What to do in the Jura Mountains in a week?
Photo: © Marika Godin - MK - BFC Tourisme
Want to disconnect for a few days? At the gateway to Switzerland, the Montagnes du Jura offer a mosaic of picture-postcard landscapes and activities accessible by train: picturesque villages, wild gorges, cycle paths, unusual accommodation, generous gastronomy... Here, there are no crowds or rushed tourism: you walk, cycle, paddle, and breathe. Straddling three departments (Doubs, Ain, and Jura) and two regions (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), it's the ideal destination for a week of rejuvenating micro-adventures (just 3 hours from Paris by TGV and 4 hours from Strasbourg). To help you plan your itinerary, here is our themed guide to the best experiences to enjoy in this unspoiled corner of nature. A change of scenery guaranteed!
A multifaceted cross-border region - © montagnes-du-jura.fr
Heritage & Culture
The "Chat Perché" Trail in Dole
A trip to the Jura wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Dole. To discover its historic heart in a playful way, we recommend the Chat Perché Trail, a route marked by small cat silhouettes fixed to the ground. Follow them and you’ll wander through a maze of medieval alleys, colorful houses, and iconic monuments.
A wonderful way to combine walking and cultural discovery, while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the former capital of Franche-Comté.
The Citadel of Besançon
In Besançon, heritage goes hand in hand with fortresses. The Citadel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the city from its promontory. Designed by Vauban, it impresses with its massive ramparts and its 360° panorama over the winding Doubs River.
Citadel of Besançon - © Alain Doire / BFC Tourisme
But the visit doesn’t stop at the views: inside, several museums await you—from the History of the Resistance to Fine Arts, plus a zoological garden. A rich, unmissable experience to grasp the soul of the Franche-Comté capital.
Cycling Adventures
EuroVelo 6 with Happy’s Expérience
The Jura Mountains are crossed by EuroVelo 6, one of Europe’s most beautiful cycling routes. From Dole, you can ride safely along the Doubs to Besançon. No need to be an expert cyclist: Happy’s Expérience offers turnkey support to rent your bike and plan your stage.
Between villages, locks, and aquatic landscapes, the EV6 delivers a perfect slice of Jura serenity, with a true sense of freedom along the way.
Gîte du Gévot: A Cyclists’ Stopover
After a full day of pedaling, nothing beats accommodation designed for cycle travelers. The Gîte d’Étape du Gévot, labeled Accueil Vélo, is the perfect place to recharge (both humans and e-bikes!). Expect a warm atmosphere, generous meals, and simple yet effective comfort. It’s the kind of place where you’ll meet other cyclists, each with their stories and routes.
Outdoor Activities
Canoeing in the Loue Gorges
If you love paddling, head to Ornans, where the Akila Gorges de la Loue base offers canoe trips. Between limestone cliffs and lush forests, the Loue river unfolds like an impressionist painting.
Kayak at Ornans, vallée de la Loue - ©Nicolas Gascard / BFC Tourisme
As for difficulty, the outing is quite accessible (perfect even for beginners). Our tip: bring a picnic for a riverside break, feet in the water.
Les Marmites de Géant & Dinoplagne
The Jura Mountains also hold geological surprises. In Saint-Germain-de-Joux, the Marmites de Géant intrigue with their circular basins sculpted by the river.
Les marmites de Géant à Saint-Germain-de-Joux - © Nino Scherer / BFC Tourisme
A few kilometers away, Dinoplagne takes you millions of years back in time: here you can admire a 155-meter-long dinosaur trackway, the largest known in the world. To get there car-free, regional buses A53 and X36 connect Bellegarde (Valserhône) station with nearby villages.
Dinoplagne - © Géraldine Blanchon / OT Terre Valserine / BFC Tourisme
The Pertes de la Valserine
A classified natural site, this gem is located near Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. Here, the river plunges into narrow gorges, disappears underground, and re-emerges a few meters further. Not only is it stunning, but the walk is also very easy to access.
Les Pertes de la Valserine - © Maud Humbert / BFC Tourisme
Unusual Stays & Accommodation
Domaine des Géorennes
Fancy a night out of the ordinary? The Domaine des Géorennes offers unusual stays in the heart of nature: treehouses, transparent bubbles, or lodges. At night, lying in bed, you can gaze at the starry sky free from light pollution, wrapped in the silence of the forest. A timeless experience that reconnects you with the essentials.
The kind of unusual accommodation you can find at Domaine des Géoriennes - © Benjamin Martinie
Sleeping in the Heart of the Stage Cities
In the Jura Mountains, each accomodation has its own charm, combining simplicity and authenticity in the spirit of gentle adventure. In Besançon, the address 8B Rue Moncey is ideal for exploring the old town on foot before hitting the road again. For a friendlier stop, the Gîte du Gévot remains a safe bet for cycle travelers.
Foodie Stops
The Tanners’ Quarter in Dole
This is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Dole. The former tanners’ houses, lined up along the Doubs, now host restaurants where you’ll want to linger. Having lunch here means savoring local cuisine in a historic setting while enjoying the riverside charm.
L’Épicerie du Canal & Les Gamins in Besançon
On your way to Besançon, stop at L'Épicerie du Canal, in Avanne-Aveney. Warm vibes, a terrace by the water, and hearty plates—it’s the perfect pause before tackling the last cycling kilometers. Once in town, book a table at en ville, réserve ta table au Restaurant Les Gamins. Seasonal cuisine, fresh produce, and a relaxed atmosphere: the best reward after a visit to the Citadel.
Restaurant les Gamins - © Maud Humbert / BFC Tourism
In one week, the Jura Mountains reveal themselves in small doses: cycling, heritage, wild nature, and unusual stays. A slow, revitalizing, and accessible journey, ideal for disconnecting.
This article was produced in partnership with Montagnes du Jura.
For more inspiration, visit www.montagnes-du-jura.fr!
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
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