The Haut-Jura unfolds across a varied landscape: the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura covers around 178,000 hectares and stretches across the départements of Doubs, Jura and Ain. Its landscapes include high combes and ridges, plateaus, secluded valleys, gorges and waterfalls. Open habitats range from moors and dry grasslands to meadows and alpine pastures. The boundaries of the protected area may change as adjustments are made.
The “Tourbières et lacs de la Montagne jurassienne” area is France’s first Ramsar site in a mountain region. Together with its varied landscapes, this designation gives the Haut-Jura a special connection to nature.
Hiking and Nature in the Haut-Jura
There are routes to suit a range of preferences. The Tour des quatre lacs circular trail is 10.8 kilometres long, rated moderate and marked with GR and PR trail signs; it takes three hours to complete. By contrast, the marked GR hiking route Échappée Jurassienne crosses the Jura Massif from west to east over 352 kilometres. One route is a loop, while the other crosses the massif.
The forests of the Haut-Jura also offer their own outdoor attractions: recreational activities there include hiking and Nordic skiing. Route details and trail markings may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
The lakes reveal further facets of the region. Archaeological excavations on Île de la Motte in Lac d’Ilay uncovered three successive religious structures. Future research may further refine the interpretation of these findings. Lac de Narlay is 40 metres deep and the deepest natural lake in the Jura: one lake is notable for its depth, the other for its succession of historic structures.
Salt History and Architecture
The Saline royale d’Arc-et-Senans is a major work of industrial architecture from the Age of Enlightenment; construction began in 1775. In Salins-les-Bains, the Great Saltworks operated for 1,200 years before closing in 1962. The Grande Saline traces the history of salt production in Franche-Comté and opened to visitors in 1966.
The Grande Saline includes a 165-metre-long underground gallery with a 19th-century pump that is still in operation. In Salins-les-Bains, a long history of production meets historic technology. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
Cheese and Culinary Discoveries
Comté is considered a signature specialty of Franche-Comté. It is made by hand at around 140 village cheese dairies. Comté fruitières are generally village organisations run as cooperatives. In the visitor gallery at the Fruitière de la Vallée du Hérisson, you can see how Comté, Morbier and other raw-milk cheeses are made. Check the latest visitor information in advance.
Across the wider Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, gourmet trails connect producers, markets, renowned restaurants, cellars, farms, workshops and culinary events. Participating places and offerings may change. If you plan to follow one of these trails, check the latest stops and event dates.
Discover Other Subregions
Discover other subregions: Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura, Territoire De Belfort.
Discover more destinations: Brittany, Midi-Pyrénées, Normandy, Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
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