Jura: Waterfalls, Lakes and Cultural Heritage

In the Jura, plains, the vineyards of the Revermont and reculées alternate with lake landscapes and mountainous terrain crossed by streams and waterfalls. Many natural areas are preserved or protected by the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, Natura 2000 sites and designated natural sites. Before visiting any of these places, check the rules that apply there.

Waterfalls, Lakes and Trails

The Cascades du Hérisson comprise 31 successive waterfalls fed by the Hérisson stream, which rises in the lakes of Bonlieu and Ilay. The waterfall circuit is 7 km long, climbs about 300 metres, is considered difficult and takes almost three hours round trip. When planning, take the duration, difficulty and elevation gain into account together. Trail conditions and access rules may change seasonally, so check them before setting out. The Vallée du Hérisson, Plateau des 7 lacs is part of the Grands Sites de France network.

The lakes each have their own appeal: Lac de Chalain is the largest natural lake in the Jura; its turquoise water is linked to its geological history. Lac de Vouglans is 35 km long, has emerald-green water and offers opportunities for activities in summer. Availability depends on the season and local conditions.

The Route des Lacs can be explored by car and leads to 20 lakes in the region. It connects museums, exhibitions, craft workshops, local food, reculées, viewpoints and natural areas. The route therefore includes cultural and scenic stops as well as lakes. The Jura also has nearly 5,000 km of maintained, signposted routes and close to 100 official hikes. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

Culture and Regional Traditions

The Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains combines a history of technology with an exceptional underground site: it includes a 13th-century gallery and a still-operational 19th-century hydraulic pump. The saltworks operated for 1,200 years, ending in 1962. From 1780 to 1895, salt water was transported along a 21 km pipeline to the Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans. Visitor access may vary.

At the Maison du Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, the permanent interactive exhibition « Haut-Jura, Terre Vivante! » explores the region’s landscapes, wildlife and plant life, local expertise, industry and forests. Exhibition and event times may change; check the schedule before visiting. The Fruitière de Grande-Rivière offers an exploration gallery with sections on historic tools, museography, interactive displays, cheesemaking and video. Access and visiting hours may vary here too. Workshops, museums and themed houses in the Haut-Jura offer insights into traditional and contemporary crafts and their contribution to the development of the region.

Another cultural stop is the Musée du Jouet in Moirans-en-Montagne. Its toy collection spans everything from antiques to retro video game consoles. The production of regional foods is also part of Jura culture: Comté is made by hand every day in more than 150 village dairies, known as fruitières, in the Jura Massif. The four geographical appellations are Arbois, Château-Chalon, L’Étoile and Côtes du Jura.

Activities Throughout the Seasons

For cycling, the Jura has 180 km of cycling routes across seven véloroutes, including EuroVelo 6. Mountain bikers can choose from four mountain biking bases bearing the FFC or FFVélo label, two developed bike parks and two Ludy parks.

Winter activities at the Jura’s ski resorts include cross-country skiing on 1,000 km of signposted trails, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sledging and biathlon. What is actually possible depends on snow and weather conditions. Seasonal options differ considerably: in summer, activities at Lac de Vouglans are among the attractions, while winter offerings depend on the conditions at the time.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mérona, Villeneuve-sous-Pymont, Longcochon, Le Fied, Dompierre-Sur-Mont, Champagnole, Courlans, Entre-Deux-Monts, La Favière, Plasne, Gevry, Chamblay, Villard-Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Claude, Pratz, Lajoux, Mournans-Charbonny, Gigny, Montigny-lès-Arsures, Pont-de-Poitte, Sirod, Alièze, Conte, Bonlieu, La Chaumusse, Fontainebrux, Offlanges, Ranchot, Chevigny, Coisia, Écleux, Crotenay, Les Arsures, Voiteur, Maynal, Pupillin, Pont-D'héry, Lac Des Rouges Truites, Septmoncel, Saint-Germain-Lès-Arlay, Longchaumois, Tancua, Choisey, Darbonnay, Souvans, Le Vernois, Château-Chalon, Pannessières, Le Deschaux, Cuvier (Jura), Le Larderet, Cernon, Les Rousses, Graye-Et-Charnay, Aumont, Nevy-lès-Dole, Rahon, Annoire, Nozeroy, La Balme-D'épy, La Chassagne, Lamoura, Saint-Lothain, Peintre, Montmorot, Syam, Mouchard, Barretaine, Mont-Sous-Vaudrey, Lavigny, Fort Du Plasne, Villechantria, Jouhe, Grusse, Molamboz, Cosges, Montbarrey, Saint-Amour, Saint-Maurice-Crillat, Les Planches En Montagne, Prenovel, Chambéria, Champrougier, Charézier, Cuttura, Fay-En-Montagne, Arsure-Arsurette, Chapelle-Voland, Bois-D'amont, Censeau, Menotey, Prémanon, Blois-Sur-Seille, Bletterans, Foucherans, Rochefort-Sur-Nenon, Chaux-des-Crotenay, Villerserine, Sampans, Moirans-En-Montagne, Morez, La Tour-Du-Meix, Mantry, Grange-De-Vaivre, Florentia, Uxelles, Saint-Laurent-En-Grandvaux, Hautecour, Orgelet, Les Piards, Doucier, Grande-Rivière, Bellefontaine, Foncine-Le-Haut, Villard-Sur-Bienne, Baume-Les-Messieurs, Dampierre, Thoirette, La Chaux-Du-Dombief, La Pesse, Passenans, Lons-Le-Saunier, Chaussin, Châteauneuf, Arbois, Maisod, Vernantois, Dole, Louvenne, Les Bouchoux, Gizia, Chille, Saint-Julien, Poligny, Port-Lesney, Clairvaux-Les-Lacs, Salins-Les-Bains

Go to the regional travel overview: Franche Comte.