The Jura mountains are a beautiful cycling area on the border of France and Switzerland. The area has been snowed under in terms of popularity for years by its popular neighbour, the Alps. As far as we are concerned, this is unjustified, because you have beautiful passes, beautiful lakes and it is a lot quieter than its busy neighbour. All the more reason to visit this region this year and explore it thoroughly. If only to cycle the 'Grande Traversee'. Or to watch the men of the pro peloton race by in July. In July, the Tour De France passes through the Jura again and in the year 2024, the riders will stay in the area for almost five days. That's a big plus. in 2023, our reporter Stijn was also in the region and wrote this piece On his experiences.
1. La Grande Traversee
It might be crazy to mention right away the highlight for cycling in Jura. Yet we do. Because La Grande Traversee is a magnificent route which takes you from Montbéliard to Culoz in over 360 kilometres. Mountains, beautiful forests and, as mentioned before, lovely lakes are the eye-catchers of this route. Also pay attention because towards the end you will encounter the Col de Cuvery. That one is going to hurt quite a bit.
2. Steep calf bite: Mont Poupet
If you think, that won't be that much: Think again! in 4.5 kilometres, you drive 353 vertical metres into the air. For the quick calculator: 8.5% average. You have to go up from near Saizenay, from the D273. Once you turn left (or right if you're coming from the north) it's pounding and pounding. It starts right at 11-12% and throughout the climb you never have room to get into your rhythm. 1.5 kilometres before the end, you think you're there, but then you get another kilometre where the maximum of 16(!)% still shows up. Then you've done the coolest climb in the Jura, though.
3. Gravel paradise
Because of the forestation and lakes, this is an absolute gravel paradise. Not only can you do the Grand Traversee on a gravel bike, some peaks can only be reached on dirt roads. Crêt de la Neige, for example, or the Reculet. You can get lost everywhere on beautiful roads and sleep in cabins or find a nice place to pitch the tent. Be aware that it can cool down considerably here, even in summer.
4. Cycling in autumn
When you think of 'Indian Summer', the beautiful red and yellow colour palettes immediately come to mind. The New England region (north-east America) is famous for it, but you can also find this brilliant play of colours in other parts of the world. How about in the Jura region? With its beautiful forests, autumn here is pure enjoyment! Plus: it's not extremely high so you won't be bothered by snow yet.
5. High peaks in Bugey
If you have covered the entire Grande Traversee, you will end in Culoz. This is the most beautiful and mountainous part of the Jura. Around here you will find the most beautiful peaks, such as the Grand Colombier, a climb that has shone many times in the Tour de France. Tadej Pogacar, Rafal Majka, Warren Barguil and anti-hero Thomas Voeckler are some of the names that came out on top here first. Make no mistake about this monster climb, either. For it is long (20km+) and steep (average 8% with an outlier to 18.2%!) Mont du Chat is also a stunning climb uphill. 13.5 kilometres at over 9%. That does the Giau in the Dolomites do pale. A great conclusion to our 5x tips for cycling in the Jura.
Useful to know
- Across the region as a whole, the Jura Mountains are more of a low mountain range than a high mountain range. Certainly the region towards the north is more 'hill-plus' rather than high mountains.
- You have a wonderful panoramic view of Lac Leman and the Mont Blanc behind it from lots of different spots. Especially from the region Pays de Gex.
- The region is easily accessible by car, plane and train. The direct connection to Paris is a big plus for train lovers. Geneva airport is the most logical place to fly to. If you take your car (especially handy in the mountains) you will be on the spot in 8 to 9 hours.
- Looking for cycle-friendly accommodation? Then take a look at the site of Acceuil Velo
