Jura walks

A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.

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.

Discover one of the most beautiful natural sites and one of the prettiest villages in the Franche-Comté.

Pleasure in cascades. This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses. Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

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!

A splendid hike between the plateau and the steep-sided valley of the Ain. This circuit offers an opportunity to discover the upper Ain valley and its unique geology, with its Vaucluse spring, waterfalls (Le Moulinet, Saut des Maillys, Moulin-du-Saut) and ruined mills, evidence of how humans once harnessed the power of water. In fact, an EDF hydroelectric plant has replaced the old Moulin-du-Saut.

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.

Shaped by limestone erosion, the Reculée des Planches has a relief characteristic of the Jura karstic plateau. At the foot of the vertically rising cliffs, you'll discover the cascades and cascatelles of the Cuisance. At a leisurely pace, through bright, cool forests, you'll climb up to the ledges where no fewer than five lookouts, not forgetting the ruins of a feudal castle, offer superb views over the whole of the reculée.

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.

Discover the Baume-les-Messieurs valley, a family hike offering beautiful views from the viewpoints along the route, culminating in a visit to the Baume caves. Also worth seeing is the Tuffes waterfall.

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...

Without doubt, the shortest path up to the summit of La Dôle (1677m altitude) from the French side of the border. In good weather, the views are breathtaking and go on for over 250km: from the Swiss Alps to Mont Blanc and on to the Vanoise and the Ecrins, all of this with plunging views down over Geneva and its lake.

A pleasant walk to do in a day. The trail runs either along the lake, overlooking it or along the edge of the rocks, with numerous viewpoints.

Hike around Château-Chalon

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.

Discover the splendour of France's third largest reservoir with its turquoise blue waters. In this magnificent setting, walk between forests and steep cliffs with superb views of the lake.

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.

This easy hike is best enjoyed in spring and autumn if you want to make the most of the second part, which is also the most beautiful: the waterfall and stream. It's guaranteed to be cool in summer, even with just a trickle of water. Amazon rainforest atmosphere before the waterfall. Moderator update on 24/09/2020: Please note! Change of route at the end of the trail, after the waterfall. To return to the car park, follow the diversion and the yellow markings.

From the remains of the Old Bridge of Port-Lesney, you will climb up beautiful forest paths winding through box trees to the viewpoint overlooking the village topped by Mont Poupet. From this cool, mossy forest, you will emerge into the sunny vineyards, greeting the Saline d'Arc-et-Senans from afar, before returning, devoutly, to the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette perched on the cliff above the valley.

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

Surrounded by Sala and Noiremont summits, this hike that allows you to explore Swiss forests and pastures. You'll need two cars for this straight route hike.

Magnificent waterfalls, among the most impressive in the Jura, whose reputation is well established. This walk leads to the foot of the torrent, which you follow to the summit, near the waterfalls and caves. It forms a loop, returning alongside the ridges, in the shade of a lush forest.

Fifth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This stage allows you to discover the remote valleys, particularly that of Planches-Près-Arbois, and to understand the geological phenomenon, with views from the Belvédère de la Roche du Feu. You will then descend to the bottom of the valley to reach the village of Planches-Près-Arbois and its tufa waterfall. Next, you will head towards the wine-growing village of Pupillin, the "World Capital of Ploussard", where you can explore its viewpoint, 19th-century church, Saint-Léger oratory and beautiful fountains.

Fourth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. Right from the start of this stage, things get serious with a demanding route punctuated by steep ascents and descents in the limestone massif of Revermont. Then, through undergrowth, pastures and picturesque viewpoints, the second part of the route reveals itself to be full of charm and tranquillity, offering a perfect transition before reaching Montigny-les-Arsures, a superb wine-growing village where the vineyards come into view. A few more kilometres will take you to Arbois, the capital of Jura wines. Louis Pasteur had his family home here, which is still open to visitors. This colourful town is full of Jura wine tasting cellars and great places to eat for food lovers.

First stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This stage starts off relatively easily. Leaving Dole station, you walk through the narrow streets of the town centre of Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, nicknamed "Little Venice" because it is crossed by the River Doubs, which gives it all its charm.Then, inthe second part of the route, you will find some cool shade in the Chaux forest before reaching the village of Vieille-Loye, built in the heart of a cleared clearing, once part of thesecond largest deciduous forest in France.

Second stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. The first 12 kilometres of this route are sheltered by the Chaux forest. Pay close attention to the signposts so you don't get lost! As you leave the edge of the woods, you will discover an architectural gem: the village of Arc-et-Senans, home to the Royal Saltworks, which will take you on a journey through the history of salt in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.