Les Genevez brings together cultural history and routes through the landscape of the Franches-Montagnes Plateau. The Musée rural takes you through the living and working spaces of two farming families; named routes offer different experiences: a hike starting at the church, a mountain bike route, and a riding route. In winter, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are additional seasonal options. When choosing a stay in Les Genevez, you can decide whether to focus mainly on the museum, outdoor activities, or winter pursuits.
Les Genevez and the Franches-Montagnes Landscape
Les Genevez is in the Franches-Montagnes district, at an altitude of around 1,035 m, and about 10 km east of Saignelégier. The village has a quiet, rural atmosphere and a close-knit village setting. The municipality lies in a slight hollow and on the slopes of the Franches-Montagnes Plateau. Its territory includes Jura pastures, spruce forests, marshes, and the source of the Sorne; elevations range from 961 m to 1,177 m at Montbautier. This describes a destination where the village and the municipality’s landscape offer different points of reference.
Musée rural and Church Windows
The Musée rural showcases the former living and working spaces of two farming families. It is housed in a large, 16th-century double farmhouse, dated to 1515. Its hipped roof is considered the last in the Canton of Jura still covered with wooden shingles. Inside, the focus is on domestic life and agricultural work. In the vaulted kitchen, bread is baked the traditional way in front of visitors; practical details may vary. Check the demonstration times if you plan to include one in your visit.
Another cultural landmark is the church windows of Les Genevez. They were created by Yves Voirol and inaugurated on Saturday, 31 August 2003. Together with the Musée rural, they offer different ways to explore the village’s history: here, the living and working world of two farming families; there, an artistic feature of the church.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Horse Riding
The “Sur le chemin des Moines” circular trail starts at the church in Les Genevez and passes through Bellelay. In the Montbautier forest, it follows the Chemin des Moines before returning to Les Genevez. At 10.2 km, the route has a specified distance to help with day-trip planning. Its start and finish provide a clear framework if you want to coordinate it with other plans.
For mountain bikers, “La Courtine Bike” is designated Route No. 723. It passes through the villages of Les Genevez and Lajoux. The AREF “Boucle violette” riding route, which also passes through Les Genevez, offers a different way to get around. The 38 km route crosses the pastures of the Franches-Montagnes, where cattle and horses graze, before continuing into deep spruce forests. The two routes therefore differ both in activity and in the landscape described; the distance given applies to the riding route, not to “La Courtine Bike.”
Winter Activities and When to Visit
The Téléski des Genevez ski area offers access to alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Snow and operations may vary; check current conditions if you are planning your stay around winter sports. The local climate is characterized by snowy winters and cool summers. Conditions are suitable for hiking, cycling, and winter sports. This means there is a seasonal difference to consider when planning your trip: in winter, the snow activities mentioned are the main focus, while hiking and cycling are also among the available options.
Discover more destinations: Saignelégier, Montfaucon Ju, Muriaux, La Chaux-des-Breuleux, Le Bémont, Les Breuleux, Lajoux, Les Bois
For the regional travel overview: Franches-Montagnes.
