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The Grande Traversée du Jura is a classic (and the first) French long-distance mountain bike route, crossing the Jura mountain range. Famous for its wild and preserved landscapes, it is a paradise for nature lovers on the border between France and Switzerland: rolling hills and forests reminiscent of Canada, lakes, deep rivers and gorges, peat land, steep limestone cliffs and quaint farms and villages… Our route takes us through the central part of the Jura mountains, from Pontarlier to the gorges of the Doubs, Métabief (a famous MTB destination), through the Regional Nature park of the High Jura to the tranquil city of Champagnole, where our tour ends. Expect very good trail riding, beautiful scenery and delicious cheese.
Itinerary start: The first day's meeting is at 10am at Pontarlier SNCF station.
Welcome to the Land of the Green Fairy! Pontarlier, the capital of Absinthe in the 1920s, has managed to keep its reputation. A dynamic tourist town at the gateway to Switzerland, Pontarlier boasts a rich history... For us mountain bikers, it's also the gateway to a region that saw the birth of our favourite activity...!
The river Doubs will be our guiding light on this first stage. As soon as we leave Pontarlier, we'll be entering the republic of Saugeais, local authorities permitting. There's no need for a passport, although there is such a thing as folklore! A visit to Montbenoit Abbey will tell us a little more about this particular history, and about the famous Absinthe... Settling into a gîte for two nights.
Distance covered: approx. 40 km / Ascent: 1200 m
We leave our Chauffaud gîte for the day to devote this second stage to the steep gorges of the Saut du Doubs. Straddling the border between France and Switzerland, we successively criss-cross the banks, from left to right, alternating between beautiful playful sections and more challenging trails. A little effort propels us up the hillside overlooking the great basins of the Doubs, then we head for the Chatelot dam and its beautiful reservoir. Then there's the Saut du Doubs, a 33m waterfall marking the Franco-Swiss border. The day began with a very good downhill section, but the afternoon ended with a slightly tough climb, but the gîte will be waiting for us at the end!
Distance covered: approx. 35 km / Ascent: 1050 m
It's high time this morning to put our tyres down in Switzerland! We climb the hump that separates us from Switzerland, then switch to the other side... in clear, sunny weather, we can see some of the peaks of the northern Alps, as well as Lake Neuchâtel. It's magical... We then skirt the Lac des Taillères, a real little jewel... We begin the climb to Les Fées, before crossing back into France at Les Fourgs.
Distance covered: approx. 40 km / Ascent: 850 m
Early in the morning, as soon as the first rays of sunshine fall, the mountain turns a golden hue. We're on the superb Mont d'Or ridge path. The cliffs belong to us for as long as we're here. Once again, a breathtaking view of Switzerland and the northern Alps; we're in the thick of things. The low dry-stone walls serve as a guideline. The mountain pastures and scattered farms show us that human life is omnipresent in these remote regions. These landscapes leave you dreaming. The combes des Cives, the Mortes and Bellefontaine lakes reveal a natural world that is very appealing. No noise at all... Magical moments... Moments of happiness...
Distance covered: approx. 40 km / Ascent: 900 m
It's hard to see our emblematic capercaillie, but it's there... Even more natural, even wilder, the richness and diversity of the paths we take is surprising. The kilometres flew by without a second thought, as we made the most of every minute to discover more of these lands full of history... We reached the Lac des Rouges Truites.
Distance covered: approx. 40 km / Ascent: 900 m
A one-day loop to discover this wonderful lakes region in depth. The titanic Würm glacier carved, crushed, kneaded and shaped our region, leaving us with a multitude of lakes for mountain bikers to enjoy. Canadian landscapes? why not? We follow small and large lakes, the continuity of the Hedgehog waterfalls. Water, water, always water... Don't forget your swimming costume!
Distance covered: approx. 55 km / Ascent: 950 m
The final stage of our Jura tour. We take the old railway line down to Champagnole. It was the first electrified line in the region. Here, timber was transported by train; the machinery of modernity had been launched! We travelled over bridges and through tunnels, past waterfalls and gorges, to complete our week. Lots of emotion before we put the bike away...
Distance covered: approx. 35 km / Ascent: 350 m
Itinerary end: Separation on the last day is at Pontarlier SNCF railway station at around 4pm.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
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