Logo Montagnes du Jura
The Grande Traversée du Jura by MTB is the ultimate route for MTB enthusiasts! It was created in 1992, and is the oldest of all the long-distance French MTB trails. This route has all the ingredients for the perfect MTB touring route: spectacular scenery, authentic villages, welcoming and friendly locals, delicious local specialities, as well as charging stations for electric MTBs along the whole route. An extraordinary 415-km adventure, to cover either in one go, from Mandeure in the Doubs to Culoz in the Ain, or to divide up into sections, however you see fit.
Balade à VTT sur la GTJ - Château de Joux
Ron Jacobs / BFC Tourisme
GTJ VTT
Benjamin Becker / BFC TourismeThis itinerary has some surprises in store because alone, it represents the entire range of diverse landscapes of the Jura Mountains!
From the banks of the Doubs in the north and the green meadows with the sound of the Montbéliarde cattle's bells ringing through the air, all the way to the staggering peaks of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, the different sections of the route wind around the region's spectacular and surprising landscapes.
This diversity means that the route is ideal for all sorts of mountain biking, from a leisurely ride to a sporty downhill rush of adrenaline.
This may not be the typical mountainous terrain of the Alps, but riders will still need to alternate between uphill and downhill sections, ride along wide and very narrow paths, around lakes, across small valleys, through forests and meadows.
You'll appreciate the fresh air on the lush-green banks of the Doubs, around the lakes (Lac des Mortes and Bellefontaine) or in the depth of the spruce forests.
If you're feeling more sporty, you'll enjoy the steep uphill sections around Mont d'Or, the Plateau de Retord or the Grand Colombier, the last challenging section of your wild MTB adventure.
Metabief has been a legendary destination for MTB across the globe since the first World Championships in 1993, and there really is something for everyone here. This resort boasts a multitude of trails and facilities especially designed for an introduction to MTB or for competition level.
Downhill MTB for all levels of ability, legendary Enduro trail, Cross-Country, beginner's area, MTB school, electric MTB track, and so much more.
Welcome to the Mountain Biking capital!
The entire 415-km route will take you on an exploration of the incredible diversity of landscapes, for a real rollercoaster of emotions.
If some sections seem too technical, there are easier alternatives available.
If you want to do a recce or for short trails, choose from the adapted routes:
Browse other ideas for routes to take
Along the entire route, you'll find partners or recommended establishments where you can get technical assistance with your MTB:
In Villers-le-Lac, you'll find keys, pliers, inner tubes, patches, pumps, cables, oil, glue, survival blankets, waterproof clothing and first-aid kits available, just help yourselves. You'll see signs for this self-service tool box on the GTJ markings.
Logo Montagnes du Jura
Balade à VTT sur la GTJ - Château de Joux
Ron Jacobs / BFC Tourisme
GTJ VTT
Benjamin Becker / BFC Tourisme
GTJ VTT
Benjamin Becker / BFC Tourisme
