Les Genevez: Nature, winter sports and culture

Les Genevez is in the Franches-Montagnes district, at an altitude of about 1,035 m, around 10 km east of Saignelégier. The municipality stretches across a gentle hollow and the slopes of the Franches-Montagnes plateau; its area includes Jura pastures, spruce forests, marshes and the source of the Sorne. Elevations range from 961 m to 1,177 m at Montbautier. The village is characterised by a peaceful, rural atmosphere and a compact village setting. If you are looking for a hotel in Les Genevez, consider what you would like to focus on during your stay: hiking and riding trails, cycling, winter sports or regional culture all offer different reasons to explore the area.

Landscape and seasons

The local climate is characterised by snowy winters and cool summers. Hiking, cycling and winter sports are among the activities suited to local conditions. The seasons therefore provide a natural framework for planning: in the warmer months, the routes across the plateaus and through the forests take centre stage, while winter brings snow sports. The landscape includes more than open Jura pastures. Spruce forests and marshes are also part of the municipality, as is the source of the Sorne. Together with the high altitude, they make this a rural destination shaped by several types of terrain.

Hiking, cycling and riding

The “Sur le chemin des Moines” circular trail starts at the church in Les Genevez and returns to Les Genevez. It is 10.2 km long, passes through Bellelay and follows the Chemin des Moines in the Montbautier forest. This gives you a circular trail with a named starting point and a clearly defined distance to include in your travel plans. Hiking and riding trails also cross the surrounding Jura plateaus and forests, opening up a broader landscape than the route of this individual trail.

For mountain biking, the “La Courtine Bike” route, number 723, passes through Les Genevez and Lajoux. Another way to get around is the AREF “Boucle violette” riding route, which also passes through Les Genevez. The 38 km route crosses the Franches-Montagnes pastures, where cattle and horses graze, before continuing into deep spruce forests. The options described therefore differ in activity and route character: a mountain bike route through two villages on the one hand, and a longer riding route through pastureland and forest on the other.

Winter sports in the area

The Téléski des Genevez ski area offers access to alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Snow and operating conditions may vary. If you are travelling for one of these activities, check the relevant conditions before your visit. The local climate—snowy winters and cool summers—also contrasts with the hiking opportunities across the surrounding plateaus and forests. When choosing your travel dates, you can therefore consider whether you would rather focus on trails and scenery or on snow sports.

Farmhouse and regional culture

The Musée rural shows the former living and working areas of two farming families. It is housed in a large, two-family farmhouse dating from the 16th century, dated to 1515. Its hipped roof is considered the last in the canton of Jura still covered with wooden shingles. In the vaulted kitchen, bread is baked the traditional way in front of visitors; arrangements for visits may vary, so it is advisable to enquire beforehand.

The church also adds a distinctive cultural touch: its new windows were created by Yves Voirol and inaugurated on Saturday, 31 August 2003. In addition, small museums and traditional farmhouses in Les Genevez and the surrounding area offer insights into regional life and culture. The Musée rural brings farming life and work together in a remarkable historic building, while the church windows provide a more recent, dated connection to the village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Les Enfers, La Chaux-des-Breuleux, Muriaux, Les Bois, Les Breuleux, Epauvillers, Montfaucon Ju, Saignelégier

For the full travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.