Grande Traversee du Jura Mountain bike route

NB. Mountain bike route

Cycle freely over the mountain paths and brave the peaks of the Jura, with breathtaking views and a rich variety of natural beauty. The Jura mountain bike route starts in the town of Mandeure, in the north of the Jura mountains (Doubs department) and continues to Culoz in the Ain. The blue-tinted gorges of the Doubs, which appear again and again during the first stages, form a beautiful contrast to the surrounding green of the meadows and forests. Once you arrive at the gateway to the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, the environment changes into an increasingly mountainous landscape. Finally, you ride through a backdrop of high-altitude valleys and open plains to the foot of the Grand Colombier, the end point of this rugged mountain bike crossing.

Grande Traversee du Jura mountain bike trail

Signage and features of the mountain bike route

The << Grande Traversee du Jura mountain bike route >> is signposted in both directions. This signaling has a different color than the original"Grandes Traversees mountain bike\\\" (red). The most important junctions are often provided with signposts. In this case, the signaling of the << Grande Traversee du Jura mountain bike route >> is indicated on the arrows.

Some parts of the route are quite technical, but"light\\\" versions are also possible, which can be found in a climbing guide.

Which bike?

The mountain bike is the most suitable bike for this route, but the most experienced riders can opt for a gravel bike. If you want to avoid the more technical sections, you can take the"light\\\" variants, as described in the climbing guide.

An electric mountain bike is also a good solution, charging points are available at a number of tourist offices.

Which period?

The most suitable period for this tour is from April to October. Between June and July you can even admire the daffodil fields!

Train connections and stations on the mountain bike route:

• Montbeliard : is the closest train station to the departure point in Mandeure. From the station you cycle a bit on the << Grande Traversee du Jura Cycle Route >> to the starting point.
• Regional TER line Lyon - Montbeliard - Belfort
• Culoz : Regional TER line Lyon - Culoz - Geneva

View the possibilities for bicycle transport in the train in France.

Connection of the << Grande Traversee du Jura mountain bike route >> with other cycling routes:

• EuroVelo 6 from Basel to Nevers (via Montbeliard)
• The Grande Traversee du Jura Cycle Route
• ViaRhona cycle route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea via Lyon upon arrival in Culoz

Also discover the other << Grande Traversee >> mountain bike trails on our website:

• Grande Traversee through the Massif Central mountain bike trail
• Grande Traversee through the Morvan mountain bike trail
• Grande Traversee through the Ardeche mountain bike trail