Grande Traversée du Jura
A long-distance traverse of the Jura Mountains from Lake Geneva to the Rhine, crossing high plateaus, beech forests, and the source of the Loue river…
Route overview
The Grande Traversée du Jura is a long-distance trail of approximately 390 kilometres that traverses the Jura Mountains from Lake Geneva to the Rhine. The route crosses the French Jura from south to north, passing through the high plateaus, beech forests, and folded limestone ridges that characterise this understated mountain range on the French-Swiss border. The trail follows the GR 509 and other local paths through the Pays de Gex, the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, and the Doubs valley. It passes the sources of several rivers including the Loue, which emerges from a cave system near Ouhans, and crosses the highest point of the French Jura at Crêt de la Neige. The landscape is a mix of high pasture, dense beech forest, and rolling farmland. The Jura is less dramatic than the Alps but offers a quieter and more pastoral mountain experience. The trail is well waymarked and supported by a network of gîtes and small inns. The walking is…
A long-distance traverse of the Jura Mountains from Lake Geneva to the Rhine, crossing high plateaus, beech forests, and the source of the Loue river through the French-Swiss border region.
Trail facts
- Country
- France
- Region
- Jura Mountains
- Distance
- c. 390 km
- Typical duration
- 3–4 weeks
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 12,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Mountain traverse
Safety context
High plateaus are exposed to weather. Beech forest sections can be disorienting in fog. Some river crossings are not bridged. Limestone terrain has sinkholes.
The Jura is less frequented than the Alps, so English-language information is limited. Some sections follow roads. The full traverse takes three to four weeks.
Highlights
Lake Geneva and the Pays de Gex Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park Crêt de la Neige highest point Source of the Loue river Ornans and the Loue valley Baume-les-Messieurs abbey Doubs valley and waterfalls Rhine plain finish
Why find a buddy
A quiet mountain traverse through beech forests and high Jura plateaus — a companion shares the pastoral scenery and the river sources of this understated border range.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.