Getting ready to visit the Jura? Discover our selection of the 14 most beautiful places to explore in this wonderful natural region of France!
Located in the east of France in the historic region of Franche-Comté, the Jura is a department made up of plains and a mountainous massif. Known for its exceptional natural sites, listed towns and vineyards, the Jura has plenty to surprise you! There’s plenty to do, from swimming in Lac de Vouglans to hiking mountain trails and discovering Jura culture in the region’s typical villages… During your stay, you’ll have the pleasure of tasting the region’s specialties, starting with the famous Comté cheese!
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the must-sees, we’ve selected the 14 most beautiful places to visit in the Jura!
1. The Hérisson waterfalls
Photo credit: Shutterstock / de midgardson
Listed as one of France’s Grands Sites, the Vallée du Hérisson and the Plateau des 7 lacs are home to the pretty Hérisson waterfalls, in the commune of Menétrux-en-Joux. The « Hérisson » is the torrent that rises at Saut Girard. It comes from the Bonlieu and Ilay lakes. Incidentally, its name comes not from the animal, but from « Yrisson », meaning « sacred water ». The best way to reach the waterfalls is to take a nature hike. As you follow the course of the water, you’ll pass through the remains of several dwellings, and gaze at the Saut de l’Éventail and Grand Saut waterfalls.
2. Haut-Jura Nature Park
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De MeloDPhoto
Nature lovers will be delighted to visit the Jura. While the whole of Franche-Comté abounds in sites as magnificent as they are wild, the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park reveals a very pleasant mountain atmosphere. The peaks of the Jura chain, such as the Crêt de la Neige, at 1720 metres altitude, quickly come into view.
Its characteristic geology, known as the folded Jura, extends over mid-mountain plateaus. Walks through forests, along streams and meadows offer an incredible diversity of landscapes. Tip: visit the Maison du Parc in Lajoux to find out all you need to know about visits and hikes in the nature park.
To discover this magnificent park in depth with an expert, we recommend you visit Chilowé, the agency that offers unforgettable getaways. With their « initiation to bivouac on the heights of the Jura » holiday , you’ll plunge right into the heart of the Natural Park. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll be treated to a program of survival techniques, unsuspected bivouac sites and starry skies. Disconnection guaranteed!
3. Dole
Photo credits: Wikipedia, G CHP
Former capital of Franche-Comté until 1678, Dole has preserved a rich architectural heritage. Its historic heritage invites you to stroll through its narrow streets. Listed as a « Ville d’art et d’histoire » (City of Art and History) since 1992, the Jura town offers a fascinating itinerary: that of the « chat perché » (perched cat). In homage to Marcel Aymé, the tour takes you under porches, past remarkable facades, statues and fountains. Along the way, you’ll admire the Collégiale Notre-Dame, the Hôtel-Dieu and the rue du Collège de l’Arc. Dole is a quiet little town where it’s good to stroll and dine in one of its fine restaurants.
4. Salins-les-Bains
Photo credit: Christophe.Finot on Wikipedia
Since the 8th century, Salins-les-Bains has prospered by exploiting a unique natural resource: salt. The industry lasted until 1962, when the spa industry took over. Today, the Grande Saline, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the must-see sites in the Jura. You’ll discover an underground passage linking two old wells and the Salt Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the working conditions of the salt workers. Looking for some relaxation? The thermal baths at Salins-les-Bains offer a wide range of activities – spa, hammam, water jets – so you don’t have to plan your spa treatment in advance. There are many other sites of interest in the Salin area, such as Mont Poupet, Fort Saint-André and the banks of the Furieuse, which would be a shame to miss!
5. Arbois
Photo credit: Shutterstock / de Jacques Vanni
Arbois is a peaceful little town, ideal for strolling around and sampling the local flavors. The old town is charming, with its ochre-yellow buildings. You’ll love meandering through the narrow streets lined with winegrowers’ houses, mansions and romantic gardens. It’s also the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. For gourmets, Arbois boasts a castle-museum dedicated to Jura vineyards and wine, and the region’s best chocolatier, Edouard Hirsinger. Nearby, visit the Tufs waterfall, just past Planches-près-Arbois.
6. Château-Chalon
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Whatafoto
One of France’s « Most Beautiful Villages », the « Cité de Caractère » in Burgundy-Franche-Comté is above all a celebration of the Jura vineyards. Its Vin Jaune appellation Château-Chalon (AOC) is a treat for lovers of good food. Did you know that it was the Benedictine nuns of Château-Chalon who created this quality wine? In the Middle Ages, they cultivated the first vines of Savagnin, the grape variety of Vin Jaune. The village at its heart is not lacking in character. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hillsides.
7. Vouglans lake
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Lac de Vouglans is France’s third largest man-made lake! With a length of 35 kilometers, it offers a multitude of activities, including swimming, pedal boating, canoeing, stand-up paddling, cruises and restaurants. A true seaside resort, the site is perfectly suited to family relaxation. It’s also an ideal base for numerous sporting outings in the surrounding area. Canyoning, caving and mountain biking are just some of the activities on offer.
8. Nozeroy
Photo credit: Christophe.Finot for Wikipedia
Every summer, the ancient city of the Dukes of Chalon hosts a memorable medieval festival behind its ramparts. The Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower), built in the 15th century, bears witness to the city’s medieval splendor. And if you’re passing through in May, don’t miss the « Nozeroy Urban Trail », a sporty and friendly race between town and nature. Take advantage of your visit to this « cité de caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté » to sample its specialties, including butter from the Val de Mièges cooperative and Comté cheese from Rix-Trébief.
9. The Upper Saine Valley
A protected nature reserve, the course of the Saine meanders for 18 kilometers through the hollow of the Haute Vallée of the same name, on a fascinating Jura plateau. Gorges, waterfalls, chasms: there’s plenty to see and do along this formerly sacred river! The panoramas are breathtaking from Foncine-le-Haut, where the river begins, to Lemme, where it empties. You can reach the Langouette and Malvaux gorges, the Pisse jump or the Bief de la Ruine waterfalls on foot. The Roche fendue and Ruines viewpoints are also accessible by mountain bike. In winter, you can also ski in the nearby Jura mountains!
10. Saint-Claude
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De praiadotofo8400
Capital of the pipe, Saint-Claude will satisfy those who come to visit the Jura for its culture and traditions. It’s not for nothing that the town proudly bears the « Villes et Métiers d’Art » label: the Jura sub-prefecture not only specializes in briar pipe making, but also in diamond cutting. A tour of the surrounding area reveals a city nestled in a marvellously chaotic natural environment. Saint-Claude itself is worth a visit for its historical heritage, such as the diocese’s former cathedral and the Abbey Museum, which features interesting works of modern art.
11. Les Rousses ski resort
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Tristan333
The peaks of the Haut-Jura are a magnet for visitors in summer and winter alike. When the fir trees are covered in snow, it’s time to put on your skis and snowshoes! The panorama of the Alps is breathtaking, and the undulating landscapes open out onto a vast space dotted with frozen lakes. In summer, the flora and fauna spring to life as soon as the snow melts, revealing waterfalls and rivers! Whatever the season, it’s a good idea to stop off at the Fort des Rousses and taste the perfectly matured Comté cheese in its cellars.
12. Les Pertes de l’Ain
Les pertes de l’Ain is a geological curiosity not to be missed when visiting the Jura. The River Ain flows through a narrow, 12-metre-long gorge. In other places, the river seems calm and peaceful, but here it becomes a bubbling mass as the water surges over the rocks. A one-hour hike from Bourg-de-Sirod takes you as close as possible to the waterfalls and the torrent.
13. Baume-les-Messieurs
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Alex Tihonovs
The Jura not only boasts incredible wilderness, but also numerous listed villages. Baume-les-Messieurs is just one example! One of France’s « Most Beautiful Villages » and « Petite Cité Comtoise de Caractère », it’s not to be missed! Set low in a valley, its geological uplift can first be admired from the Roche des Baumes lookout (more about this later). Once you’ve reached its outskirts, the treasures of the reculée du Dard are immediately apparent: caves, a Benedictine abbey, the cirque de Baume-les-Messieurs, a waterfall and characterful houses await your visit.
14. Le Belvédère des Roches in Crançot
Photo credit: Jean-Christophe Benoist via Wikipedia
Also known as the « Belvédère des roches de Baume », it offers an extraordinary view of the valley and the village of Baume-les-Messieurs below. As you approach the Baume cliff, you’ll discover an impressive gash in the rock. To walk down to the village of Baume and the nearby caves, take the Échelles de Crançot: in fact, it’s not a ladder at all, but a staircase dating back to the 17th century. The descent is steep, so be sure to put on your shoes! The viewpoint is easily reached by car via the D471 between Pannessières and Crançot.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Jura,fr