The Jura Escape: Hiking between lakes, rivers and mountains

After breakfast, set off on a stage that partly follows the PLM railway line (which connected Lons-le-Saunier to Champagnole), now a greenway . After the old Conliège station, stop at the summit, at the Saint Etienne de Coldre Hermitage , which overlooks the Vallière valley ! Then you'll arrive at the village of Verges , dominated by its castle .

We will pick you up by car in front of the church in Verges and take you to your accommodation located in Marigny (10-minute drive).

Settle into your accommodation: dinner + overnight stay (1st ^night ).

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off for a day immersed in nature , surrounded by water. The itinerary takes you around Lake Chalain , the largest natural lake in the Jura region, along paths dotted with viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas . It's the perfect opportunity to take a break, soak in the scenery, and, if you're so inclined, even take a dip in its crystal-clear waters.

The route is 12.6km long and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes , with an elevation gain of 180m and a descent of 183m. At the end of the day, return to your accommodation for a friendly dinner and a restful night, in the same lodging as the previous evening.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off for a beautiful day of hiking. Just a few kilometers will take you to several exceptional viewpoints overlooking Lake Chalain. You'll then continue to the protected natural site of the Hérisson Waterfalls , a must-see in the region. Over a few kilometers, you'll discover a series of 38 waterfalls and cascades, including the famous Fan Waterfall, the Grand Saut (Great Leap), and the Saut de la Forge (Forge Leap). This site, surrounded by unspoiled nature, offers a peaceful and rejuvenating setting. A visit to the Maison des Cascades (Waterfall House) will allow you to learn more about this unique place. After this day full of discoveries, you'll return to your accommodation for dinner and a restful night.

After a hearty breakfast, transfer to the village of Frasnois to begin your day. You'll set off to discover the Cascades du Hérisson , a remarkable natural site. The trail leads you through forests to the Saut de la Forge , one of the many waterfalls along the route. Continue your ascent towards the Pic de l'Aigle , where you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Ilay and the Hérisson Valley , which you crossed the previous day. Further on, the Belvédère des 4 Lacs (Four Lakes Viewpoint ) offers a unique panorama of the emerald waters of Lakes Narlay, Ilay, Petit Maclu, and Grand Maclu, nicknamed "Little Scotland." The hike ends at Pont de la Chaux , in the village of Chaux-des-Crotenay.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off on a hike that leads to the Langouette gorges and waterfalls , where the cool air invites relaxation. From the Langouette bridge, admire the breathtaking view of this narrow river, winding its way through a unique setting. The pleasant and fun trail will take you for about an hour through a picturesque landscape typical of the Jura region.

You continue your journey to the Bief de la Ruine waterfall , nestled in the heart of the Malvaux gorges , following the old "Tram" railway line. From Foncine-le-Bas , you ascend the Saine River through the verdant pastures of the Haut-Jura to reach its source on Mont Bayard . The day ends in Foncine-le-Haut , where you enjoy a convivial dinner and a restful night in your accommodation.

After a hearty breakfast, set off from Foncine-le-Haut and cross the Mont Noir forest to reach Chapelle-des-Bois , a Nordic ski resort in winter that transforms into a haven for hikers in summer. Along the way, admire the verdant pastures where Montbéliarde cows graze peacefully . Continue your journey towards the Bellefontaine and des Mortes lakes , surrounded by peat bogs rich in protected biodiversity . Finally, you arrive at the small resort of Bellefontaine , where you'll settle in for the night. The hike is 20.2 km long, approximately 5.5 hours, with an elevation gain of 656 m and a descent of 503 m. Dinner and overnight stay are at your accommodation.

After breakfast, depart towards Morez , which you will overlook from the Roche Brulée viewpoint without actually reaching it. Upon arriving at the Les Rousses resort , cross the Risoux forest , a Natura 2000 protected area known for its capercaillie . Once in the village of Les Rousses, enjoy a panoramic view encompassing the Jura peaks: Noirmont to the east, La Dôle to the southeast, Mont Fier , Rocher du Tiavy , and Rocher des Arcets . You can explore the family-friendly resort at the foot of Lake Les Rousses before continuing your journey along the Chaille canal, below the Fort des Rousses , which can also be visited (at an additional cost).

After a hearty breakfast, you'll rejoin the GR9 trail towards the Swiss border. You'll pass above the CNSNMM , famous for its ski jump, before reaching the Dappes viewpoint , a spot offering breathtaking views and a unique soundscape. The hike continues through the Massacre Forest , where an option allows you to climb to Crêt Pela (1495 m), the highest point in the Jura Mountains, perhaps with a clear view of Mont Blanc . You'll then descend into the Combe de la Chèvre , a cross-country ski trail in winter, to reach the village of Lajoux . This typical Haut-Jura village is the perfect opportunity to visit the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura (at an additional cost). At the end of the day, you'll take the D292 road to Manon to reach your accommodation.

In the evening, check into your accommodation with dinner and overnight stay.

After a good breakfast, you'll join the GRP Tour du Haut Jura Sud and the Tour de la Haute Bienne , easily recognizable by their yellow and orange markers. The trail takes you through the Main Morte and the Crêt Pourri , offering varied and authentic landscapes. You'll then arrive in Saint-Claude , nestled in the heart of its valley, a town rich in craftsmanship and heritage . Take the time to visit its cathedral , the Abbey Museum , the Pipe and Diamond Museum , or the Maison du Peuple (People's House ).

This 18km stage takes approximately 5 hours, with 322m of elevation gain and 1034m of descent. At the end of the day, you settle into your accommodation for a well-deserved dinner and night's sleep (except on Sunday evenings, when the restaurant is closed).

Return to Lons-le-Saunier

After a good breakfast, enjoy some last-minute time exploring the narrow streets of Saint-Claude or simply strolling through this charming town. When the time comes, it's time to head back. The journey to Lons-le-Saunier can be made by train or, for a more convenient option, by bus via the regional Mobigo network , with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes .