Some time ago, we heard about the Cirque de Consolation and saw some pictures of it. However, we did not want to go there in the middle of the summer season, and there were two reasons for this. Firstly, the site must be very crowded in the summer and the dry season must make the place less spectacular. As it had rained quite a lot at the beginning of October, we thought that this might be the right time to go.
The Cirque de Consolation is not far from La Chaux-de-Fonds in direct line (a little over 20 km). However, to get there by car, you must cover more than 40 km on small, winding roads.
At the bottom of the Cirque de Consolation is an old convent founded in the 17th century. This is the ideal starting point for the short hike, as there is a large car park just below Notre-Dame de Consolation.
From the car park, a good path leads to the foot of the Cascade du Lançot. This waterfall drops straight down from a rocky outcrop a little higher up. On the way to the waterfall, you pass the Tabourot stream.
Instead of returning directly to the car park, we also went up to the Source du Tabourot before continuing to the Source du Lançot. The climb is equipped with steps that lead to the ledge on which the Source du Lançot is located. This ledge is sometimes a little narrow but does not present any major difficulties. The Source du Lançot is a surprising place, as the water seeps out of the rock at the bottom of a large overhang. You can then follow the water with your eyes as it turns into a waterfall.
If you continue along the ledge, you reach a place where you must climb a few steps before reaching a less steep area. From there, you can go down to the houses in La Scie and follow the valley back to Notre-Dame de Consolation.
Route: Notre-Dame de Consolation – Cascade du Lançot – Source du Tabourot – Source du Lançot – La Scie – Notre-Dame de Consolation
Distance: 5.3 km
Elevation gain: 320 m
Duration: 2h30
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