The 5 best snowshoe hikes in the Jura

Out and about in Eastern France? Take the opportunity to try out one of the many snowshoeing circuits in the Jura!

This winter, we’re heading for one of the most beautiful departments in eastern France: the Jura. With its listed historic sites, vineyards, picturesque villages and fine cuisine, the Jura is sure to enchant you! But the department’s most fascinating feature, which attracts travelers from all over the country, is surely its exceptional natural sites!

So what better way to explore them than with one of the season’s greenest modes of transport: snowshoes? Snowshoes allow you to penetrate areas that are too technical for hikers and too snowy for skiers.

Tranquillity and discovery are the watchwords of your snowshoe hikes in the Jura. You don’t know the department? We’ve put together a guide to the best snowshoeing trails in the Jura. Let’s get started!

The Vallon du Bief de la Chaille from Les Rousses: a plunge into the heart of the Haut-Jura mountains

Photo credit : Alltrails

Approximately 8 km in length, this snowshoe hike is ideal for inexperienced travellers and families alike.

Your hike begins in the charming little village of Les Rousses. Located in the Haut-Jura, near the Swiss border, it rises to an altitude of 1,107 meters. Before the hike, take time to visit its church and fort, well known in the region. Next, head for the Vallon du Bief de la Chaille for a hike through dense forest and snow-covered expanses.

On the way back, if you’re feeling peckish, why not take another break at the resort of Les Rousses? Great restaurants await you, where you can enjoy raclette and tarte à la myrtille, typical local dishes!

La Dôle: a hike around the region’s star town

Photo credit : Alltrails

Go on a snowshoeing expedition in the Jura… that ends in Switzerland! You start your tour near La Greffière, just across the border from Toblerone country.

On your hike, you’ll pass through a large, magnificent forest, home to furry little inhabitants you might be lucky enough to meet. You’ll then arrive at Grand Sonnailley, a mountain that rises to over 1,330 meters.

After a selfie break, set off again for La Dôle, the summit of the same name as an emblematic Jura town. Take time to admire the panorama before turning around and heading back to the starting point. And if you’re looking for a bite to eat after your hike, just a few kilometers away is the town of Dôle. This is the birthplace of the famous Vache qui Rit (Laughing Cow) and Louis Pasteur.

Les Foncines: a place to spend time with friends and family

Photo credit : Alltrails

A must when visiting the Jura, this snowshoeing itinerary will delight young and old alike. Relatively short in duration, it is considered easy. This loop allows you to discover Foncines and the surrounding area. This charming mountain village attracts many visitors who enjoy themselves.

So, before your walk, discover the cheese factory, the nature house or the best fishing spots in the region. Then set off on a gentle hike through meadows and snow-covered mountains. What morecould you ask for on vacation?

Giron via la Pesse: the ultimate family hike!

Photo credit : Alltrails

From November to March, set off on this snowshoe trek through the Jura. It starts in Giron, a small village of just 179 inhabitants. With your snowshoes and your good mood, you’ll cross the forests, admire the scenery from the summits, meet the local fauna and breathe in the pure mountain air… A perfect program, don’t you think?

After a 4-hour walk, you’ll arrive in the commune of La Pesse, where you can enjoy a meal in one of its charming little inns. Want to extend your stay in the region? La Pesse is full offamily activities such as horse riding, tobogganing and spas.

La Serra: live from the Jura’s highest peak

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Frederic Maillard 49

Discover the Jura as you’ve never seen it before on an unforgettable snowshoe trek. And for good reason! This 4h50 hike takes you to Crêt Pela, the highest point in the Jura and the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region. And that’s not all! It’s easy to imagine that, from the top, the view is more than exceptional. Don’t forget your camera!

Then head back down to Carrefour du Massacre, which, contrary to what its name might suggest, is a very pretty spot. From here, you can admire the vast forest of the same name, made up of mutated spruce, a species of tree typical of the region.

Finally, head for La Cure, a village on the Swiss border which is part of the commune of Les Rousses. Restaurants and inns await you for a well-deserved meal after an emotionally-charged hike. In short, this last Jura hike in our top list promises to be a memorable one.

So, are you ready to strap on your snowshoes and set off on a hike in the Jura? Our selection of the region’s best hikes is here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible! What’s your favorite tour? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!