Discover Champagnole

Champagnole combines history with opportunities for walking and a variety of outdoor activities. As a gateway town to the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, it offers a range of options for your stay: from the archaeology museum and paths along the Ain to designated cycling routes. Which ones take priority depends on whether you are more interested in culture, a cycling tour or peaceful walks.

Walking and finding your way around Champagnole

The banks of the Ain offer opportunities for walks in Champagnole; visitors can also take a walk in Parc de Belle-Frise. Base de loisirs de la Roche is also on the banks of the Ain and combines this location with a range of activities. These include canoeing and kayaking, hiking, orienteering, mountain biking and fishing. If you plan to take part in a particular activity, confirm its availability before booking.

For tourist information, Maison du Tourisme Champagnole Nozeroy Jura has an office in Champagnole. It is a convenient place to go with questions about finding your way around locally. The weekly market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the market hours before your trip if you want to make sure you can visit.

Archaeology and architectural history

The municipal archaeology museum is designated a “Musée de France.” It offers insights into the lives of the Gallo-Romans and Merovingians, who lived on the second Jura plateau from the 1st to the 7th century. Its subject therefore spans a long historical period, covering two population groups and a clearly defined region. The museum offers guided tours throughout the year for individuals, groups and school classes, by prior reservation. If you would like to include a guided tour in your stay, book in advance.

The Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte also offers a concrete glimpse into the town’s architectural history: it was commissioned in 1750 and consecrated in 1755. Its bell tower has an imperial dome in the traditional Franche-Comté style. Another art-historical detail is the painting and frame “Prédication de saint François Xavier.” This work has been listed as a protected historic monument since January 20, 2022.

Cycling routes and pump track

Two routes with different descriptions are among the options for a cycling tour. The Voie PLM on the Doucier–Champagnole section is 20.5 kilometres long and rated very easy. “La via Chalain – 61R,” by contrast, is a 45.6-kilometre mountain biking circuit that starts and ends at Maison du Tourisme in Champagnole. The routes therefore differ both in length and in the format specified. Another cycling connection is the Voie PLM, which links Lac de Chalain with Champagnole for cyclists. Its route status may change as work progresses; check before setting out.

The Champagnole pump track is a designated off-road course with waves and turns on a paved surface. It can be used with a mountain bike, BMX bike, skateboard, scooter, roller skates and balance bike. Three tracks indicate different skill levels: green is for beginners, blue for intermediate riders and red for advanced riders. The colours and designations help you choose a track according to its stated difficulty rating.

Market and artisanal products

The market scene is complemented by a link to Champagnole’s heritage: Faustin Girardet, who came from Champagnole, created Élixia lemonade in 1856. Élixia is one of France’s oldest artisanal lemonade producers. At Relais du Fumé, artisanal charcuterie is smoked with fir and juniper. These products add two more specific themes to the town’s historical and active attractions: lemonade-making and the craft of smoking food.

Champagnole therefore offers clearly distinct interests to choose from: the museum and church represent archaeology and architectural history, the paths along the Ain provide opportunities for walks, and the routes mentioned offer different cycling options. If you are mainly interested in a guided visit or a particular leisure activity, factor the need to book in advance or confirm availability into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Lajoux, Pont-D'héry, Grange-De-Vaivre, Syam, Longcochon, Chambéria, Pratz, Cernon

For the broader travel overview: Jura.