A great Jura crossing by hiking and cozy nights in guesthouses
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationJura / French Alps
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AgeFrom 12 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.06 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an adventure along the wild ridges of the Jura Mountains , following a north-to-south route through the heart of an authentic and unspoiled mountain range. Each stage reveals a bountiful natural landscape, where wild orchids , gentians , and fir forests flourish, providing a discreet refuge for chamois , foxes , and, for the luckiest, the capercaillie . As you hike along the heights, be awestruck by the spectacular panoramas of the Alps and Lake Geneva . This journey is also an immersion in Jura culture , through charming villages where time seems to stand still. This grand traverse combines serenity , natural beauty , and a sporting challenge , for an active holiday at the rhythm of the mountains.
The highlights
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A route that crosses the highest point of the mountain range
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Unique landscapes and cuisine
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Breathtaking views of the Alps
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 22 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 508 m
- Average daily descent: 517 m
- Maximum altitude: 1180 m
Management
Program
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Meet at Métabief (950 m) or Jougne (970 m).
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will be expected and welcomed at your accommodation in Métabief from 5:00pm.
Shuttle service from Frasnes TGV station or Pontarlier SNCF station (at your own expense)
Day 1 -
Métabief / Jougne – Mouthe (950 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 640 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Maximum altitude 950 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will leave the village to climb Mont d'Or (1419 m). At the summit, the view is unobstructed: the peaks of the Bernese Oberland and Valais are directly opposite. One of the most beautiful views of the Alps! You will begin the descent towards Mouthe, crossing the Franco-Swiss alpine pastures dotted with large farms. You will end the day at the source of the Doubs River, revealing springs typical of limestone massifs.
Day 2 -
Mouthe - Chapelle des Bois (1090 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Maximum altitude 1090 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Mouthe is renowned for its cold records and for its Olympic champion Fabrice Guy, medalist at the Albertville Olympics (1992).
You begin the day by following the valley to Chaux-Neuve, where a visit to the ski jumps is a must: thrills guaranteed! Then the path climbs gently through the Mont-Noir forest to the old alpine hut of Près d'Haut before descending to Chapelle des Bois. This stage deviates from the GTJ (Grande Traversée du Jura) to follow the GR 5 (Grande Randonnée 5)!
Day 3 -
Chapelle des Bois – Les Rousses (1150m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 480 m
- Negative elevation 415 m
- Maximum altitude 1150 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your day begins with a climb to reach Roche Champion; the effort is rewarded by the plunging view over the village with its 2 lakes and its peat bog.
The Risoux is the quintessential Jura forest: narrow spruce trees, prized by luthiers, numerous limestone pavements, and a few lumberjacks' cabins. Pass through the village of Les Rousses, the watershed between the Rhine and the Rhône, before reaching your accommodation in La Cure.
Day 4 -
Les Rousses – Lajoux (1180 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 430 m
- Maximum altitude 1180 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After crossing the plateau, you climb into the Massacre forest to reach its highest point, Crêt Pela (1495 m), where a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc awaits. The gentle descent to Lajoux follows the Combe à La Chèvre, populated by… heifers.
In the village of Lajoux you can visit the house of the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park before reaching your accommodation located in Manon.
Day 5 -
Lajoux – Lelex (890 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 570 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Maximum altitude 890 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This final stage is an immersion in the heart of the Hautes Combes, the soul of the mountain range!
The route begins with a crossing of the Platières (1330 m), from where you can admire the Jura Mountains, the last barrier before the descent to Lake Geneva. A stop at the Moussières cheese dairy offers the chance to observe the production of Comté cheese and to taste it! Then the scattered hamlets of Bellecombe offer sweeping vistas. And finally, the descent to the Valserine valley…
Day 6 -
Lelex
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Services end after breakfast.
Day 7
Accommodation
Gîtes Formula
Accommodation for 6 nights in Gites d'étapes, shared rooms for 4 to 6 people and one night for 10 people, bathroom on the landing, bring a sleeping bag liner and a towel.
Day 01: Bed and Breakfast or Hotel in Métabief
Day 02: Bed and breakfast in Mouthe
Day 03: Gîte in Chapelle des Bois
Day 04: Gîte in Prémanon
Day 05: Gite au Manon (Lajoux)
Day 06: Gîte in Lélex
Some accommodations are located in villages, others are more secluded.
PLEASE NOTE: In some cases, you may be placed in rooms with bunk beds or a mezzanine, accessible by a ladder. If you do not require this arrangement, please let us know when you register so we can inform the accommodation provider.
Access
End of stay on day 07 in Lelex at the beginning of the day
Return car: private shuttle available as an option (see "dates and prices" section)
Return train:
Bellegarde TGV station (Geneva - Paris line)
Lelex shuttle 1:50pm – Bellegarde 2:45pm every day except Sunday (€2/person to be paid on site – other times at 8:45am or 9:10am on Tue, Fri and Sat)
Taxi for a private transfer: AB Taxi 07.76.23.08.85 (approximately €75).
Go to the starting point
Frasnes TGV station (Paris - Lausanne line) + SNCF bus to Métabief and Jougne
Train schedules are available at https://www.oui.sncf/billet-train/horaires
Métabief is 18 km from Pontarlier
Price details
The price includes
- Organizing the hike
- Half-board accommodation
- Tourist tax
- Hiking guide
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Means of transport to the meeting place
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Return transfer
- Personal equipment
- Extras
Options
- Luggage transfer for 1 person : CHF205.83 / person
- Luggage transfer for 2 people : CHF123.50 / person
- Luggage transfer for 3 to 4 people : CHF91.48 / person
- Luggage transfer for 5 or more people : CHF73.18 / person
- Picnic : CHF43.91 / person
- Return transfer from Lelex to Métabief - Return transfer from Lelex to Métabief : CHF137.22 / reservation
- Additional hiking file : CHF23.78 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the formalities required for entry and stay in the destination country.
You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/). In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries through which you transit.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return), visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations.
And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other possible obligations of the country of destination or transit.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Please note that extension 1 to La Dôle crosses into Switzerland; it is necessary to have insurance covering mountain rescue costs which can be high in Switzerland.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
HIKING GUIDE
- 1 GTJ-FFRP guidebook with extract of 1/50,000 scale maps
- 1 guidebook written by us, supplementing the previous one
- 1 map at 1/75,000 scale with highlighted route
Equipment to bring
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf
- Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking)
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt
- 1 fleece fur jacket
- 1 Gore-Tex type waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho or a sleeping bag cover if you own the jacket above
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers
- 1 pair of underwear (can be used in the evening at the campsite)
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of walking) – opt for wool or specific hiking socks, avoid cotton which promotes blisters
- 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support, are waterproof, and have a Vibram-type sole (test them before use, especially if they are new or have not been used for a long time)
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and allowing for the attachment of snowshoes
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 pair of high-quality sunglasses with side protection
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife
- 1 small waterproof pouch for storing money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Toiletries (prioritize the essentials: small containers, samples, travel kits)
- 1 quick-drying bath towel (if economy option)
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional)
- Toilet paper + 1 garbage bag
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- 1 airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 L) + cup + cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket
- 1 sleeping bag (if economy option)
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- Long-sleeved undershirt in breathable fabric
- Warm fleece
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- Comfortable clothes
- Swimsuit
- Hat/cap
