Cycle Tour in Switzerland: The Jura Route

In Basel, the Rhine, the Rhine bridges and the Fährli (ferries) across the river are omnipresent. You will notice this when you arrive. From the Spalentor gate you have a wonderful view of the rooftops of Basel's old town. Historic buildings are perfectly combined with modern architecture. The cathedral is particularly impressive. The best place to go for a drink is one of the many cafés on the banks of the Rhine!

On the first stage of your cycle tour, you or rather your legs will feel Switzerland and the first heights of the Jura. You start the route gently ascending along the wooded Swiss-French border stream La Lucelle. The route then climbs steeply up to the Challhöchi pass. In absolute silence, the view of the undulating Jura mountain ranges seems even more impressive. In the village of Miécourt, with its old farmhouses, you are completely surrounded by the rolling hills of the Ajoie region.

You leave Ajoie along the Doubs river and have completed the first part of your cycle tour in Switzerland on the Jura route. Pedal hard and reach the secluded Franches-Montagnes plateau. Enjoy a wonderful descent into the Doubs valley to the medieval town of St. Ursanne with its three town gates directly on the river. The view from the stone bridge is picturesque and perfect for a break! This is followed by another ascent to the lonely plateau. In the great silence, the fir trees in the pasture landscape look even more impressive. In Saignelégier, by the way, you are at an altitude of almost 1000 meters.

You reach the former watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds via La Cibourg. The International Watch Museum and numerous Art Nouveau houses are located in the chessboard-like town layout. You cycle through the Les Ponts-des-Martel moor on slightly hilly to flat paths. Frogs and buzzing dragonflies add to its almost mystical character. The village of Travers with its castle and stone bridge is located in the Val de Travers. You spend the night in Travers or Couvet.

Today you are in for a particularly scenic cycle tour. The Val-de-Travers – once the center of absinthe production – offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Plateau. The Green Fairy still has a mysterious character here: Absinthe schnaps was banned for a long time. You cycle to Sainte-Croix, the world capital of music boxes. Visit the Cima Museum and bring back childhood memories. Sainte-Croix is also known for its amandine, an almond and honey cake that makes a perfect souvenir.

After more strenuous bike climbs and relaxing descents, you reach the plain of Vallorbe. Continue to Lac de Joux in the high valley of the same name, Vallée de Joux. The nature around the largest lake in the Swiss Jura is almost untouched here. You will find peace and relaxation in these beautiful natural landscapes. The Vallée de Joux is often referred to as the valley of watches and is renowned for its watchmaking skills. It is home to numerous renowned watch manufacturers.

You cycle along the shores of Lac de Joux. This is followed by a long climb to an altitude of over 1300 m. Then you've made it! Now it's almost all downhill through the diverse biotopes of the Jura vaudois nature park towards Lake Geneva to Nyon. From the castle terrace, you will appreciate the town's lakeside and vineyard location. Wild vines grow along the walls of the Vieilles Murailles promenade. It leads you directly to the chestnut square and the three remaining columns from Roman times.

After breakfast, your cycle tour in Switzerland comes to an end. On your journey home, you will remember the solitude of the Jura and the tranquillity of the unique landscape of this route. We are happy to extend your stay if you wish.