The bike trip or the dream of discovering a region differently! Everyone at their own pace, along small country roads, the route of the Grande traverse du Jura by bike is an ideal route for immersing yourself in the nature of the Jura Mountains.

Departing from Montbéliard, a town which offers the choice between a historic visit to the Castle of the Dukes of Württemberg or an industrial visit to the Peugeot Adventure Museum which tells the history of the brand, the GTJ by bike follows the Jura crescent. Very quickly it rises towards the first reliefs to join the Doubs Horloger Regional Natural Park.

Its imposing farms topped with “tuyés” where cured meats are dried which can be enjoyed without moderation (Morteau sausages, ham on the bone or bacon), its bucolic atmosphere with flowery meadows where Montbéliard cows graze peacefully, its small welcoming villages are dream travel companions. Not far away, the Doubs river which marks the border with Switzerland serves as a guide to Pontarlier. The city is a gateway to Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park.

The imposing Fort de Joux perched on a rocky outcrop watches over the territory up to the edge of the grandiose Saint Point Lake, whose iridescent color changes over time.
The Doubs river goes up the route to its source in Mouthe.

A quick leap and the department of Jura will replace that of Doubs. The first village, Foncine-le-Haut, is worth a stop to visit the source of the Saine, a very beautiful river for fly fishing. The road gains height to arrive at Lac de l’Abbaye with its emerald waters. From village to village the road winds its way to arrive at Lajoux in the Jura Hautes Combes. A descent towards a new valley, a new river and a new department: Ain. At the foot of the undulating crests of the Jura flows the Valserine which will be the new companion of the GTJ by bike to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine.

Another effort to reach the Plateau de Retord and its very special nature. The country of Bugey with its agricultural identity features a symphony of valleys and plateaus which grow towards the end of the journey. But it's up to you to choose, if you want it gentle or sporty this end, because in front of you stands the famous Grand Colombier, well known to all cycling enthusiasts and feared by Tour de France riders.

Partnership BOSCH batteries and motors
A partner of the GTJs, BOSCH provides charging stations for GTJ cyclists in 10 towns along the GTJ cycle routes.

Find the list of places where you can recharge your electrically assisted bicycles on the GTJs.

North end

Montbéliard (Doubs)

South end

Culoz (Ain)

Minimum altitudes and max.

↓ 241m ↑ 1m

Elevation

4 900 m

Average distance per stage

30 to 50 km

Period

April → October

Montbéliard ↔️ Culoz