Exploring in Spring | Montagnes du Jura

What better way to enjoy spring to the full than exploring in the great outdoors? There's no shortage of trails in the Jura Mountains where everyone can find their ideal solution, by the water, in the towns, along the greenways or into the peat bogs. With your friends, family or partner, here's your chance to complete that list of fabulous outings to enjoy in spring!

Bike rides along the greenways

The greenways are perfect for peacefully cycling or rollerblading at your own pace. Specially designed for soft mobility modes, greenways are the very symbol of slow tourism. Along the way you'll meet other cyclists, pedestrians, rollerbladers or horseriders, each exploring at their own chosen pace.

Take your friends cycling along the Voie des Salines between Arc-et-Senans and Salins-les-Bains to visit two UNESCO World Heritage saltworks sites.

Discover an unspoilt wilderness along the voie PLM which follows the old railway line. The PLM route crosses the first plateau before rising through the valley of the river Ain, passing close to Chalain lake.

Another suggestion for a lovely bike ride is a breathtaking section of the EuroVélo6 route, a whole succession of beautiful landscapes via Montbéliard, Besançon or Baume-les-Dames.

Stepping into the shoes of a naturalist

Peat bog walks

Here's your chance to play at naturalists, along the paths and into the peat bogs, in search of a whole diversity of wildlife and plant species.

This walk features wooden walkways, installed in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the peat bogs.

With 4,000 plant and animal species listed, the Marais de Lavours nature reserve is a real gem, and this very pleasant walk will plunge you into the marsh habitat!
Lamoura lake (highest lake in the mountain range) is surrounded by peat bogs. Take the "sentier du lac" trail to get a closer look at them.
The Frasne nature reserve also has its treasures. The short theme trail (4.5 km) features a multitude of information panels about the plant life, the history of peat exploitation, its postglacial origins and its environmental role…

Refreshing walks

In the Jura Mountains, you don't have to hike for miles to enjoy nature's revitalising freshness. In spring, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular and the lakes invite you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the first sunny days. Coiselet lake, Abbaye lake or the Hérisson waterfalls are the hidden gems that we are happy to unveil for your family walks, a refreshing break or simply to enjoy the great outdoors.

Walks to springs and waterfalls

Balades entre sources et cascades

5 lake walks, nature at its purest

5 lacs pour des balades 100% nature

Hiking can be fun too

If walking doesn't always appeal to every member of the family, try a different approach with our "Explor Game" walks and treasure hunts! We're willing to bet everyone will love this activity!

You'll combine the pleasures of walking and making new discoveries, but in a fun way. One thing's for sure, this will appeal as much to the adults as to the children.

Along the trails or in the towns, you'll hunt for clues, rise to challenges, and solve the riddles to be found along the way.

A walk that will bring out the adventurer in you.

Explor Games®

Explor Games® “Le Trésor volé du Val d'Amour” LA VIEILLE-LOYE

Treasure hunting

Aventure-jeu Le passage secret des Moyamoyas SAINT-HYMETIERE-SUR-VALOUSE

Treasure hunting

Jeu "À la recherche de Lynxou" CLAIRVAUX-LES-LACS

Treasure hunting

Enquête game "À la recherche du diamant" MENETRUX-EN-JOUX

Explor Games®

City Game SAINT-AMOUR

Treasure hunting

Enquête game "Le mystère de la pierre gravée" CLAIRVAUX-LES-LACS

City walks

There are also some lovely walks and waymarked itineraries in the town centres that beckon you to explore a whole wealth of urban heritage.

In Dole, for example, the Circuit du Chat perché takes you exploring the town from one end to the other in 35 steps (4 km). You'll learn about Dole's eight centuries of history through its iconic monuments, its main streets, and the lovely squares and settings to be found in the town centre.
Besançon has no shortage of walks either. Follow one of the waymarked itineraries to explore this town oozing with heritage and architectural features.

So which route will you choose? Au cœur de la Boucle (4.2 km), Rives et remparts du Doubs (4.6 km) or Quartier Battant (2.7 km).

Encircled by mountains, the town of Saint-Claude beckons you to follow a 3.5 km discovery trail. A 1½ to 2 hour journey across the heart of the Haut-Jura capital to discover its riches.