The 12 most beautiful hikes to do in the Jura

Want to immerse yourself in the Jura mountains? Without further delay, discover the most beautiful hikes in the Jura to take your eyes full!

Would the Jura be the wildest department in France? Recovering forests, the Jurasss massif is a fierce territory that has long been uninhabited. And it’s not hard to believe when you put on your hiking shoes to get on the trails.

Snowy summits, forests, waterfalls... The unaltered beauty of the landscapes is striking. So without further delay, start discovering the one that is sometimes called "Small Scotland"! Here are the most beautiful hikes in the Jura.

1. La Grande Traversée du Jura – GTJ

This is the most emblematic hike in the department. The Grande Traversée du Jura – GTJ for the intimates – takes you among the most beautiful landscapes of the Jura massif. Its seven trails flow along the ridges, cross the forests, bypass the lakes and sink into the wild valleys.

Of course, some adventurers start body and soul in the 400 kilometers of trail. But you can also choose the section that inspires you most. Sunday family tour, sporting challenge over a week, escape weekend... The GTJ has a lot to offer!

2. The Snow Crêt

Want to get high? So go to the Snow Crete! With its 1,720 meters of altitude, it is the highest point in the Jura. The trail offers beautiful views, in an intimate and wild setting. However, the crossing requires a good physical condition!

But the game is worth it. Once at the top, the panorama is breathtaking. You will see Lake Geneva stretching to your feet, immense. And in good time, the view of the Alps and the Mont-Blanc is splendid.

3. The Risoux Forest

The Risoux Forest is famous for being a high place of resistance during the Second World War. The French Victoria Cordier helped many Jews to cross it to reach the Swiss shelters. This section of history is now over.

However, the forest houses beautiful landscapes, both in the summer and in the winter. The paths that cross it offer remarkable views of the Dôle and the surrounding lakes. Go from Lac des Rousses to live this escape moment.

4. The tower of the four lakes

Among the most beautiful hikes in the Jura, the tower of the four lakes is a must. This is a family-run, practicable stroller. It allows you to discover four emblematic areas of water:

• The Lac du Petit Maclu ;
• The Great Maclu Lake ;
• The oneIlay ;
• And finally Lake Narlay.

In the summer, you can stop to taste the water and keep yourself in the sun. But thanks to their infinite variety, the landscapes remain magical all year round.

5. The Herisson Waterfalls

Among all the hikes in the Jura, the Herisson waterfall tower is perhaps the most famous. This lovely walk allows you to discover no less than seven cascades. In particular, we find:

• The Fan65 meters of stairfall;
• The Great Sautwhich flows over 60 meters;
• The Blue Gour and its emerald green astonishing.

Why do we call them "Herisson" stunts? It would be a derivative of the Celtic word Yrisson , which means "sacred waters".

6. The circus of Baume-les-Mesieurs

Visit Baume-les-Messieurs, one of the most beautiful French villages, to engage in one of the best hikes in the Jura region. The circus of Baume-les-Messieurs is among the most charming landscapes of the entire Franche-Comté.

The trail runs through beautiful portions of forests and offers extraordinary views. But his highest point is certainly the Tufs cascade. After the rain, this famous waterfall is a real wonder.

7. The peak of the Eagle

The peak of the Eagle dominates the valley of the four lakes, the Grandvaux, the Jura des plateaus and the Hérisson valley. But in clear time, it also allows to see the Mont Blanc massif! You will have understood it: at the top, the point of view is breathtaking.

The trail to reach the summit is very pleasant and offers superb landscapes. However, it is better to know: in summer, it is sometimes over-frequented.

8. The circuit of the source of the Ain

Discover the treasures of the high valley of the Ain: mineral and vegetable landscape, waterfalls, ruined mills... This pretty hike offers a wide variety of options. The river and its magnetic colors will follow you all the way.

The Ain source circuit allows you to discover all the points of interest of the site. Visit Nozeroy City Hall to learn more!

9. The Ascension of the Pole

If the Dôle is not the highest peak in the Jura, it still peaks at 1,677 meters above sea level. It offers a diving view on Geneva and Lake Geneva. Beyond that, the panorama extends over hundreds of kilometers in the round. We see the Swiss Alps, the Mont Blanc massif, the Ecrins...

The shortest way to reach the top is the one that leaves from the Dappes. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful hikes in the Jura!

10. The crêt of Chalam

Behind this pretty name is one of the most picturesque hikes in the Jura. We reach the crêt of Chalam from the Borne to the Lions. This small summit offers a magnificent view of the Jurass massif and the alpine landscapes. In clear weather, you can even see Mont Blanc!

However, all the charm of this short hike lies in the privacy of its trails. In winter, admire the white beauty that covers the landscape. In the spring, the meadows and undergrowth are loaded with flowers... But don't trust this candid beauty: some portions will be able to challenge you!

11. The Gorges de l’Abîme

Cross the devil bridge to reach this short hike. A sinuous path leads you into the depths of a wooded valley, where a river flows. In some places, water boils in large stone wells. These geological formations are called the Marmites of Giant.

At the end of a moment you arrive at the hole of the Abyss. Behind this emerald water well lies more than 50 meters deep... In short, it is a deep-colored hike that blends an enchanting landscape with mysterious geological curiosities... A beautiful moment!

12. Sources of Lison

This small family trip is quite emblematic of hiking in the Jura. Go from Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne and follow the stream of Verneau, which flows into the sources of Lison.

The valley is rich and green, and beautiful waterfalls await you on the way. At the end of the trail, you will find a 19th century woodwork, in a state of walking and visiting. A beautiful witness to the French-Canadian industry, which was part of the hydraulic energy to make metal tools.