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Escape Paris and dive into a Nordic adventure in less than 3 hours—that’s the goal of this 3-day getaway with friends! From La Pesse, a charming village in the Haut-Jura, strap on your snowshoes and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes along the legendary Grande Traversée du Jura. This three-day escape is a journey out of time, where you can discover the famous Borne au Lion, enjoy a fondue, visit the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional, and of course, go snowshoeing!
Good tips, recommendations, and essential documents… Before setting off on your adventure, make a stop at the Tourist Office—here, the Haut-Jura Saint-Claude – La Pesse office. You’ll find the snowshoe guide for the Grande Traversée du Jura, the winter map of the region, and you can also pick up your Nordic Pass for the weekend: an essential pass to explore the trails of the GTJ safely and officially.
Just across the road, Michel Sports shop rents all the equipment you’ll need: snowshoes, poles… You can also pick up a few extras like gloves and hats, because temperatures can get chilly… better to be prepared!
To reach La Pesse, a direct TGV connects Paris to Valserhône (Bellegarde-sur-Valserine) in under 3 hours. Take advantage of the shuttle system specially designed for hikers tackling the GTJ: just 40 minutes later, you’ll arrive in the village! From the station, you can also rent a car or book a taxi for your transfer.
Head to your guesthouse to spend the evening and night before tomorrow’s big expedition. Tonight, you’ll settle into a former farmhouse turned hotel. Auberge La Cléa welcomes you like home, right in the heart of the village: you’ll love the vintage charm and the friendly chats by the fireplace.
On the menu: savor an authentic Jura Comté fondue (yes, you really are in the Jura Mountains!), followed by a board game session in the lounge!
8 km / 350 D+ / 220 D-
Signposts, weather, guides, services: all the details can be found here.
Day 2 – Morning & Noon
After a hearty breakfast at Auberge La Cléa, head to the nearby snowshoe trailhead. Stop by the hut for a quick check of your Nordic Passes and a few last-minute tips… and then you’re off on your adventure.
As you cross the aptly named Combe Froide, the Crêt de Chalam will gradually reveal itself as you approach your lunch spot. The atmosphere is magical, almost mystical!
Discover the Crêt de Chalam
On the short marked trail (3 km) through the forest, you’ll find a route perfect for taking in the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for animal tracks!
Once you reach the Berbois refuge, enjoy a break on the terrace with hearty local cheese-topped slices of bread. Nothing beats warming up and recharging your energy for the rest of the day!
Lunch at the Berbois Refuge
After lunch, you’ll still have 5 km to cover to complete this first stage. Good news: the stop at the Borne au Lion is the perfect spot for a panoramic break.
The view over the Jura ridges opens up fully, offering a breathtaking panorama in this place steeped in history.
Then head to Auberge de la Guienette, a local institution where the prospect of an unusual night in a yurt will give you the energy to finish the stage!
The Borne au Lion
The Borne au Lion site gets its name from a stone marker placed after the Treaty of Auxonne in 1612, which set the border between Bugey (French) and the County of Burgundy (then Spanish).
At the foot of the Crêt de Chalam, this site was also an important hub of the Resistance, where many maquisards from the Maquis of Ain and Haut-Jura took refuge in July 1944.
Tonight, you’ll spend the night snug in a genuine Mongolian yurt, managed by Auberge de la Guienette. A truly unique experience in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for enjoying a hot cup of tea by the little stove or watching the sunset from the terrace!
Thanks to the yurt’s close proximity to the Auberge, you can also enjoy a hot shower and a traditional Jura dinner: the Morbiflette.
Throughout the winter, the Espace Nordique Jurassien hosts its Jura Nordic Nights across the region! But what exactly is it? It’s an introduction to cross-country skiing with the French Ski School, held at night for a whole new experience! Equipment is provided, and instructors will teach you the basics of different skiing techniques—all set to music. Fun, friendly… and often delicious evenings, featuring plenty of local products!
12 km / 222 D+ - 304 D-
Signposts, weather, guides, services: all the details can be found here.
Set off early to cover the 12 kilometers that will take you to Lajoux, the final stop of your snowshoeing journey along the Grande Traversée du Jura, by early afternoon. If you prefer a later start, it’s also possible to order a picnic basket from Auberge de la Guienette.
Your efforts will be rewarded: on the plateaus of the Jura’s Hautes Combes, the views are exceptional! La Dôle summit, Col de la Faucille, Crêt de la Neige, Reculet, and even Grand Colombier—the panorama from the Platières is breathtaking, with a few isolated farms adding a postcard-perfect touch. It’s the perfect moment for wonder and contemplation. This stage is longer than the previous day, but the terrain is gentler and the landscapes more open. Arrival is expected in the early afternoon in Lajoux, the highest village in the Jura Mountains.
After the effort comes the reward! For lunch, head to Chez Feodor, right in the center of Lajoux village.
This restaurant serves delicious burgers, with the meat smoked in a traditional smoker! You can even pair your burger with a locally brewed beer.
Home of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, the permanent exhibition at the Maison du Parc offers insights into the landscapes of the Haut-Jura that you’ve just crossed, and the areas that need to be preserved. You can even listen to the sounds of the high-altitude forests!
La Maison du Parc
While waiting for the shuttle back to Valserhône station, make a tasty stop at BC Shop… a bold and trendy mix of a tea room and a bike shop, where a game of Uno is never far away, all accompanied by drinks and homemade pastries.
And since you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to swing by the village cheese shop on your way out! ;)
BC SHOPHere’s a handy checklist for packing your bag:
This trip idea is offered jointly by the Haut-Jura Saint-Claude Tourist Office, the Espace Nordique Jurassien, and the Grandes Traversées du Jura. Don’t hesitate to contact them for more information.
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