no one seemed to bother exploring the area at sunrise. I only saw the first people heading up when we left around 9:30 a.m., which was actually too late to witness the beautiful morning colors in the sky.
Capturing the Enchanting site ‘Pic de L’aigle’
A nerdy deep dive into Pic De L’Aigle (Eagle Peak) at Chaux-Du-Dombrief
Pic de l’Aigle is a viewpoint in the municipality of La Chaux-du-Dombief in the French Jura region. It offers a stunning view of the surrounding area, including the Hérisson valley, Grandvaux, and Lake Ilay. On a clear day, you can even see the Mont Blanc massif.
Access
There are three parking lots in the municipality of La Chaux-du-Dombief. The upper parking lot (P2) is located at the beginning of the hiking trail to the summit.
Hiking Trail The hike to the top of Pic de l’Aigle is approximately 1 hour long according to the official information, but I completed it in about 30 minutes. The trail is well-maintained and marked with yellow markers.
Tips
• Don’t overestimate your strength. The ascent can be more challenging than you might expect.
• Prepare yourself well. Wear hiking shoes, and appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring water and snacks, especially if you’re planning a hike over 5km.
• Stay on the marked trails.
• Keep your pets on a leash.
• Maintain a safe distance from the edge, as the wind can be treacherous, especially with children.
• Respect the beauty and tranquility of the area.
Alternative Routes
You can extend your hike by walking along the mountain ridge to the viewpoint of the 3 lakes and then to the viewpoint of the 4 lakes. The return from the viewpoint of the 4 lakes can be done via the forest road “Bois de Ban” or by descending to the edge of Maclu lakes and then to Lake Ilay.
Hiking Maps and Information
Hiking maps are available at the tourist office of Haut-Jura Grandvaux in Saint-Laurent and Grandvaux. Various versions of the routes can be consulted and downloaded on the Jura-outdoor and Haut-Jura Rando websites and apps.
Overnight Camping with Camper or Overlander
Camping with a camper or overlander is possible for free at the Pic de l’Aigle parking lot. There is space for approximately 25 vehicles. A toilet is provided (old-fashioned, and you are required to throw sawdust into the toilet after use).
Conclusion
Pic de l’Aigle is a beautiful place for hiking and enjoying the views of the Jura. With a bit of planning, you can have an unforgettable day.