The 14 most beautiful places to visit in the Jura

Are you about to visit the Jura? Discover our selection of the 14 most beautiful places to explore in this wonderful natural region of France!

Located east of France in the historical region of Franche-Comté, the Jura is a department composed of plains and a mountainous massif. Known for its exceptional nature sites, its classified cities and its vineyards, the Jura has not finished surprising you! The activities are numerous, whether to swim in the lake of Vouglans, to survey the mountain trails or to discover the Jura culture in the typical villages of the region... During your stay, you will be pleased to taste the specialties of the region, starting with the famous County!

To not miss out on the must-sees, we have selected the 14 most beautiful places to visit in the Jura!

1. The Herisson Waterfalls

Listed at the Grands sites of France, the Hérisson Valley and the Plateau des 7 lacs are home to the pretty waterfalls of the Hérisson, in the commune of Menétrux-en-Joux. The "Herisson" is the torrent taking its source to the Girard Saut. It comes from the lakes of Bonlieu and Ilay. For the anecdote, its name does not come from the animal but from “Yrisson”, which means “sacred water”. The best way to access waterfalls is to go for a walk in the middle of nature. By following the stream of water, you will cross a few remnants of dwellings, contemplate the falls of the Saut of the Fan and the Grand Saut.

2. The Natural Park of Upper Jura

Nature lovers will be delighted to visit the Jura. If the whole Franche-Comté is full of beautiful and wild sites, the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park reveals a very pleasant mountain atmosphere. The summits of the Jura chain, such as the Crêt de la Neige, are quickly located at 1720 metres above sea level. Its characteristic geology, which is called Jura plissé, extends on medium mountain plateaus. Walks in the forest, along rivers or in grasslands, offer an incredible diversity of landscapes. A tip: take a tour at the Maison du Parc de Lajoux, to take full information on the tours and hikes to be done in the natural park.

To discover in depth this beautiful park next to an expert, we recommend you go to Chilowé , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « initiation to bivouac on the heights of the Jura » , you will dive into the heart of the Natural Park. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: learning survival techniques, unsuspected bivouac places and starry sky. Unbelievable!

3. Dole

Former capital of Franche-Comté until 1678, Dole retained a rich architectural heritage. Its historical heritage invites you to wander through its alleys. Classified as “City of Art and History” since 1992, the Jura City offers an exciting journey: that of the “perched chat”. In tribute to Marcel Aymé, the circuit leads you under the porches, in front of the remarkable facades, statues and fountains. On the way, you admire the Notre-Dame College, the Hôtel-Dieu, the rue du Collège de l’Arc. Dole is a quiet little town where it makes good walking and sitting in one of its good restaurants.

4. Salins-les-Bains

Since the 8th century, Salins-les-Bains has gained its prosperity by exploiting a unique natural richness: salt. The industry continued until 1962, before thermalism took over. Today, its Grande Saline, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the must-sees to visit in the Jura region. You will discover an underground linking two old wells and the Sel Museum, very informative on the working conditions of the workers. Want a relaxing moment? The Salins-les-Bains thermal baths offer a wide range of activities – spa, hammam, jets of water – which do not need to organize its spa treatment in advance. The country of Salin has many other sites of interest, such as Mont Poupet, Fort Saint-André or the edges of the Furious, that it would be a shame to miss!

5. Arbois

Arbois is a peaceful small town, ideal for strolling and tasting local flavours. Its old town is charming with its ochre-jaune-colored buildings. It is a pleasure to wind in its alleys full of vineyard houses, special hotels and romantic gardens. This is also where Louis Pasteur was born. For gourmets, Arbois has a museum-château dedicated to the vineyard and wine of the Jura and the best chocolate maker in the region, Edouard Hirsinger. Nearby, go to the Tufs waterfall, just after Planches-près-Arbois.

6. Château-Chalon

The "Cité de Caractère" of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is one of the "Best Villages of France" and celebrates the vineyards of Jura. His Yellow Wine, named Château-Chalon (AOC) is a treat for lovers.ice.s of good quality. Do you know that these are the Benedictines of Château-Chalon who are at the origin of this quality cru? It was in the Middle Ages that they cultivated the first vines of Savagnin, the vine of the Yellow Wine. The village in its heart does not lack any hiding place. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hillsides.

7. Lake Vouglans

Lake Vouglans is the third artificial lake in France! Long 35 kilometers, it offers a multitude of activities: swimming, pedalo, canoeing, stand-up paddle, cruises, restaurants, etc. A true seaside resort, the site is perfectly suited for a relaxing moment in the family. It is also an ideal base for many sports outings in the area. It is indeed possible to practice canyoning, speleo or mountain biking.

8. Nozeroy

Every summer, the ancient city of the Dukes of Chalon animates a memorable medieval feast behind its ramparts. A witness to its tide of the Middle Ages, the Tower of Horology, built in the 15th century, welcomes the visitor. If you pass there in May, don't miss the "Nozeroy Urban Trail", a sporting and friendly race between town and nature. Take advantage of your visit to this "city of character of Burgundy-Franche-Comté" to taste its specialties, including the butter of the cooperative of the Val de Mièges and the County in Rix-Trébief.

9. The Haute Vallée de la Saine

Site of protected nature, the course of the Saine winds on 18 kilometers in the hollow of the Haute Vallée du même nom, on a fascinating jurassian plateau. Gorges, cascades, gouffs: there is a lot to see and do along this anciently sacred river! The panoramas are breathtaking from Foncine-le-Haut where she takes birth, to Lemme where she throws herself. You can reach the gorges of Langouette and Malvaux, the jump of the Pisse or the waterfalls of Bief de la Ruine by walking tours. The views of the Fendue Rock and the Ruines are also accessible to ATV. In winter you can also skiing in the Jura close by!

10. Saint-Claude

Capital of the pipe, Saint-Claude will satisfy those who come to visit the Jura for its culture and traditions. It is not for nothing that the city proudly wears the label “Cities and Crafts”: the subprefecture of the Jura is not only specialist in the manufacture of the heat pipe, but also in the size of the diamonds. While walking around, we discover that the city loves itself in a wonderful chaotic nature. Saint-Claude herself is worth a visit to his historical heritage, such as the ancient cathedral of the diocese and the Abbaye Museum, which presents interesting modern works of art.

11. La Station des Rousses

The summits of the Haut-Jura know how to seduce the visitor, summer and winter. When the firs cover themselves with snow, it’s time to ski and snowshoe! The panorama of the Alps is grandiose, the hilly landscapes open on a huge space, punctuated with frozen lakes. In the summer, fauna and flora spring from the snow melting, revealing waterfalls and rivers! In all seasons, it is good to stop at Fort des Rousses, taste the County perfectly refined in its cellars.

12. Les Pertes de l’Ain

13. Baume-les-Mesieurs

The Jura has not only an incredible wild nature, but also many classified villages. Baume-les-Mesieurs is another example! Among the "Best Village of France" and "Little Cité Comtoise de Caractère" you should not miss it! Located below in a valley, you can first admire its geological uprisings from the viewpoint of the Roche des Baumes (it is just after). Coming to its surroundings, the treasures of the Dard's backdrop jump in the eyes: caves, Benedictine abbey, the Baume-les-Messieurs circus, waterfalls and houses of character await your visit.

14. The Belvédère des Roches in Crançot

The so-called "Balmstone Belvedere" offers an extraordinary view of the valley and the village of Baume-les-Messieurs, below. By approaching the cliff of Baume, you will discover an impressive cut in the rock. To go down to the village of Baume on foot and access the nearby caves, follow the Crançot Scales: in reality, it is not a scale but a staircase dating back to the 17th century. The descent is steep, sock well! By car, you can easily reach the viewpoint via D471, between Pannessières and Crançot.