The best greenway routes for family bike rides
These car-free greenway routes can be found all over the Jura Mountains. A great idea for a family bike ride is to set off along these former railroad tracks, well-known iconic routes or other more secret pathways, for an unforgettable experience and quality time for parents and their children... and also a good way to learn to ride a bike in complete safety! It's time to set off along the best greenway routes of the Jura Mountains.
Why choose greenway routes for bike rides with children?
A family bike ride is always a good idea, but where? We recommend greenway routes!
- They are safe because there are no cars or motorbikes, making this the obvious choice for parents!
- They are marked out: no difficulty finding your way, you can easily plan out your route.
- They are suitable for everyone, with some uphill and downhill sections so everyone can have some fun!
The 'Voie des Salines'
The departure point is Salins-les-Bains, a spa town that is well-known for its iconic Grande Saline saltworks! Then, ride alongside the Loue in the Val d'Amour, and cross through the legendary Forêt de Chaux to enjoy the cool atmosphere underneath the ancient trees (perfect for children!). Arrive in Ranchot, on the banks of the Doubs!
Warning: the 'Voie des Salines' is not completely finished yet so between Marnoz and Pagnoz you'll be riding along country lanes. Be careful! ;-)
A bonus for the children: Enjoy an ice cream at the Camping de l'Ile in Ranchot when you get to the arrival point.
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Cycles des Salines in Salins-les-Bains.
The ViaRhôna
The ViaRhôna is a long-distance route along the banks of the Rhône, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Enjoy the 55 km of the route in Ain, around Belley in southern Bugey, which is well-maintained and fairly flat. This route is perfect for young children.
Admire the scenery all around you, such as the Grand Colombier, the Lavours marshes and the incredible Glandieu waterfall.
A bonus for the children: Look out for birds and other amphibians at the Lavours marshes.
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Allô Réparation in Belley.
The Eurovélo 6
The Eurovélo 6 (running from Nantes to Budapest) crosses the Jura Mountains from Dole to Montbéliard, so by departing from Besançon you can explore the Doubs valley along this route.
Head east through the Pays Baumois. Or go west and stop off at the Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) in Arc-et-Senans, listed as a UNESCO site.
A bonus for the children: Visit the Grotte d'Osselle, where cave bears once lived.
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Happy's Experience in Besançon.
The 'Voie Grévy'
Explore the Val d'Amour on this superb route between Dole and Mont-sous-Vaudrey. The Val d'Amour is practically flat and so this makes it perfect for family bike rides!
You'll be riding along former railroad tracks that are no longer in use to explore the bucolic countryside of the Jura, between the Doubs and Loue rivers.
A bonus for the children: Cool off at the water park on the Camping du Val d'Amour!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Une Belle Aventure in Dole.
The 'Voie du Tacot'
To combine a bike ride and swimming, there's nothing better than a bike ride through the Land of Lakes!
The former railroad tracks have been transformed into a cycle path (the ultimate family route!). You'll be able to cycle between Champagnole and Marigny, along the shores of Chalain lake, past the picturesque meadows of the Jura plateau.
A bonus for the children: Taste some Comté cheese at the Fromagerie Janin at the arrival point!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Cycles du Château d'Eau in Champagnole.
The 'Chemin du Train'
Once again, this route is on former railroad tracks that have been transformed into a greenway route between Pontarlier and Gilley, through the fields and woodland of the Haut-Doubs.
This route is an opportunity to cycle through the mountains without too many uphill climbs (only 150 m difference in altitude over 18 km) or cars. And the entire route has been covered in tarmac from end to end, making it suitable for roller skates, scooters and even with a pushchair.
A bonus for the children: Play on the swings and slide at the playground at the Théâtre Forestier in Pontarlier!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Cycl'O Doubs in Pontarlier.
The 'Voie Douce du Lange'
This greenway route runs between Nantua and Oyonnax, providing an opportunity to explore Lange valley. The Lange is a peaceful little river and home to 'Plastics Valley'. This route is shaded and quiet, making it ideal for bike rides with young children.
You'll pass through a range of natural habitats such as marshland and streams, and of course by the magnificent Nantua lake at the beginning.
A bonus for the children: Go for a dip in the superb Nantua lake that is ideal for swimming!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Haut-Bugey VTT in Nurieux-Volognat.
La Traverse
This completely safe greenway route is as flat as they come, and an opportunity to explore the surrounding area of the capital of Ain: Bourg-en-Bresse! This is just the kind of route we like for family bike rides!
This route also follows former railroad tracks, and is a great way to discover the traditional Bresse farmhouses as well as a number of the region's typical mills.
A bonus for the children: Have some fun at the activity complex, La Plaine Tonique!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to La Station in Bourg-en-Bresse.
The 'Voie de la Bresse Jurassienne'
This route links the Eurovélo 6 (Dole) and the 'Voie Bressane' (Lons-le-Saunier), and it is a special one because it crosses through a natural reserve, the Ile du Girard.
Where the rivers Doubs and Loue meet, the fauna and flora is exceptional. There is a particularly wide variety of birds here and you can observe them as you pedal through the forests and past the lakes of Bresse.
A bonus for the children: Birdwatching at the Ile du Girard reserve!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Avenue Cycles in Dole.
La Ferney-Gex
The Pays de Gex, nestled between the Alps and the Jura Mountains, offers the possibility to come and admire so many different mountains, as you pedal along flat cycle paths!
Between Ferney-Voltaire and Gex, you'll enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the shores of Lake Geneva. You'll also pass by some masterpieces of local heritage, such as the Château de Voltaire.
A bonus for the children: Take part in a fun children's workshop organised by the Château!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Bouticycle in Ferney-Voltaire.
The 'Voie Bressane'
From Lons-le-Saunier, cycle through the Bresse of the Jura towards the town of Louhans, which sits on the border with Burgundy. Stop off along the way to admire the many typical lakes of Bresse. You can also stop to explore some of the region's beautiful little villages.
Please note: some sections of the 'Voie Bressane' are shared with cars. Be careful! ;-)
A bonus for the children: Discover the famous Maison de la Vache qui Rit (Laughing Cow visitor's centre) in Lons!
Are you looking to hire bikes? Head to Fachinetti Cycles in Lons.
Explore the Jura Mountains
It is great to explore the Jura Mountains by bike, but this is not the only way! Check out all our ideas for exploring the area by boat or on foot in the towns and villages or in the midst of nature!
