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A destination of character, the Jura department has a myriad of secrets to discover. Made of mountains, vineyards, lakes, waterfalls and dense forests, it offers its visitors magical panoramas and refreshing moments. With its cultural, natural and gastronomic heritage, the Jura can be visited, experienced and tasted according to the seasons, from Dole to Lons-le-Saunier, via Château-Chalon, Salins-les-Bains, Arbois, Baume-les-Messieurs, Saint-Claude or the ski resort of Les Rousses.

A land of discovery and hiking, the Jura sows invitations to come and discover its many faces. Rich of panoramas to make pale the most beautiful destinations of the world, it conceals small splendid secret places where you will be able to practise a multitude of activities : of the ski to the climbing while passing by the canoe, the bathing, the canyoning, the VTT and the walk, there is strong to bet that the in love with nature and large spaces will find their happiness during their passage in the Jura.

What makes the Jura popular is above all its lakes : with their unparalleled beauty, the Jura lakes dot the mountains like emeralds dress the most beautiful tiaras. The "Route des Lacs" is a must : on more than 150 kilometres of marked roads, this itinerary loved by motorcyclists will allow you to discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the department, from Antre to Etival via Bonlieu, Chambly, Clairvaux, Narlay or Vouglans. The latter, 35 kilometres long, is the 3rd largest artificial lake in France. With its beautifully wooded shores, emerald waters, three harbours and three beaches, it attracts many envious holidaymakers each year to savour parentheses in the calm of its protected cocoon. Right in the heart of the lakes and waterfalls region, Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a family seaside resort : located not far from the Hérisson valley and its 30 waterfalls, it is perfect for the afternoons reserved for swimming and water sports. The "Belvedere des 4 Lacs" is also one of the highlights of the "Route des Lacs" : situated at the Pic de l'Aigle, at an altitude of 993 metres above the Vallée des 4 Lacs, it offers courageous climbers the chance to admire the breathtaking blue mosaic of the Jura lakes, on its plateaux, the Vallée du Hérisson, the Grandvaux and the Mont Blanc, weather permitting, both in winter and summer.

Vivid, limpid and spectacular, the waterfalls of the Jura constantly redraw the relief of the department. From the waterfalls of Le Hérisson to those of Les Tufs, without forgetting those of Baume-les-Messieurs, Quinquenouille and the gorges de l'Abîme (at the foot of the Cirque de Vaucluse), the landscapes and walks follow one another without ever being alike.

If the Jura is a department of water, it is also famous for its underground world and more particularly for its caves. The caves and chasms meandering through the cliffs are as fascinating as they are impressive. From underground rivers to stalactites and stalagmites, young and old explorers in love with geology or simply curious will love discovering the buried treasures of the Jura. The Saint-Anne cave (in Saint-Claude), the Moidons cave (in Molain) are also to be added to your to-do list.

Water means vegetation, and the Jura can boast more than 250,000 hectares of forest, i.e. more than 50% of its surface. Among the densest and most breathtaking forests, the Forest of the Massacre is not to be missed under any pretext : perched between 1160 and 1495 meters in the heart of the resort of Les Rousses, it is the fetish place for lovers of snowshoeing or skiing in winter, and cyclists in summer. Worshipped by skiers and snowboarders, this family resort with 50 kilometres of slopes is a delight for young and old alike thanks to the wide range of activities it offers : downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, snowboarding, hot-air ballooning, tobogganing, golf, biathlon, but also canyoning, horseback riding, climbing, fishing, diving, sailing and cycling : one thing is certain, you won't get bored.

With more than 2000 kilometres of marked routes, 130 kilometres of greenways and 5 mountain bike bases, the Jura is definitely a cyclists' paradise. With family or friends, whether you are professional, passionate or amateur, you will necessarily find your happiness thanks to the multiple loops which cross the plains, the mountain pastures, the forests and the passes, adapted to all levels.

Visit Saint-Claude, the world capital of wooden pipes, Dole for its architectural heritage and fine arts museum, Salins-les-Bains to discover the history of salt culture, or Arbois and Château-Chalon to taste the tastiest Jura wines. Because if there is one thing that makes the fame of Jura gastronomy, it is its grape varieties that make the taste buds of the most greedy. Arbois, Côtes du Jura and Château-Chalon are all served with beverages such as gentian and absinthe. Accompanied by poultry from Bresse, Mont d'Or fait à souhait, Morbier, Comté, Vache qui Rit, Morteau sausage, cancoillotte or raclette, everyone will appreciate them to their full value.