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Cycling in the Jura Mountains is the ideal way to explore the region and its countless gems. Wide open spaces, lush green forests, waterfalls and rivers, not forgetting the wine cooperatives, dairies and cheese cellars. The 'Vélo & Fromages' quality label identifies cycling itineraries that combine history, nature and... cheese! In Jura and Doubs, check out our 6 local loop itineraries and 2 long-distance cycling routes that take you across our mountains.
The "Vélo & Fromages" seal of approval was created to combine the French passion for cycling and for some 1,200 varieties of cheese. It's a simple concept that entails taking to the great outdoors by bicycle, stopping along the way to visit the cheese dairies, ripening cellars and cheese shops of France.
Cycling is the ideal way to travel for those who want to fully appreciate the extent of our region's riches and meet all the people involved in the cheesemaking process, from the dairy farmer to the cheese seller...
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or an occasional cyclist, you'll find a route to suit your level among the loop itineraries ranging from 8 to 320 km. Along the way, you can stop to visit various sites among the 1,400 cheese shops, dairy farms, ripening cellars, restaurants and markets.
Where there are mountains there's cheese! If you don't believe us, check out the iconic specialities of the Jura Mountains!
Well known to cycle tourers, EuroVélo itineraries are an absolute must. The Jura Mountains enjoy the honour of being traversed by a 176-km section of the EuroVélo 6 along the Rivers Route.
From Dole to Belfort, the protected greenways invite you to cycle at your own pace, admiring the landscape dotted with grazing cattle, but only of the Montbéliarde breed, which supply the milk used to produce Comté cheese!
Distance: 176 km
Estimated time: 3 days
Elevation gain: 180 m
Level: easy
The itinerary in detail
If your goal is to cover as much distance as possible, opt for the Grande Traversée du Jura. That's right, this hiking itinerary also comes in a cycling version suitable for road bikes. Nearly 380 km to admire the variety of spectacular Jura scenery.
There's no shortage of meat salters and cheese shops along the route, perfect when you need to replenish your energy.
Distance: 378 km
Estimated time: 10 days
Elevation gain: 4900 m
Level: experienced cyclists
A military enclosure where cheese has replaced the troops? That's exactly what you'll find at the beautifully converted Fort Saint-Antoine.
Now a ripening cellar, the fort organises tours and cheese tastings!
Ready to daydream in blue and green? The Doubs Valley can be explored by bike along cycling itineraries that anyone can follow.
A loop itinerary with 'Vélo & Fromages' certification takes you exploring the Drugeon Valley and the Frasne Plateau. Stretching along 74 km of greenways, it is dotted with cooperative dairies, the icons of local cheese production!
Distance: 74 km
Elevation gain: 1011 m
Level: average
Head for Montbéliard, a little further away, on a special route that awaits cyclists with a discerning palate. Following a section of the Grande Traversée du Jura, you'll discover a whole mountain of Jura cheeses on this itinerary of just over 100 km, ideal for seasoned cyclists and fine gourmets!
Distance: 102.55 km
Elevation gain: 622 m
Level: easy
Along the way, don't miss this chance to learn about the traditional craft of producing spruce bands used to make the famous Mont d'Or cheese boxes.
The itinerary in detail
Foodie tours in Doubs indicated on the map
Mouthwatering stops along the itinerary: ripening cellar, museums, opportunities to meet the producers, cheese shops, dairies and more...
In the heart of the Jura Mountains, Loop 21 is recommended for seasoned cyclists looking for an uphill challenge.
From Champagnole to the High Ain Valley, nearly 70 km await you, for a day spent exploring the region's natural treasures.
Distance: 69.1 km
Elevation gain: 998 m
Level: average
The itinerary in detail
In the Jura Mountains, your efforts are rewarded with beautiful scenery! Loop 8 is one of the most difficult in the region.
This itinerary goes up and down through the Tacon valley and across the Hautes Combes region.
Without a doubt, stopping for supplies at the cheese shops along the way will give you a boost!
Distance: 73.5 km
Elevation gain: 1455 m
Level: difficult
In search of an easy route but with spectacular scenery? Look no further, because Loop 2, the Val d'Amour route, is ideal for cycle tourists.
Get ready for a bike ride of about 60 kilometres, between the Chaux forest and the Loue valley. Forests, wide open spaces and historical sites await you.
Distance: 59.1 km
Elevation gain: 527 m
Level: easy
Young and old alike will be enchanted by this route, yet another to enjoy in the Jura Mountains. Like Loop 17, this itinerary in the Suran Valley takes you along the riverbank.
Nearly 23 km alongside the Coissonnet forest and on to the Saint-Alban chapel.
Distance: 22.7 km
Elevation gain: 301 m
Level: very easy
Foodie tours in Jura indicated on the map
Mouthwatering stops along the itinerary: ripening cellar, museums, opportunities to meet the producers, cheese shops, dairies and more...
Known in French as a 'fruitière', it has nothing to do with fruit! The traditional mountain cheese dairy is where raw milk from the alpine pastures is mixed, stored and transformed.
This is where expert hands perform the traditional craft of making the great cheese known as Comté.
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