Cycle Tour in Switzerland: The Jura Route

Day 1: Individual arrival in Basel

In Basel, the Rhine, Rhine bridges and the Fährli (boats) that takes you across the river are everywhere. You'll see - when you arrive. From Spalentor, you have wonderful views over the roofs of Basel's old quarter. Historic buildings are perfectly juxtapositioned with modern architecture. The Münster cathedral is particularly inspiring. Fancy a drink? Then try one of the many "buvettes" on the banks of the Rhine!

Day 2: Basel – Miécourt, approx. 60 km

On the first section of your cycling holiday, you feel Switzerland in your legs - as you climb into the Jura! You start the route on a gentle incline along the forested Swiss-French area, La Lucelle, close to the border. Then you start climbing up to Challhöchi pass. In the absolute tranquility, the view of the undulating Jura peaks is even more impressive. In the small village of Miécourt, with its old farm houses, you are totally surrounded by the gentle hillscapes of the Ajoie.

Day 3: Miécourt – Saignelégier, approx. 45 km

Along the Doubs river, you leave the Ajoie, and have completed the first part of your cycle tour in Switzerland on the Jura Route. With a lot of pedal power, you reach the isolated plateau of the Franches-Montagnes. Enjoy an amazing downhill whoop into Doubs Valley, to the medieval St. Ursanne, with its three town gates, right on the river. The scene from the stone bridge is beautiful and perfect for a break. Then you have an uphill section to the plateau. In the wonderful peace and quiet, the pines seem even mightier in this meadow countryside. In Saignelégier, you are at just under 1000 metres of altitude.

Day 4: Saignelégier – Travers / Couvet, approx. 65 / 70 km

Via La Cibourg, you reach the former clock-making town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. In the chequered town, you find the International Museum of Watches and many Art Nouveau buildings. Along level but also hilly routes, you cycle through the High Moor of Les Ponts-des-Martel. Lively frogs and buzzing dragonflies add to the almost mystic atmosphere here. In Val de Travers, is the small village of Traves with a castle and stone bridge. You stay overnight in either Travers or Couvet.

Day 5: Travers / Couvet – Sainte-Croix, approx. 30 km

Today a particularly pretty route through the countryside awaits you. Val-de-Travers - once the hub for making absinthe - offers breath-taking views of the Swiss midlands. The Green Fairy still has its mystic character. Absinth was forbidden for a long time. You cycle as far as Sainte-Croix, the world capital for music boxes. Visit Cima museum and wake up the child inside you! Sainte-Croix is also known for Amandine - an almond and honey cake, perfect as a souvenir.

Day 6: Sainte-Croix – Vallée de Joux, approx. 45 km

After some intense uphill pedalling and wonderful downhill freewheeling, you reach the levels of Vallorbe. You continue on to Lac de Joux in the high valley of the same name, Vallée de Joux. The nature around the largest lake of the Swiss Jura is almost entirely unspoiled. You'll find rest and relaxation in this wonderful countryside. Vallée de Joux is often referred to as the valley of clocks - known as it is for the art of watchmaking. The valley is home to many famous watch manufacturers.

Day 7: Vallée de Joux – Nyon, approx. 55 km

You cycle along the banks of Lac de Joux. A long incline to over 1300 m follows. And then you have made it! Now it's almost all downhill through the diverse biotope of the Jura vaudoi nature park via Lake Geneva to Nyon. From its castle terrace, you come to appreciate the town's location on a lake and with surrounding vineyards. Wild vineyards grow on the walls of the promenade path, Vieilles Murailles. It takes you right to the Kastanienplatz – to three remaining columns, dating back to the Romans.

Day 8: Individual departure or extended stay

After breakfast, your cycle tour in Switzerland comes to an end. On your journey home, you will remember the remoteness of the Jura and the tranquillity of this scenic route.

Not inlcuded is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

For our younger cyclists

Because of the challenging sections, we do not recommend this tour for children.

Types of rental bikes

• 27-gear unisex, derailleur gears with free-wheel
• Electric bike

Fittings

Panniers, handlebar bag, repair kit and bicycle lock, odometer, pump