8 heritage treasures to discover in the Jura Mountains
Want to explore a land full of stories and breathtaking scenery, just three hours from Paris by TGV? On the Swiss border, the Jura Mountains are a paradise not only for nature lovers but also for heritage enthusiasts. Here, you can travel through a thousand years of human ingenuity - from Vauban’s masterpieces to the iconic Comtois bell towers, from royal saltworks to Enlightenment castles, and the world-famous watchmaking tradition.
And the best part? You can explore it all without a car - by train, by bus, or on foot. Here’s our pick of eight must-see treasures in the Jura Mountains.
1. The Citadel of Besançon
Perched on its rocky promontory, the Citadel of Besançon has watched over the city for more than three centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece by Vauban, it offers a stunning panorama over the loop of the Doubs River. Within its ramparts, you can visit the Museum of the Resistance, the Natural History Museum, the aquarium, and enjoy a scenic walk high above the city.
Just imagine the breathtaking view from the top of the Citadel! – © Corinne VASSELET / BFC Tourisme
Access: Besançon-Viotte train station, then take the Ginko “Citadelle” electric bus (operating daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or walk about 30 minutes (2.7 km) through the city center and the Rivotte stairs, or along the Doubs River.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning, when the mist lifts from the river — the view is magical. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a chamois!
2. The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
A masterpiece by visionary architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, the Saline royale d’Arc-et-Senans is much more than an old salt factory, it’s a utopia carved in stone, where industrial history meets art. Built in the 18th century to connect the Salins-les-Bains saltworks to the Chaux forest, it embodies the rational beauty of the Enlightenment, with its perfectly symmetrical half-circle plan.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it hosts exhibitions, themed gardens, and the Ledoux Museum — the only one of its kind in Europe. You can even spend the night in a hotel inside the monument — a truly unique experience.
The impressive Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans – © Mizenboite Production / BFC Tourisme
Access: Arc-et-Senans TER station, just a short walk from the site.
Pro tip: Stay for sunset — the golden light on the colonnades feels like time standing still.
3. The Château de Joux
Standing guard over the mountain pass near Pontarlier, the Château de Joux dominates the valley and has controlled this strategic route between France and Switzerland for over a thousand years. Once a military fortress and later the prison of Toussaint Louverture, it’s a site steeped in history and breathtaking views.
Since antiquity, this natural passage through the Jura massif has served as a key trade route and toll point. The castle was also a stop along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route linking London to Rome, which crossed the Jura Mountains for more than 90 km.
View of the majestic Château de Joux – © Maud Humbert / BFC Tourisme
Access: Pontarlier TER station or La Cluse-et-Mijoux stop, then a 20–30 min walk (the climb is a bit steep).
Pro tip: Wear good shoes and bring binoculars — the view of the Swiss Alps is stunning. And if you can, stay until sunset from one of the castle’s lookouts: the Doubs Valley stretches out beneath your feet.
4. The Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, the Grande Saline de Salins‑les‑Bains tells the story of “white gold” in the Jura Mountains and of a salt industry that thrived here for over 1,200 years.
Descending into the 13th-century vaulted galleries, you’ll walk in the footsteps of workers who once pumped brine and boiled it for hours. The Salt Museum on-site reveals the complex blend of technique, economy, and human effort behind this ancient craft.
Inside the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains – © Mizenboite Production / BFC Tourisme
Access: Mouchard train station, then local transfer to Salins-les-Bains.
Pro tip: Take a guided tour of the underground galleries — the atmosphere is unforgettable, and you’ll understand why this place is one of a kind in Europe.
5. The Royal Monastery of Brou
Located in Bourg-en-Bresse, the Monastère royal de Brou is a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture: lace-like stone carvings, colorful stained glass, and three princely tombs sculpted with incredible detail — all commissioned in the early 16th century by Marguerite of Austria.
Beyond the church, the site now houses a Museum of Fine Arts and regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events, keeping it alive and vibrant.
The Royal Monastery of Brou – © Mizenboite Production / BFC Tourisme
Access: Bourg-en-Bresse TGV station, then a 15- to 20-minute walk (Boulevard de Brou area) or Rubis bus lines 2 (stop Valéry) or 6 (stop Monastère de Brou).
Pro tip: Visit at sunset — the light through the stained glass is magical.
6. The Château de Voltaire
Once home to the philosopher Voltaire for twenty years, the Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire perfectly blends gardens, architecture, and the spirit of the Enlightenment. You can sense the atmosphere of an era when Voltaire wrote, debated, and entertained fellow thinkers in this remarkable setting.
The visit invites you to stroll through his park, wander the salons where ideas once flourished, and enjoy views over the Jura and the Alps.
Château de Voltaire - © Nino Scherer / BFC Tourisme
Access: From Geneva-Cornavin or Bellegarde-sur-Valserine stations, take local transport to Ferney-Voltaire.
Pro tip: Take your time in the gardens — it’s easy to imagine Voltaire walking right beside you.
7. The Imperial Abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs
Nestled deep in a spectacular limestone valley, the Abbaye impériale de Baume‑les‑Messieurs was a major spiritual center of the Jura, founded in the 6th century amid dramatic natural scenery.
The nearby village, listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France,” adds even more charm to the setting. You can extend your visit with a walk through the surrounding nature — caves, tufa waterfalls, lush panoramas… It’s a perfect blend of heritage and wilderness.
The Imperial Abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs – © Coline Ponnelle / BFC Tourisme
Access: Domblans-Voiteur or Lons-le-Saunier station, then local transport to the village (seasonal ECLA Tallis bus in summer, or bike/hike via the Revermont route or D70 road, about 35–40 min from Voiteur).
Pro tip: Arrive early in the morning, before the tour buses — when silence and light make the place feel almost sacred.
8. The Watchmaking Tradition
The Jura Mountains aren’t just home to ancient stones — they’re also the cradle of precision craftsmanship. The watchmaking know-how of the Doubs Horloger region is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage register. You can visit workshops, discover the precision of gestures, the materials, and the passion of the artisans.
While the dedicated Watchmaking Museum will reopen in 2026, the region already offers several visits and circuits along the “Route des savoir-faire” (Craftsmanship Trail) — a rare chance to watch time being made.
The meticulous work of local artisans – © Marika Godin / BFC Tourisme
Access: Besançon TGV or Besançon-Viotte station, then TER train to Morteau (Pays Horloger).
Pro tip: Watch an artisan at work — the ticking of the machines and the play of light on tiny parts create a moment of pure meditation.
Want to see more?
From the ramparts of Besançon to the caves of Baume-les-Messieurs, from royal saltworks to Morteau’s watches, the Jura Mountains tell a thousand years of history and craftsmanship. Thanks to their well-connected stations and peaceful roads, you can enjoy this adventure car-free - fully immersed in both landscape and time.
This article was produced in partnership with Montagnes du Jura.
To discover even more gems, 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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