Discovery of st claude

Saint claude, the capital of pipe making and diamond cutting, is located in the heart of the haut-jura natural park, where the bienne and tacon rivers meet.

Visit of the town  Saint Pierre Cathedral, built in the 14th and 18th century  Pipe and Diamond Museum - presents the history of pipe in St. Claude, shows how briar-wood pipes are made and exhibits collections of diamonds, precious, semi-precious and synthetic stones.  Rue du Pre - it has many cafes, boutiques and all kinds of stores  Grand Pont - one can admire the picturesque site of Saint Claude and the remparts of the old abbey

chapeau de gendarme  This local geological curiosity is located in the Lacets de Septmoncel, on the road to Geneva. This mountain in the shape of a policeman's hat, after which it is named, is a typical example of the formidable folding of the earth during the Tertiary period.

Gorges de l'abime  Near St Claude, the Abime torrent rushes through the rocks in a set of spectacular gorges accessible by following a trail with successive ladders and footbridges. Also on this route is the "Trou de l'Abime", a fathomless water hole, which inspired many legends.

Belvedere de la roche blanche  Between the villages of Septmoncel and Les Moussières, this scenic viewpoint, at an altitude of 1,140 m, offers a spectacular panoramic view of St. Claude and surroundings.

Toy museum  15 km (10 miles) from St. Claude, the town of Moirans-en-Montagne is the French toy-making capital. The museum documents both the historical aspect of toy-making and European toy evolution from early 19th Century to nowadays. Some 5 000 toys are on display together with details about their social and educational use and the economic aspect of this industry.

Lacets de septmoncel  The winding road to Geneva. This road along the gorges of Flumen with spectacular view of mountains winds down toward St. Claude valley.

la cascade de la queue de cheval  Accessible by foot from Saint Claude, it is a 50 meters fall in a charming site.