Key facts about the Jura Region:
- “Jura” comes from the Celtic “jor”, meaning “wooden height”
- The JURASSIC geological period takes its name from the Jura Region!
- Jura is the largest pine-forested region in Europe
- There are 5 green eco-resorts in Jura
- Louise Pasteur, scientist, chemist, and physician was born in Jura
- There is “The Echappee Jurassienne“: 352km Franco-Swiss trail exploring the great sites of Jura, complete with luggage-forwarding service.
Jura Region, points of interest
Thanks to its geological origin, Jura has a lot of gorges, lakes, and waterfalls. Many of them are not far from each other and are suitable for a visit with the entire family: adults, kids, and elderly.
1. Tüfelsschlucht gorges and waterfalls, Swiss side:
Easy trail with a catwalk, multiple gorges, waterfalls, and barbeque areas with fireplaces and free wood:
This waterfall location coordinates: 47°20’38.4″N 7°49’04.1″E
2. Cascade des Combes, French side
Easy, short trail with several waterfalls, wet forest, and crystal clear greenish water:
This waterfall location coordinates: 46°24’08.3″N 5°52’40.4″E
3. Town to visit: Saint-Claude, French side
Saint-Claude is a small interesting town: it’s located at several levels, among the mountains, and played a significant role during WW2, hiding and helping the Jews to escape to Switzerland.
Places to visit in Saint-Claude: Abbey Museum, Le Monde des Automates (kids museum), and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre:
4. One of the most famous viewpoints in the Jura: Reculée de Beaume, French side
Nestled in a spectacularly remote area of Valley de Beaume, this small village of 200 inhabitants is one of the heritage jewels of the Jura:
Located near the village: caves open to visit during the warm time of the year:
5. Les Grottes de Baume-les-Messieurs, French side
The Grottes de Baume-les-Messieurs has the highest underground vertical in the Jura.
1 km of developed galleries possible to explore with a guide from April to September. The temperature inside the caves is around 11C, duration of the visit – is approximately 1 hour.
6. Gorges de la Langouette, French side
Pretty busy during summer, Gorges de la Langouette is a short, easy, and picturesque trail:
7. Creux du Van panorama, Swiss side
Beautiful hike, with the possibility to see wild animals (Alpine Ibex, Chamois, etc.) in summer and winter:
Creux du Van panorama:
8. JURASSICA Museum, Swiss side
Jurassica Museum combines a museum, botanical garden, and research center.
The rich collections include animals illustrating regional biodiversity and numerous fossils dating from the Jurassic period:
9. Cascades du Hérisson and Cascade des Tufs: French side
Cascades du Hérisson and Cascade des Tufs are some of the most famous spots to visit in Jura and one of the most crowded, especially during warmer months.
10. Porrentruy Castle: Swiss side
To this day, Château de Porrentruy remains a symbol of power since it houses the seat of justice in the Republic and Canton of Jura, Switzerland.
The Castle was constructed in the mid-13 century and classified as a cultural asset of national importance:
11. Jura’s lakes: Neuchatel and Bienne, Swiss side
Being a landlocked country, Switzerland has incredible lakes. From the biggest, like Lake Geneva (the largest Alpine lake in Europe), to hidden, and little known. All of them share clear waters and scenery:
As in many places in the Jura Region, some incredible gorges somewhere around the corner, like “Gorges du Taubenloch“, near Lake Bienne.
12. Local wine to try: Swiss wine
Jura region is home to the special, Swiss wines. Why they are special? Because just a tiny percentage goes to import, the majority is used inside the country. Wine to try: Cabernet Jura
13. Local food to try: Comté cheese
Comté is a raw milk, hard-pressed, cooked AOP (Protected Designation of Origin ) cheese from the Jura Massif.
You can buy some at the store or have a hands-on experience at the newly-built Comté visitor center. All ages are welcome.
14. Jura: where did we stay
We visited Jura during the Christmas season and stayed in Camping Huttopia (cabins) in Divonne Les Bains.
Thanks to the camping location we were able to explore Geneva, Annecy (the Venice of the French Alps), and Lausanne.
Pictured below: our place for 5 people: 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a shower:
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out prices, hours, and conditions before you go.
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