Refine your search for walks in Haut-Jura
Haut-Jura walks
A hike around the four lakes
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.16 mi
+387 ft
-377 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Le Frasnois (Jura)
A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.
Les cascades du Hérisson / The Hérisson (Hedgehog) Waterfalls
7.53 mi
+1,388 ft
-1,411 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
The walk descends the Hérisson ('hedgehog') River with its series of rapids and waterfalls, then returns via Bonlieu, passing through the Dame Blanche viewpoint, with a panoramic view over lakes Val and Chambly and the Herisson valley.
The Hérisson waterfalls in a loop
Visorando Member
7.54 mi
+1,191 ft
-1,175 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Menétrux-en-Joux (Jura)
The Hérisson has a lot to offer! Its 7 waterfalls with 31 jumps: starter or dessert, depending on where you choose to start! A day to feast your eyes, literally and figuratively!
The Pic de l'Aigle
6.12 mi
+974 ft
-951 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
The Pic de l'Aigle dominates the valley of the 4 lakes, offering magnificent views of the entire Jura plateau, the Vallée du Hérisson, Grandvaux and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. Starting from Lac d'Ilay, you will climb up to this splendid line of ledges and its viewpoints over these turquoise lakes.
Pic de l’Aigle and the Lookout Points on the Lakes
3.02 mi
+653 ft
-627 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
Very nice and easy walk above the lakes of the Jura, Maclu and Illay.
Important note regarding parking: this site is particularly busy and has three car parks numbered P1, P2 and P3. We strongly recommend parking in car park P1, which can be accessed via this link.
The source of the Saine
9.22 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,483 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Foncine-le-Haut (Jura)
A trail starting out from Foncine le Haut that will take you to the source of the Saine and various viewpoints. A themed trail and a botanical trail...
Circuit around Saint-Point-Lac
11.53 mi
+607 ft
-604 ft
5h 50
Easy
Departure from Labergement-Sainte-Marie (Doubs)
The route around the lake is a long hike but on good roads. Saint-Point-Lac is the third-largest natural lake in France. The path will take you along and close to the lake but also rises up a little and leads away from it at times for better views.
This trail is littered with signs to better understand your environment.
The River Saine along the Langouette and Malvaux gorges
6.91 mi
+892 ft
-886 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Les Planches-en-Montagne (Jura)
The Malvaux and Langouette Gorges offer cool respite on hot summer days as well as magnificent scenery. This hiking route is suitable for families, with a shorter alternative (9.5 km) that does not go around Lac à la Dame. Part of the route follows the old tramway, so a head torch or torch is required to cross the 180 m tunnel.
Hérisson waterfall and Bonlieu lake
9.65 mi
+1,053 ft
-1,053 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
This magnificent hike will take you along the Cascades du Hérisson waterfalls and around Lac de Bonlieu.
Don't forget your camera, as there are some magnificent views.
Please note that from the point (4), the trail is temporarily closed due to a landslide.
Crêt de la Neige
9.75 mi
+3,291 ft
-3,271 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Lélex (Ain)
The Crêt de la Neige, the highest point in the Jura at 1,720 metres, offers an exceptional view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with Mont Blanc as a bonus.
Chalets on Mont d'Or
8.19 mi
+1,365 ft
-1,335 ft
4h 55
Easy
Departure from Rochejean (Doubs)
This hike will take you from one alpine chalet to another on Mont d'Or.
The Couloirs circuit starting from Les Bouchoux
4.75 mi
+1,486 ft
-1,506 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Les Bouchoux (Jura)
A short hike from the village of Les Bouchoux, which allows you to gain some height to see the surrounding area and take a short detour to a superb waterfall.
The Crêt de Chalam
2.78 mi
+942 ft
-948 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
Short hike with magnificent views of Reculet, Crêt de la Neige and Mont Blanc (in clear weather).
Moderator's addition on 07/08/2021: Since this hike was created, the trail for the return seems to have deteriorated and some hikers have preferred to do the round trip. See reviews
Le Knoll
9.30 mi
+1,995 ft
-1,995 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Jougne (Doubs)
A lovely French-Swiss walk with magnificent views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
The Grand Montrond
5.19 mi
+1,227 ft
-1,240 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Mijoux (Ain)
Offers an unforgettable view of Lake Geneva, Geneva and its water jet, and Mont Blanc in the background.
Mont Sala
6.25 mi
+1,677 ft
-1,657 ft
7 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Les Rousses (Jura)
Mont Sala offers remarkable views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, particularly its highest peak.Important note mentioned by a hiker: this route is located in an area regulated by the Federal District of Le Noirmont; in winter, only marked trails are authorised in order to preserve wildlife, so access to Crêt des Danses and summit 1515 is prohibited.
Crêt de la Goutte via Le Sac and Varambon
7.07 mi
+2,346 ft
-2,326 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Tour of the chalets of the Col du Sac and Varambon via the Crêtes du Sorgia - 360° view at the Crêt de la Goutte with orientation table to discover the Monts d'Ain, Lake Geneva and its water jet, the start of the Jura mountain range, the Swiss and French Alps including the Matterhorn in good weather and the majestic Mont Blanc.
Le Suchet
9.36 mi
+2,070 ft
-2,096 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Jougne (Doubs)
Starting from the ski car park at Entre-les-Fourgs. A beautiful hike towards the Knoll, opening up to 360° views.
La Faucille - Colomby de Gex - Mont Rond
10.22 mi
+2,890 ft
-2,894 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Gex (Ain)
Je vous propose de réaliser un parcours en boucle au départ des environs du Col de la Faucille (parking du Pailly) afin d’accéder au Colomby de Gex : à l'aller le tracé évolue sous les Monts Jura et au retour sur ses crêtes avec une succession de montées et descentes.
Certaines parties du parcours sont situées en zones de quiétude de la faune sauvage et il ne sera ainsi pas possible de le parcourir du 15/12 au 15/05 (à lire ci dessous)
Tour du Flumen via La Roche Blanche and Sur les Grès
8.51 mi
+3,789 ft
-3,760 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Villard-Saint-Sauveur (Jura)
This loop will allow you to discover the bottom of the Flumen valley (and its waterfalls) as well as the ridges above it.
The 7 waterfalls of Le Hérisson
Tourist office
4.36 mi
+965 ft
-978 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
An iconic site in the Jura: the Hérisson waterfalls.
This route allows you to discover all of the Hérisson waterfalls, starting from the top of the falls.
Allow 3 hours for the round trip along the 7 Hérisson waterfalls.
If you prefer to admire the two largest waterfalls, "L'Éventail" and "Le Grand Saut", without hiking for three hours, we suggest parking at the Maison des Cascades in Ménétrux-en-Joux, from where you can quickly and easily reach the foot of L'Éventail.
The Hérisson waterfalls can be very busy in summer, so spring and autumn are better times to visit.
Tour of the four lakes via various viewpoints and the Pic de l'Aigle
9.53 mi
+1,499 ft
-1,476 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Le Frasnois (Jura)
From the car park in the hamlet of La Fromagerie, which also provides access to the Cascades du Hérisson from above, cross Le Frasnois and follow the banks of Lac de Narlay before climbing up to discover several magnificent viewpoints overlooking the emerald-coloured lakes (Ilay, Narlay, Grand and Petit Maclu), some of which are unnamed and wild, and those of the Quatre Lacs, Trois Lacs and Pic de l'Aigle, then return to the starting point along the Lac d'Ilay.
Walk in the Jura woods
4.69 mi
+794 ft
-794 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Meussia (Jura)
An easy hike for the whole family, where the vegetation changes from deciduous trees to pines, firs, Scots pines and boxwood. You can also walk along a stream, enter a cave and enjoy three waterfalls.
The water ridges
8.42 mi
+3,196 ft
-3,163 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bellegarde-sur-Valserine (Ain)
Plateau of the Jura mountain range, overlooking the valleys of Bellegarde sur Valserine and Fort l'écluse. The highest point of the Crêt de la Goutte offers a 360° panorama of the Jura Natural Park and Lake Geneva on the Geneva side, with a horizon dominated by the Alps, including Mont Blanc.
Semine Valley
6.22 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,821 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Germain-de-Joux (Ain)
A refreshing short hike with multiple panoramic views.
On and below Mont d'Or
10.53 mi
+3,087 ft
-3,091 ft
7h 30
Moderate
Departure from Métabief (Doubs)
This hike will take you up Mont d'Or, where you can enjoy the view, then look down on it from below. You will pass through different environments and see a rich and diverse range of flora depending on the season.
Les hauts sommets du massif du Jura depuis Lélex
9.96 mi
+3,081 ft
-3,100 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Lélex (Ain)
Open from 1 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions
This tour offers a varied and challenging route, from the banks of the Valserine to the highest peaks of the Jura, with sublime views of the Alps, Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains.
Starting from Lélex, the path runs alongside the Valserine and its peat bog before beginning the ascent of the Reculet (1,719 m) and the Crêt de la Neige, the highest point of the massif at 1,720 m. On the way back down to Lélex, note the remains of old buildings, evidence of the alpine farming tradition of the Jura Mountains.
Family walk around Lajoux in the Jura
7.95 mi
+1,060 ft
-1,037 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Lajoux (Jura)
There is little elevation gain and lots of forest for this walk, which is recommended in summer on the Jura plateau.
Around the smugglers
9.00 mi
+1,299 ft
-1,302 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chapelle-des-Bois (Doubs)
The Rando des Passeurs in Chapelle-des-Bois changes its route every year. For those who are unable to do it in June, here is a hike that takes you through Mont-Noir and Risoux on trails used by the Passeurs de Chapelle-des-Bois.
⚠️ From 15/11 to 15/03: This hike crosses Nordic ski trails that are groomed in winter. Out of respect for skiers and the work of the ski patrollers , we kindly ask you not to walk on the trails.
From the Regardoir viewpoint to the Roche aux Corneilles viewpoint
7.22 mi
+909 ft
-922 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Moirans-en-Montagne (Jura)
The view from the lookout point is always impressive. Along this trail, you will overlook the beautiful landscapes of Lake Vouglans, observe its colourful surroundings and contemplate its wooded shores, remarkably preserved from unsightly urban development.
This route is also suitable for trail runners.
The Deux Lacs viewpoint from Labergement-Sainte-Marie
6.37 mi
+722 ft
-702 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Labergement-Sainte-Marie (Doubs)
Lac de Remoray, formerly known as Lac Savoureux, is located just upstream from Lac de Saint-Point and used to be part of it. Over thousands of years, the Doubs River, with its alluvial deposits, has separated the original large lake into two. You will discover a patchwork of very different environments: lakes, marshes, peat bogs, rivers, meadows and forests. The viewpoint overlooking the two lakes offers a unique view of the diversity of these landscapes, giving this hike a special charm.
The Belvédère du Turet from the Col de la Faucille
3.17 mi
+574 ft
-561 ft
2 hrs
Easy
Departure from Mijoux (Ain)
Open from 1 December to 30 March
A lovely walk through the forest in the nature reserve leading to a viewpoint offering views of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Hiking in the nature reserve - Dogs not allowed - Most of the route is located in a wildlife quiet zone, so it is mandatory to follow the markings.
The cairn trail starting from La Chaux-du-Dombief
2.44 mi
+246 ft
-223 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from La Chaux-du-Dombief (Jura)
This magnificent route, ideal for families, overlooks Lake Ilay with a panoramic view of the entire Jura mountain range and the Alps in the background.
Marked with cairns, the route offers a fun walk full of discoveries.
Tour of the viewpoints in Giron
7.98 mi
+981 ft
-958 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Giron (Ain)
In a typical Jura setting, this loop offers exceptional panoramic views, such as the Roche Fauconnière.
Ferme du Crime - Lake Antre
5.59 mi
+804 ft
-781 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Pratz (Jura)
Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains
Roche Blanche on the circuit
7.67 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,109 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Les Rousses (Jura)
A family trail starting from Les Rousses, offering views over the peat bog on the edge of Lac des Rousses.
The Gorges and Pertes de la Valserine
3.89 mi
+846 ft
-869 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Lancrans (Ain)
A pleasant walk along the Valserine Gorges, from Les Pertes to Bellegarde. Very popular in hot weather as much of the route is in the woods and always close to the river.
Please note that a municipal by-law dated 11 April 2024 prohibits continuing the hike beyond point 5 along the banks of the Valsorine (footbridges closed)
The Cimante waterfalls
7.71 mi
+978 ft
-974 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Coyron (Jura)
This beautiful, mostly shaded route offers views of several waterfalls, each as pretty as the next, as well as a cave open on the side of a cliff with a spring flowing from it. The vegetation is very diverse and you can see the tireless work of water on the rock.
Cuchet viewpoint
9.87 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,883 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Choux (Jura)
This moderately difficult walk will take you through unspoilt countryside and offer a unique view from the Cuchet viewpoint.In autumn, the colours are stunning...
The Great Chimney
5.39 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,280 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Syam (Jura)
Forest walk in the hills above Syam to discover the Grande Cheminée, an open-air cave that was visited in the Bronze Age. An axe made of this metal was found there. According to some, you may be walking on the lost site of Alesia as you make your way to two viewpoints over the wild Saine valley.
Tour of the Lacs des Mortes and Bellefontaine lakes, starting from La Chapelle-des-Bois
9.24 mi
+587 ft
-574 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chapelle-des-Bois (Doubs)
A superb hike starting from the Chapelle des Bois with beautiful countryside and forest landscapes, not to mention the Lac des Mortes and Lac de Bellefontaine. In winter, this circuit can easily be done on snowshoes, allowing you to discover the frozen lakes.
⚠️ From 15/11 to 15/03: This hike crosses Nordic ski trails that are groomed in winter. Out of respect for skiers and the work of the ski patrollers , we kindly ask you not to walk on the trails.
Le Reculet via Le Rosset, Le Gralet, and the Grotte de la Marie du Jura
9.97 mi
+3,904 ft
-3,930 ft
8h 00
Very difficult
Departure from Chézery-Forens (Ain)
Here is a second circular route to reach the Reculet (the first route can be seen here). You will be able to enjoy numerous views of the Valserine Valley and Lake Geneva (including Geneva and Mont Blanc). I can only say one thing: the landscapes are truly magnificent.
The path to Maisod Castle
3.87 mi
+400 ft
-397 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Maisod (Jura)
Under the pine trees, immerse yourself in a Mediterranean atmosphere and marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Vouglans stretching as far as the eye can see. Let the grains of sand covering the beaches caress your skin. The only thing missing from this picture is the taste of salt on your lips to make you believe in this unlikely little sea in the mountains.
This easy walk from the port of La Mercantine will take you to Maisod Castle and along Lake Vouglans
On the ridges of Mont d'Or
4.12 mi
+755 ft
-738 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Longevilles-Mont-d'Or (Doubs)
An easy hike in clear weather, ensuring you can see the Mont Blanc massif. The elevation gain is reasonable. There are some steep but short climbs, panoramic views, and the pleasure of reaching Le Morond and admiring the landscape from Mont d'Or.
Please note that you may have to cross fields where cows graze freely.
Bienne discovery trail
2.00 mi
+256 ft
-240 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Morez (Jura)
This circuit, starting from Morez, will take you on a tour of the surroundings of the Bienne and its Trou Bleu, as well as the Saillard Viaduct, crossing two Himalayan footbridges. Information panels are dotted along the route.
Tour of the Abbey Lake
5.97 mi
+551 ft
-541 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Grande-Rivière (Jura)
On a 9.5 km route around the lake, three separate interpretation stations allow you to discover this natural site in Grandvaux. To be done on foot, with good walking shoes or snowshoes when there is enough snow.
Le Reculet from Tiocan
4.55 mi
+2,792 ft
-2,792 ft
4h 30
Difficult
Departure from Thoiry (Ain)
This is a very popular hike to the Croix du Reculet, the second highest peak in the Jura, offering superb views of Geneva, Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc and the entire Alps in good weather.
For geocachers, there are a few caches along the hike.
Crêt de Chalam from La Pesse
6.74 mi
+1,490 ft
-1,490 ft
5 hrs
Difficult
Departure from La Pesse (Jura)
A beautiful winter snowshoe hike.Once you reach the summit, which looks a bit like a sugar loaf (1,545 m), you will discover a 360° panorama (the Haut Jura mountain range and, of course, Mont Blanc in good weather).Please note that depending on snow conditions, there may be a risk of avalanches at the Crêt de Chalam.
Beginners should refrain from climbing to the summit; the view is already very beautiful and safe from the plateau just before the summit.
The three lakes around Étival
5.40 mi
+643 ft
-627 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Étival (Jura)
Located in the heart of the forest in a most peaceful setting, the three lakes, the "Petit", the "Grand" and the "Lac de la Fauge", are home to flora and fauna characteristic of wetlands.
A nearby trail offers a panoramic view of the lakes and the village of Étival from the lookout point.
Bellefontaine Lake
6.30 mi
+384 ft
-410 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Bellefontaine (Jura)
The shores of Lake Bellefontaine with a possible detour to the La Roche Bernard viewpoint (2 km round trip) to continue along the shores of Lake Mortes followed by the stream, village and forest of the same name.