The Jura

Holidays by Destination Europe France The Jura Getting Around 

A car is pretty much vital if you want to see much of the area. The road network is good, though the lie of the land means that some areas take a little longer to get to than others, particularly the south and east.

The local tourist offices can provide details of local walks or there are books detailing walks across the whole area. Options include long distance paths marked white and red, medium distance marked yellow and red (both marded GR - Grande Randonnee) plus shorter paths marked yellow, blue or green.

If you plan to see any of the country on foot take good walking shoes. You will almost certainly want to visit a waterfall or two and rocks in particular can be slippery. Also take waterproofs, both against potential rain - this is close enough to the mountains for storms, and as protection against spray from waterfalls.

An alternative is by pack donkeys, at least in the haut Jura Regional Nature Park or Jura wine growing area, for example from Ferme du Berbois at La Pesse + 33 3 84 42 72 30 which offers accompanied or unaccompanied rides from half a day to several.

There are also at least 16 horse riding centres and rather more mountain biking ones. For details contact the tourist office.

There is a tourist train between St Claude and Morez, forllowing the gorges of the Bienne, opened in 1912 and passing through 18 tunnels and along numerous viaducts on its 25km stretch. + 3 33 84 42 85 96. A guide accompanies trips to provide commentary.