31 consecutive waterfall cascades, fed by a stream flowing from two lakes: at the Cascades du Hérisson, the natural landscape of the Jura takes on a particularly striking form. The Hérisson Torrent rises in the lakes of Bonlieu and Ilay. If you follow the circular trail, allow enough time and be prepared for a challenging walk: the route is seven kilometres long, climbs around 300 metres, is rated difficult, and takes just under three hours there and back. Trail conditions and access rules may change seasonally; check the conditions before setting out.

The waterfall trail is an impressive starting point for discovering the diverse landscapes of the Jura. The region stretches from plains to the vineyards and Reculées of Revermont, then on to the lake district and mountainous terrain with streams and waterfalls. Many natural sites are protected by the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, Natura 2000 sites and classified natural sites. Check the rules for each natural area locally.

Lakes and protected landscapes

The lakes each have their own character, too. Lac de Chalain is the largest natural lake in the Jura; its turquoise water is connected to the lake’s geological history. Lac de Vouglans stretches for 35 kilometres. Its emerald-green water and summer activities offer another aspect of the lake district. Which discovery appeals to you most depends on whether you are interested in the geological history of a lake or summer activities; specific activities are seasonal and subject to local conditions.

The Vallée du Hérisson, Plateau des 7 lacs, is part of the Grands Sites de France network. Together with the waterfalls, lakes and protected natural sites, this landscape offers different ways to discover the Jura’s natural environment, without every outing having to be the same. Would you like to spend a day by the water or combine nature watching with a hike? Route information and conditions at each location will help you decide what to do.

Culture, craftsmanship and flavour

Alongside its landscapes, historic sites and exhibitions tell the story of the region’s work and expertise. The Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains has an underground gallery dating from the 13th century and a functioning hydraulic pump from the 19th century. The saltworks operated for 1,200 years, closing in 1962. Between 1780 and 1895, brine was transported to the Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans through a 21-kilometre pipeline. Access to the site may vary, so check the latest information before your visit.

Visitors interested in landscapes, wildlife, regional skills, industry or forests can explore the permanent interactive exhibition « Haut-Jura, Terre Vivante! » at the Maison du Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura. Exhibition and activity schedules may vary; check the latest opening times before your visit. At the Fruitière de Grande-Rivière, a discovery gallery features historic tools, museography, interactive displays, cheese-making and video. Access and opening hours may vary there, too. Workshops, museums and themed visitor centres in the Haut-Jura offer insights into traditional and contemporary local crafts and their contribution to the region’s development.

The flavours of the Jura are also linked to its landscape. Comté is made by hand every day in the Jura Massif at more than 150 village cheese dairies, known as fruitières. The Jura has four geographical appellations: Arbois, Château-Chalon, L’Étoile and Côtes du Jura. For another kind of cultural discovery, visit the Musée du Jouet in Moirans-en-Montagne to see toys ranging from antique pieces to retro consoles.

Between hiking and winter activities

The Jura has nearly 5,000 kilometres of maintained, signposted trails and almost 100 official hikes. The Route des Lacs links museums, exhibitions, craft workshops, regional cuisine, Reculées, viewpoints and natural sites; the route can be travelled by car to discover 20 regional lakes. As individual stops may have seasonal schedules, check their opening times separately. This lets you plan your outings around the places that interest you, rather than assuming a fixed order.

There are different options for cycling, too. Seven cycling routes cover a total of 180 kilometres, including EuroVelo 6. The Jura also has four mountain biking centres accredited by the FFC or FFVélo, two developed bike parks and two Ludyparks. These options cater to different interests, and trail conditions may change. In winter conditions, activities include cross-country skiing on 1,000 kilometres of marked trails, snowshoeing, dog sledding, tobogganing and biathlon. Availability depends on snow and weather conditions.

The Jura brings together waterfalls and lakes, protected nature, historical discoveries and outdoor activities. Choose your accommodation as a base for the things that interest you most, and check seasonal access and schedule information before planning specific outings.

Discover more destinations

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

For the broader travel overview: Franche Comte.