5 tips for cycling in the Jura

The Jura Mountains is a beautiful cycling area on the border of France and Switzerland. The area has been overshadowed by its popular neighbor for years in terms of popularity. Alps. That is what we consider unfair, because you have beautiful collets, beautiful lakes, and it’s much quieter here than in the busy neighbor. All the more reason to visit this region this year and explore it thoroughly. Even if it’s just to cycle the ‘Grande Traversee’. Or to see the men of the pro peloton pass by in July. In July, the Tour de France will once again pass through the Jura and in 2024 the riders will stay in the area for almost 5 days. That’s a big plus. In 2023, our reporter Stijn was also in the region and wrote this piece about his experiences.

1. La Grande Traversee

It might be strange to call the very top of the cycling season in Jura that, but we do it anyway. Because La Grande Traversee is a magnificent route which takes you over 360 kilometers from Montbéliard to Culoz. Mountains, beautiful forests and, as mentioned earlier, beautiful lakes are the highlights of this route. Also pay attention because towards the end you’ll encounter the Col de Cuvery. That will be quite painful.

2. Steep mountain trail: Mont Poupet

If you think that won’t be much: Think again! At 4.5 kilometers, you’ll be climbing 353 vertical meters into the air. For the quick calculator: 8.5% on average. You’ll have to head up from the vicinity of Saizenay, from the D273. Once you turn left (or right if you’re coming from the north), it’s all uphill and uphill. It starts at 11-12% and you’ll never have the space to get into your rhythm during the climb. 1.5 kilometers before the end, you think you’re there, but then you’re presented with another kilometer, in which the maximum of 16(!)% still comes up for the day. Then you’ve done the most awesome climb in the Jura.

3. Gravel paradise

Because of the forest and the lakes, this is an absolute gravel paradise. Not only can you ride the Grand Traversee on a gravel bike, some of the peaks are also only accessible via unpaved roads. Crêt de la Neige for example or the Reculet. You can get lost anywhere on beautiful roads and sleep in cabins or find a nice spot to pitch your tent. Note that it can get quite chilly here, even in the summer.

4. Cycling in autumn

When you think of ‘Indian Summer’, you immediately see the beautiful red and yellow color palettes. The New England region (northeast America) is famous for it, but you can also find this brilliant color scheme in other parts of the world. How about the Jura region? With the beautiful forests, it’s pure enjoyment here in autumn! Plus: it’s not extremely high, so you won’t have to worry about snow.

5. High peaks in Bugey

If you have completed the entire Grande Traversee, you end up in Culoz. This is the most beautiful and mountainous stretch of the Jura. Here you will find the most beautiful peaks, such as the Grand Colombier, a climb that has shone brightly in the Tour de France many times. Tadej Pogacar, Rafal Majka, Warren Barguil and anti-hero Thomas Voeckler are some names that came to mind first here. Don't be mistaken about this monster climb. It is long (20km+) and steep (average 8% with an elevation gain of 18.2%!) The Mont du Chat is also a beautiful climb up. 13%.5 kilometers at over 9. That makes the Giau in the Dolomites, it does pale in comparison. A nice conclusion to our 5x tips for cycling in the Jura.

Useful to know

• The Jura mountain range is more of a mid-mountain range across the entire region than a high mountain range. Especially the region towards the north is more of a ‘hill-and-more’ in place of high mountains.
• You have a beautiful panorama view over Lake Leman and the Mont Blanc mountain range from many different locations. Especially from the region Pays de Gex.
• The region is well accessible by car, plane and train. The direct connection to Paris is a big plus for train lovers. The Geneva airport is the most logical place to fly to. If you bring the car (especially handy in the mountains), you’ll be there in 8 to 9 hours.
• Are you looking for bike-friendly accommodation? Then take a look on the website of Acceuil Velo