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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Hike around Château-Chalon

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.

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.

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

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.

Interesting viewpoint offering views of the Ain valley (Vouglans Dam, the Haut Jura mountain range and Mont Blanc in good weather). The ruins of Oliferne Castle are now of considerable interest following restoration work carried out by volunteers.

All the ingredients for a beautiful hike that make the Jura so special are here: remote valleys, viewpoints, caves, waterfalls and unspoilt nature.

Mont Sala offers a remarkable view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, particularly its highest peak.

A lord had three daughters of marriageable age. Capricious, they found all suitors unworthy. Annoyed, the fairy Melusine turned them into stone statues. Erosion has destroyed two of these gossips. Time will get the better of the last one, so don't delay in paying her a visit. On the way, you will see the ruins of a castle perched on the cliffs, views of the Val de Sirod, and picturesque stony paths winding through beautiful rocks. Return via the Perte de l'Ain and its superb gorges.

Perched on the cliffs of Revermont, Château-Chalon, dear to the heart of writer Bernard Clavel, watches over the Jura vineyards. This village offers magnificent views of the vineyards and nearby valleys, and you will enjoy strolling among the old houses. Return via a Roman road and the Tuquière viewpoint with its cabordes (stone shelters).

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.

This loop will allow you to discover the bottom of the Flumen valley (and its waterfalls) as well as the ridges above it.

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.

La Reculée des Planches, shaped by limestone erosion, has a relief characteristic of the Jura karst plateau. From the foot of the cliffs, climbing gently through the beautiful Arbois Forest towards the Belvédère du Fer à Cheval, you will climb up to the cornices where no fewer than four viewpoints, not to mention the ruins of a feudal castle, offer superb views of the entire reculée.

This route will give you an overview of these great glacial valleys of the Jura.

A beautiful loop starting from Arbois. The suggested route is part of the "Échappée Jurassienne" trail. The end of the hike brings you close to the vineyards. There is another, shorter route that passes through the bottom of the Reculée. This is an old hike that does not necessarily follow the markings on the ground. See reviews

This is a pleasant walk through the rolling vineyards and the charming wine-growing village of Pupillin. The return route through the forest and the Ermitage viewpoint offers magnificent views of the town of Arbois. A few short climbs add a little spice to the route.

There is little elevation gain and lots of forest for this walk, which is recommended in summer on the Jura plateau.

You will begin your walk at Notre-Dame de Mouthier-le-Vieillard and its rival, the Collégiale Saint-Hippolyte, discovering the beautiful old houses of this provincial town. Then, climbing to the foot of the ancient ramparts, still devout, you will reach the Roche du Pénitent, following the line of ledges and its views over the valley to discover the Croix du Dan and its view over the Bresse plain where, it is said, less Catholic druids shed human blood.

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.

Walk in the forest with a view of Lake Antre and the Jura Mountains

A family trail starting from Les Rousses, offering views over the peat bog on the edge of Lac des Rousses.

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.

A pleasant hike in the hills above Lons-le-Saunier. You will pass a completely isolated wash house, climb up to the Belvédère de Montaigu, descend into the middle of the Val de Sorne golf course, and walk along paths accompanied by birdsong and the sound of flowing water. This is a well-marked and well-maintained circuit with two significant climbs.

A short hike between forest and lake, very peaceful and relaxing in this popular lake region.

This moderately difficult hike will allow you to discover unspoilt nature and a unique panorama from the Cuchet viewpoint. In autumn, the colours are sublime...

A 30-minute climb will take you to the feudal castle of Vaulgrenant, where you can enjoy a 360° panorama. Then you will walk between valleys and woods, with ever-changing views of Mont Poupet. After Marnoz, you will discover a very pleasant path leading back to Pagnoz. It allows you to walk along the railway line without realising it (except at the beginning). A hike away from the beaten track and through varied landscapes.

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.

This balcony trail offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the largest natural lake in the Jura. Surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers, the lake is an invitation to linger and discover the secrets of the woods...

A hike for experienced walkers, with the chance to discover the village of Pretin, nestled in a valley, and magnificent views of Salins-les-Bains and its surroundings (Mont Poupet and Fort Belin in particular).

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.

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.

Discover the commune of Amange on a route with several information panels describing the buildings and places you pass.

From a Romanesque church, you will climb the medieval path, carved out by cart tracks, to the Croix du Dan where, it is said, less Catholic druids shed human blood. Then, crossing the city again, you will bravely climb up to the Trou de la Lune and the superb Grande Corniche. From the Roche du Pénitent, you will descend via the ramparts, visiting the treasures of the collegiate church and the Ursuline cloister and discovering the beautiful old houses of this provincial city.