The Jura Mountains, breathtaking scenery
The Jura Mountains are a patchwork of landscapes waiting to be explored, from gently rolling hills covered in spruce forests and pastures to dizzying limestone cliffs and turquoise lakes nestled at the bottom of steep valleys... An incredibly photogenic setting that will remain in your memory forever!
Explore
The Loue ValleyOne of the region's most beautiful valleys! The charm of the River Loue begins at its very source, a waterfall that spouts from the bottom of a corrie where the rock face reaches heights of a hundred metres or so. It then flows fast through the steep valley, gushing in the depths of the Nouailles gorges and all the way to Ornans.
The scenic road that follows the river is dotted with beautiful places to stop:
- Typical, unspoilt villages of Franche-Comté
- Absolutely stunning panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley. Be warned, it's enough to make you dizzy!
Discover
The steephead valley of Baume-les-MessieursStop off at Baume-les-Messieurs, a must-do when exploring the region. You'll be awestruck by this little green haven: the village itself and the abbey of course, but most of all the amazing scenery!
The deep steephead valleys with high cliffs are typical features of the Jura Mountains. The one at Baume-les-Messieurs is a particularly spectacular setting of limestone and greenery that you can fully appreciate by taking to the hiking paths that lead you up the cliffs to the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley. From there, the views are simply unforgettable.
Learn
The Upper Jura Regional Nature ParkAlmost always wild and full of unique fauna and flora, the unspoilt Jura Mountains are also your chance to admire Mother Nature's every facet.
Visit the Upper Jura Nature Park to fully appreciate and understand this patchwork of wide open spaces, peaks, forests, pastures, lakes and waterfalls.
Admire
Mounts and peaksNamed Crêt de la Neige, Crêt de Chalam, Sommet de la Dôle, Grand Colombier, Mont d’Or, Reculet or Colomby de Gex, the mounts and peaks of the Jura Mountains culminate between 580 and 1,720 metres above sea level.
From the top, these gems each offer an astounding panoramic view over a wide variety of landscapes that you absolutey must discover:
- deep, lush green valleys,
- steep cliffs,
- forest-covered hillsides, mountain pastures,
- and even, in some cases, the Alps and Mont-Blanc. Wow!
Enjoy
Water galoreHere, water is everywhere, offering you a whole range of activities to enjoy and sensations to experience, again and again.
The fast-flowing torrents gushing down the mountains are an invitation to go canyoning, while the calm waters of the multiple lakes mirror the surrounding peaks and countryside and suggest more transquil pursuits such as canoeing, paddleboarding or sailing.
If it's magical spots and surprises you're looking for, gear up and head underground, following the water's path into the caves and chasms dotted across the region. You'll see stalactites and stalagmites, in some cases lit up to offer a spectacular sight!
