Bestjobers Elisa & Max / BFC TourismeRandonnée vers Arbois
Departure : Abbenans (Doubs)
Arrival : Culoz (Ain)
The GR®59 is a larger-than-life hiking itinerary that extends from the Ballon des Vosges sector for 515 km across the Jura Mountains. Get ready for a fabulous adventure on this picturesque route through varying terrain and featuring multiple cultural sites and heritage features, such as the typical steephead valleys of Jura, lakes and waterfalls, panoramic lookout points, Jura vineyards, characterful towns and UNESCO sites. Plunge into the very best that our mountains have to offer! To really make the most of this long-distance adventure, check out our advice and key stages.
The GR®59: the best of the Jura Mountains
515 kmof trails
1 190 mHighest point
218 mLowest point
15 kmAverage distance per stage
4 stages, 4 settings
Less famous than the legendary Grande Traversée Jurassienne itinerary, but just as amazing, the GR®59 reveals the different facets of the Jura Mountains.
- From Abbenans to the north, enjoy the cool air at the water's edge and along the ridges of the Doubs valley, on your way to Besançon and the Citadel (a UNESCO site).
- Further south, this stage of the itinerary visits some of Jura's characterful towns, winegrowing villages and UNESCO-listed sites (Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans and the Great Saltworks).
- From Lons-le-Saunier, the path becomes more bucolic, winding its way across the rolling terrain and the prairies of South Jura.
- The GR®59 then enters the department of Ain via the Vergongeat plateau, then the Revermont and Bugey regions, taking a little detour through the Lavours marsh. This last stage is very hilly and even rugged in places.
Alain Doire BFC Tourisme
Vue sur le Doubs et Besançon depuis les remparts de la CitadelleAlain Doire BFC Tourisme
Benjamin BECKER / BFC Tourisme
Randonnée près d'Arbois sur le GR®59Benjamin BECKER / BFC Tourisme
Département de l'Ain
Les pilotis du Marais de LavoursDépartement de l'Ain
Vue sur le Doubs et Besançon depuis les remparts de la CitadelleAlain Doire BFC Tourisme
Randonnée près d'Arbois sur le GR®59Benjamin BECKER / BFC Tourisme
Les pilotis du Marais de LavoursDépartement de l'Ain
Iconic stages
The most beautiful sites on the GR®59 itinerary
Reconnect with nature and experience a sense of tranquility on your GR®59 escape!
UNESCO sites, characterful villages, panoramic views and remarkable features… Stage after stage, explore the rich natural and cultural heritage that awaits you along the GR®59.
Damien LACHAS / BFC Tourisme
Besançon and the UNESCO-listed Citadel, absolute must-sees!
From Arbois to Lons-le-Saunier, this section of the GR®59 follows part of the famous Échappée Jurassienne itinerary, offering a 4-day escape that totally immerses you in a land where gastronomy and nature are both very much alive.
An introduction in pictures!
Le Relais de la Vieille VilleLe Relais de la Vieille Ville
Les Gîtes de l'Orée du Bois Les Gîtes de l'Orée du Bois
Grand Hôtel des BainsGrand Hôtel des Bains à Salins-les-Bains
Les Lodges de la ViarhônaLes Lodges de la Viarhôna
Recommended addresses
Our selection of accommodation on the GR®59 trail
A multitude of hotels, gîtes, guestrooms and more original stopover solutions await you along the itinerary, for an immersion experience in an atmosphere of togetherness.
> Les Gîtes de l'Orée du Bois These gîtes on the outskirts of Besançon are perfect for couples and groups of friends.
> Grand Hôtel des Bains How about a romantic night for two at this charming hotel with a restaurant in the lovely spa town of Salins-les-Bains?
> Le Relais Ville Vieille, gîte Doing the GR®59 with friends? This inviting gîte with a view of Mont Blanc sleeps up to 15 guests.
Top tip: Always carry camping gear, just in case!
Great idea
Don't fancy carrying your rucksack?
Enjoy your long-distance hike to the full by travelling light, thanks to the luggage-forwarding service provided by the agency Roule ma Poule.
Certain accommodation providers also offer to transport your luggage. Enquire with them directly.
Restaurant La Bonne AubergeRestaurant La Bonne Auberge à Clerval
Le ThermalRestaurant Le Thermal Salins-les-Bains
Auberge de BuffardAuberge de Buffard
Chalet de CuvéryChalet Auberge de Cuvéry
Recommended addresses
Our selection of restaurants on the GR®59
Stop off for a delicious meal to savour dishes from the productive soils of the Jura Mountains. Local specialities and produce packed with distinctive flavour.
> Restaurant La Bonne Auberge This gourmet address serves creative, seasonal dishes and a fabulous selection of wines.
> Auberge de Buffard A traditional inn on the banks of the Loue, where pride of place is given to fresh products from the local region.
> Brasserie Le Thermal A quality brasserie at a great location, just a stone's throw from the Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The responsible way to travel: the Jura Mountains by train
My Destination
Whichever section, stopover or town you're heading for, you can reach the Jura Mountains by public transport.
Arriving by train from Paris:
Besançon (Doubs): 2h30
Mouchard or Dole (Jura): 2h15
Lons-le-Saunier (Jura): 2h45
Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain): 1h50
A number of regional express trains operate daily between the towns and cities of the Jura Mountains:
