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Jura Mountains
The French and Swiss Jura mountains stretch in an arc along the border between the two countries. Located to the north-west of the Alpine ridge, the Jura massif is bordered by the Swiss Mittelland, the Upper Rhine plain, the Burgundy gateway, and the Ain, Isère and Chartreuse rivers.
A training ground for sports enthusiasts, the Jura, as it is more commonly known, is also popular with lovers of outdoor activities and winter sports.
Activities in the Jura Mountains
Attractions in the Jura Mountains
Highlights
The Plateau de Retord is an out-of-time corner of France, located right between Geneva and Lyon, one step away from Annecy and Chambéry.
The Plateau de Retord includes 150 km of cross-country skiing trails starting from the Plans d'Hotonnes, the Chapelle de Retord, and Cuvery.
a circuit that's just the ticket for a family with young kids. Springtime is the right time for enjoying the waterfalls here to their best.
The Weissenstein toboggan run promises a new kind of adventure with the SNOOC (sled-toboggan), from the mountain station to the valley station in ...
Discover the region
The Jura Massif: exceptional natural beauty
The diversity of its landscapes is one of the hallmarks of the Jura Massif. From majestic rocky ridges to deep valleys, from dense forests to crystal-clear lakes and vast pastures, this area offers a vast playground for great outdoor escapades.
Biodiversity is a major feature of the Jura Massif. The forests are home to a multitude of unique plant and animal species, including lynx, chamois and black grouse. The wetlands and lakes are havens for a variety of waterfowl and fish.
The region also boasts a number of nature parks, such as the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura in France and the Parc naturel régional Jura Vaudois in Switzerland, which preserve this pristine natural environment.
The Jura massif is a paradise for lovers of outdoor sports. Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and many other activities allow you to enjoy these magnificent landscapes. Natural sites such as the Hérisson waterfalls and the Cabatane cave are just some of the sights to be discovered in the midst of unspoilt nature.
The Transjurassienne, a legendary event in the Jura mountains
Photo: FrancoisFC, CC BY, Wikipedia
The Transjurassienne, originally named the Progressime in 1979, is the culmination of a passion shared by Jacky Mandrillon, journalist at Le Progrès, and Georges Berthet, president of the Jura regional ski committee, as well as the clubs and towns along its route.
The initial aim was to create an event that would bring together amateur cross-country skiers and top national and international athletes. Since its inception, this iconic event has attracted participants from the four corners of the globe to France's long-distance race.
It offers a range of 7 events over 2 days, in both classic and skating styles, with distances to suit all levels, from novices looking for a challenge to experienced cross-country skiers looking for a thrill.
The enchanting landscapes and the challenges of a long and varied course, stretching over 70 km through valleys and forests, have contributed greatly to building the legend of La Transjurassienne, making it a must-see event for true cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
The Échappée Jurassienne: the ultimate challenge on foot!
The Échappée Jurassienne is an exciting long-distance hike across the borders of two nations, France and Switzerland. This adventure, made up of several well-marked GR® trails (GR®59, GR®559, GR®5 and GR®9), offers hikers the opportunity to cross the majestic Jura massif on foot, from west to east, unhindered by national boundaries.
The route covers a total distance of 352 kilometres, with a positive difference in altitude of 10,800 metres and a negative difference in altitude of 11,400 metres, divided into around twenty stages. Hikers can choose to complete this epic journey in one go over a period of 18 days, or split it into several trips to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this cross-border region.
The major Franco-Swiss hiking route of the Échappée Jurassienne allows you to cross the Jura massif on foot from west to east, disregarding borders.
The Grande Traversée du Jura, a route for every activity
The Grande Traversée du Jura, commonly known as the GTJ, is an iconic long-distance hike covering around 400 kilometres through the majestic Jura mountain range in France. This picturesque trail links the shores of Lake Geneva with the picturesque Bresse region. The GTJ captivates with its diversity of landscapes, taking you from ridges with spectacular panoramas to dense forests, from peaceful lakes to mysterious peat bogs. Hikers of all abilities appreciate the clearly signposted route, which is divided into stages to allow flexible planning.
In summer, it attracts walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while in winter it becomes a network of renowned cross-country ski trails. Accommodation along the route, from gîtes to refuges, makes multi-day trips easy. This adventure also allows you to immerse yourself in Jura culture as you pass through picturesque villages, while helping to preserve the flora and fauna in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.
Discover the Jura Massif at your own pace...
For hiking, there are signposted trails for all levels through forests, lakes, ridges and valleys. These walks allow you to explore the local flora and fauna, while enjoying sublime panoramic views, particularly of Mont Blanc.
Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts will also find plenty to do here, with cycle paths and trails to suit all levels of ability. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the lakes, a sporty outing on the winding mountain roads or a playful descent on the mountain bike trails, the Jura massif is suitable for all cyclists.
What's more, short rides in the Jura Massif offer unique opportunities to discover local culture, explore picturesque villages, sample regional cuisine and soak up the authentic atmosphere of this beautiful mountain region.
The Jura mountains in winter on gentle slopes
The Jura Massif is an exceptional winter destination offering a multitude of activities for winter sports enthusiasts.
Downhill skiing is a must at renowned resorts such as Les Rousses, Métabief and Monts Jura, with runs to suit all abilities, varied descents and spectacular panoramic views. The Jura is also famous for its well-maintained network of cross-country ski runs, with hundreds of kilometres of trails suitable for cross-country skiers.
Snowshoe enthusiasts can enjoy a leisurely discovery of the Jura's snow-covered landscapes, while thrill-seekers can opt for snowmobile rides in certain parts of the Jura massif. As well as tobogganing, dog-sleigh rides offer a unique experience for discovering the region's winter beauty.
