Discover Premanon, Jura, Franche-Comté: Nature and Activities

From the coolness of the gorges of the Forebay of la Chaille to the belvedere of the Maquisards on the Morez water gap, you will journey along a relatively easy and varied trail, through a mix of forest environments, geology and history. From the village centre, the trail heads up through the village (white and red waymarking) towards the Forebay of la Chaille via the D 25. At Abbé Barthelet, continue and follow the road to the left that descends to Prémanon d’Amont. After a steep descent, a forest path will lead you to the walkway over the Forebay of la Chaille. The waterfall can be reached within 10 mins to your right by following GR® 5, at the foot of a former mill. The trail, that is rocky and muddy in some places, branches off to the left under the cover of forest to reach Sous le Saut and Le Bonzon. Head down to the path to your left (yellow waymarking) until you reach PERROUD BRIDGE. Cross the recently restored bridge and head up a very steep trail. A narrow and steep trail to your left opens onto a gravel path and crosses over an intermittent stream. Head up to the right to Sur le Bief (house). The trail then turns right on a good path, crosses the D 25 and comes to Sur le Belvédère. The BELVEDERE OF THE MAQUISARDS is 5 minutes away to your right across the D 25. Returning to Sur le Belvédère, head opposite you up the old "route de Morez", towards Prémanon, with the Chez Jeankessis farms on your left. Without ever changing direction, heading due south, follow a road for 150 m, and then a path for 400 m. The trail crosses another road behind the hamlet "Sur la truffe" before exiting onto the D 25 at the entrance of PREMANON.

Stationed as a sentinel between Les Rousses and the Léman lake, la Dôle's swiss ridge, peaking at 1677 m, offers a vantage point from which the summits of the Jura Arc and the Alpine Arc unfurl. From LES DAPPES, the itinerary heads towards a small combe to the left and crosses a low stone wall: this is the Swiss border! A grassy path (yellow diamond waymarking) heads up to the right towards a ski lift before crossing a road at Couvaloup de Crans. The stony path heads up to the right bordering a forest and opens onto a flat area with an open landscape overlooked by the Dôle pasture. Take the trail to the left that heads downwards for a short stretch. Cross over a low stone wall and head up the pasture towards the Poêle Chaud Chalet (ski lift). Head up to the Col de Porte mountain pass taking a stony path (viewpoint). To the right, the trail climbs up to the summit ridge (take care, follow the waymarked path attentively) to reach LA DOLE. The trail descends to the south through the pasture, circumventing the abrupt slope of the ridge. After a few steep and rocky slopes, the trail reaches the dip in the cirque (drinking trough) before heading north towards la Dôle chalet. Head left up an increasingly steep slope to reach the Porte pass. Return to LES DAPPES the way you came.

The telecombi is a teleport with seats and cabins. The Télécombi du Mont Rond, coming from the Col de la Faucille, allows you to access the crests of the Haute Chaîne du Jura; it lifts you from 1323m to 1543m altitude. Once there, the hiker is only 30mn walk away to reach the Grand Mont Rond (1596m), and 2h for the Colomby de Gex (1689m). 2 blue pistes for all mountain biking are marked from the top of the télécombi. In winter, it allows snowshoe enthusiasts to reach the summits with ease and to enjoy the ridges. Please respect the regulations set up by the Natural Reserve of the Jura Range.

Another ski domain part of Monts Jura, sitting close to the highest peaks of the Jura, view of one of the best panoramas in Europe with a view of Mont-Blanc and the Alps. The ideal site to take your first "steps".. on skis and progress and your own rhythm on safe and gentle slopes from the summit of Mont Rond (1596 m). The ski domain is situated in proximity of the Réserve Naturelle de la Haute Chaine du Jura. The regulations in place must be respected. 15 km of alpine skiing, 580 m of altitude difference and one of the most beautiful panoramas in Europe. 1000-1550 m - 15 km of slopes - 12 trails including 2 greens, 6 blues, 3 reds and 1 black - 6 lifts including 1 télécombi, 1 chairlift and 4 button toes

In the heart of the Monts Jura with a host of facilities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible! Résidence Les Berlicants offers modern, comfortable, fully-equipped apartments for two to eleven people. In the center of the village of Mijoux, in the immediate vicinity, you'll find hiking trails through forests and alpine pastures, downhill and cross-country ski slopes in winter, and thrilling activities on the Faucille site such as the giant zip line, tobogganing on rails and much more. In the center of Mijoux, an authentic Jura village on the border of the Ain and Jura departments, the Lélex and Les Rousses resorts are within easy reach, offering a wide range of activities!

The Monts Jura offers the ideal altitude for hiking between 900 and 1723 m. There are marked and maintained trails waiting for you. Since Lélex, the gondola lift La Catheline brings you to the crests of the Haute Chaîne du Jura; climbing from 900m to 1450m altitude. When you get there, you are only an hour and a half walk away from the Crêt de la Neige (172 3m), the highest point in the Jura. At Lélex and Crozet, both gondolas are equipped for MTB riding in summer. Both the Catheline and the Fierney allow mountain bikers to go back up easily and quickly in order to better enjoy the descent on both sides of the mountain! Please note: electric mountain bikes are not allowed in the Catheline gondola. It enables snowshoe enthusiasts to reach the summits easily and enjoy the crests in winter. Please note: the gondola lift is close to the National Nature Reserve of the Haute Chaine du Jura where specific regulations apply. We thank you for respecting it. For further information, please consult the Nature Reserve's website.

One of the classified ski area of the Monts Jura resort, at the foothill of the Jura's highest peaks with one of the best panoramas in Europe with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Alps. The longest and steepest slopes (800 metres) of the entire Jura massif. Lélex-Crozet attracts all level skiers, with its numerous ski lifts, its varied slopes, its powder snow "spots" and its 140 snow-making machines. Limitless field of expression for snowboarders and freeriders. Kite-surfers can reach the peaks on the Crozet side to practise their skills. The ski area is nearby the Jura Haute Chaine National Nature Reserve. It is essential to respect the regulations in force. 900m-1680m - 20km of pistes - 7 green, 6 blue, 6 red, 2 black - 10 lifts including 2 gondolas, 1 télécombi, 1 chairlift, 5 button lift, 1 rope lift.

For a couple's getaway, it's the ideal place to relax in peace and quiet. Situated in the heart of a magnificent Jura house, these rooms benefit from a south-easterly exposure, offering sunny, serene views. Ideal for couples seeking intimacy and unique moments, they feature a private relaxation area with sauna and balneotherapy for complete relaxation. This establishment is for adults only.

Valérie and Marie-Flore warmly welcome you to their friendly gîte, ideal for a pleasant, relaxed stay. Stay in a 19th century building, located in a ski resort and at the heart of the Jura mountain range, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in summer and winter. Whether for one night or a longer stay, alone or with friends, you'll enjoy an exceptional natural setting. Every evening, Valérie proposes a menu based on local produce and specialities from elsewhere, with starter, main course and dessert, booked before 12 noon.

Approved by Jeunesse et Sports, Educ. Nationale, DDAS, affiliated with Ligue de l'enseignement. The center offers courses and activities according to the season: discovery class, snow class, multi-activities. The residence offers free rental of all or part of the premises, which include a professional kitchen, 2 catering rooms, an 80 m2 multi-purpose room, and four adaptable classrooms/activity rooms for educational stays in line with the teacher's/educator's/coach's pedagogical project. The vacation center combines four buildings, linked by corridors that allow you to move around without leaving the building. The accommodation comprises 90 places divided into 29 rooms (2 to 6 places) with shared sanitary facilities, including 2 PMR-accessible rooms with private sanitary facilities. The rooms are close to sanitary facilities equipped with washbasins and individual showers. The ESF can accompany you on mid-mountain hikes, ski tours, bike rides and snowshoe treks. The residence also caters for individuals, with overnight stays for hikers in the Dombes building.

Monts Jura offers an ideal altitude for hiking. The Fierney gondola allows you to gain easier access to the peaks of the Jura mountain range. Marked and maintained trails await you. In winter and summer, the Le Fierney gondola lift allows to access the peaks of the Haute Chaîne du Jura more easily. From the top, the hiker is only a 2h30 walk to reach the Crêt de la Neige (1723 m), the highest point in the Jura. In summer, downhill MTB can be practised thanks to the 2 gondolas, Catheline and Fierney, enabling you to get back up easily and quickly to fully enjoy the descent on both sides of the mountain! In winter, snowshoeing allows enthusiasts to reach the summits more easily and enjoy the ridges. Please note: the gondola lift is very close to the National Nature Reserve of the Haute Chaine du Jura where specific regulations are in force. We thank you for respecting it. For more information, please consult the Nature Reserve's website.

Voltaire hosted many personalities in his home for almost twenty years. As he declared himself the "innkeeper of Europe", he made Ferney the place to be for an elite who flocked from all over Europe. The last 20 years of Voltaire's life were spent in Ferney. The castle was completely rebuilt. He laid out the park, not reluctant to work the land with his own hands. From Ferney, Voltaire continued his fight against intolerance and wrote some 6,000 letters, the Dictionnaire Philosophique, des tragédies... As well as giving theatrical performances at the castle, he also received many visitors. His guests came from all over the Europe of the Enlightenment. To visit Voltaire's castle is to come and meet the playwright, the committed philosopher, with a lively and generous spirit, provocative and tolerant, with a humour that is sometimes fierce. The collection of Voltaire's works and objects is displayed in a setting that keeps the traces of his presence. In the park, take a diversion under the bower where Voltaire loved to stroll with his guests. When Voltaire, aged 65, acquired the lordship of Ferney in 1758, he described himself as having found a "miserable hamlet" where he had the house of his last years built, following the construction site closely. There Voltaire received many personalities for almost twenty years. As he declared himself the "innkeeper of Europe", then Ferney became the place to be for an elite who came from all over Europe. Of this remote retreat, he became an outspoken critic of the injustice of society and defended the victims of political and religious intolerance. He carried on working actively on his literary work and published, among others, the Philosophical Dictionary, the Treaty on Tolerance, several tragedies and plays. The number of letters he wrote from Ferney reached some 6,000... Invested with the philosophical principles that nourished the spirit of the Age of Enlightenment, alternately town planner, entrepreneur and patron, he transformed the lordship of Ferney: drained marshes, construction of houses, cobbling of the streets, public fountain, construction of a new church, craftsmanship development... When Voltaire wanted to see Paris again and died there in 1778, the hamlet of a few inhabitants turned into a prosperous city of a thousand souls for a long time.

Dive into a polar universe on your trip to the Espace des Mondes Polaires (Polar World Centre), the first cultural centre in France dedicated to issues relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, the climate and the environment. An ice rink and a restaurant are also available on-site. To find out more, visit: www.espacedesmondespolaires.org

This bird climbs up branches much like a parrot would, using its crossbill. In terms of plumage, the male wears a brick red colour with brown wings and a brown tail. The female has olive plumage along her back and a yellow breast. This bird feeds primarily on conifer seeds. Food is also an important guide for this species behaviour; should food be lacking, it may suddenly leave its habitat for a more suitable environment. This mountain bird nests in the middle of winter, despite the harshness of the climate, to adapt to the period during which spruces start producing seeds.

This emblematic feline needs a vast territory with a large forest massif. It certainly needs space: the female’s territory is close to 200 km²n and that of a male is closer to 400 km²! A solitary animal, male and female lynx only meet during mating season, from February to April.

The old Perroud bridge, the waterfall and the ruins of the old mill are signs of just how much power the High-Jura needed to be able to grind, saw, and strike iron for example. 

Mont Fier seems to defy the rules of morphology set by the Jura relief. By its very definition, a mountain is comprised of an anticline (a fold that is convex upwards) and a synclinal valley (a fold that is convex downwards). However, on observing the limestone strata that make up Mont Fier’s cliff, there are signs of a very shallow syncline. This rocky headland, isolated between two depressions, is the only example of a perched syncline in the Jura.

As its name indicates, this place pays tribute to the significant event having occurred at the end of the Second World War. In addition to the historical background provided by the interpretive sign on the site, this belvedere offers a wide panorama over the Morez wind gap.

At the turn of the century, the peregrine falcon was known to nest in all regions offering suitable rocky environments, with cliffs being its favourite nesting place. The département of the Jura alone was home to around 60 couples during the 1940s. But their population soon declined and dropped to only 3 couples in 1968. Thanks to efforts to protect the species (awareness, biotope protection order), their numbers have now improved and there are now around 50 couples within the High-Jura Park.

The village of Les Rousses, whose geographical location was of particularly strategic interest to the military, was held by Napoleon Bonaparte from 1800. The invasion of Austrian troops in 1814 led to the village’s fortification and, in 1841, construction of the fort was voted and financed by the government. Les Rousses fort was built from 1843 to 1862 and armed in 1868. It became one of the largest French fortified complexes, capable of housing 3,500 men and 2,000 horses, with 50,000 sq. m. of vaulted rooms, many kilometres of underground galleries, 2.2 km of ramparts, etc. It served as a training camp for many regiments and as a military warehouse until 1973, when it was turned into a Commando Training Camp (C.E.C.). The soldiers left Les Rousses fort in 1997 due to reorganisation of the armed forces and was converted into an activity place (tree adventure park, maturing cellar to visit, etc.) and opened to the public.

230 kilometres of borders separate (or link) the French Jura Arc from Switzerland. Along this border, migratory flows and the daily comings and goings of border workers are one of the components of a “border culture”. Owned by the State, the customs station was built in 1933 by architect Jacques Duboin. (source: PNRHJ - Collection patrimoine, “Heritage collection”)

This small defensive location situated outside of the fort served to protect soldiers outside of the main line of defence.  Built in May 1815 under the Napoleonic regime, La Grande Redoute is the only one of the five redoubts planned around the village of Les Rousses that was completed. It served during a battle in July 1815 between 600 French men and 12,000 Austrians. Part of the village was destroyed.

Villa Cécile's restaurant focuses on local, seasonal produce, a guarantee of quality and freshness. Chef Yann Le Fevre offers tasty, creative cuisine in an idyllic setting. A house of character on the shores of Lake Geneva, Villa Cécile boasts a privileged location, an idyllic setting and distinguished cuisine to be enjoyed during a gourmet stopover, a stay, or even on the occasion of a stopover evening, a business meal, a seminar or a reception.

Le Refuge des Gourmets, a gourmet restaurant with one Michelin star and a bistro, offers seasonal cuisine. Let yourself be transported by Chef Hubert's cuisine and Fanny's guided service for a culinary experience. A Michelin-starred restaurant since 2016, Chef Hubert Chanove and his wife Fanny will be delighted to welcome you and introduce you to gastronomic and bistronomic cuisine in a modern setting. A family-run business since 1989, a terrace is open during the summer months, where you can discover the village's emblem, the raspberry.

Every day, our team cooks delicious home-cooked meals, mixing the "must-have" dishes that always please (burgers, tartars...) with traditional French recipes and regional specialties they know the secret of. Our aim is to offer a seasonal cuisine which is both traditional and modern. We favour local producers who are passionate about their produces. Wines are selected using the prestigious Bettane + Desseauve wine guide and the members of the Mercure Wine Club. We also offer regional wines. To make it easier to taste them, we offer several different glass sizes. It couldn’t be more simple, just choose your wine and the quantity you would like!

Want to spend a simple and friendly time? It is in Georennes that you must go. His Bistrot will welcome you around a homemade pizza or a board of local products to share; all in a mountain setting. Sale of pizzas to take away every day depending on the menu. Reservation by phone.

Restaurant inside the Casino. This bistronomic restaurant welcomes you for lunch or dinner, alone or with friends, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The chef uses local and seasonal produce for a responsible and delicious cuisine. We also offer a varied daily menu, with special benefits for Players Plus members. Looking for a quick snack? Pizzas, paninis and sharing boards are available at the bar, to be enjoyed in our lounge area. Reservations recommended, on The fork or by phone at 0450870787. Terrace on the banks of the Arve open in fine weather!

Passionate about whisky, Jean-Pierre has spent a lot of time behind his bar creating cocktails. In the evening, the bar has a great atmosphere with its plush décor and combines mixology with bistro- and restaurant-style dishes.

At the summit of Mount Salève, the Observatoire offers you a traditional, simple but generous cuisine. Relax over a cup of real hot chocolate, just like you can at grandma's At the summit of Mount Salève and twenty minutes' walk from the cable car station, you will find what you need to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. In the sunshine or curled up on a sofa, you are guaranteed a relaxing time. And especially look out over the 360-degree view of our beautiful region.... Not to be missed!

Offers a regional and creative cuisine including: fondues, perch fillets, tartiflette, frog legs... Dinners or parties can also be organised. Regional and creative cuisine: Filets de perches, fondues, frogs' legs, malakoffs. Organization of parties and banquets.

With the colors of early market produce and local products, Muriel creates new seasonal dishes featuring Bresse poultry, frogs, crayfish... and a host of desserts. Moments of gourmet bliss!

A former cheese farm has been divided into two sections: one is a shop to discover and buy the cheeses and meats on offer, and the other is a restaurant to taste the regional specialities. The Fromagerie is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner, offering hearty meals with a traditional added touch of the Savoyarde region. Come and visit the shop and buy some local products to make a picnic or to taste and share with friends and family when you go back home. (Cheese, deli meats, bread, pastries, groceries, local newspapers)

A large-capacity gîte where families, friends, colleagues or associations can get together for a weekend or a week in a warm, quiet and pleasant setting. Our guests have access to 18 large rooms, including 6 with balconies, all of which overlook the mountains and forests of the Jura massif. The Gîte offers a range of different formulas, from self-catering rentals with private use of the gîte, to rooms offered on an overnight basis with breakfast and table d'hôte in the evening. The vast reception room on the first floor is the perfect place to gather for meals, play billiards or table soccer, or enjoy a drink at the bar or in the lounge in front of the fireplace. The fully-equipped professional kitchen offers a wealth of possibilities for preparing unforgettable dining experiences, which continue on the large terrace with its Barnum set up from spring to autumn, where BBQs and aperitifs are a regular feature during the summer months. Our sauna is much appreciated by our sporty guests who want to enjoy a moment of comfort after physical exertion, or who simply want to relax.

Discover the Gîte d'étape de la Michaille, a friendly haven nestled in the heart of an unspoilt landscape. Ideally located for hikers and travelers alike, this cozy refuge offers comfort and tranquility all year round. With welcoming bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare your meals and communal areas to relax in, the gîte is perfect for an invigorating stopover. Enjoy a stopover where hospitality rhymes with authenticity, in an unspoilt natural setting conducive to relaxation and discovery. In the evening, Orlane's table d'hôtes is at your disposal. Comfortably installed in this old farmhouse built in the 17th century and renovated since 2006, the Gîte d'étape de la Michaille is the ideal starting point for exploring the hiking trails of the Jura massif. Accessible on foot from the Gîte, these trails offer exceptional panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Whether you're a novice or a long-distance hiker, the region's varied trails invite you to discover the natural beauty and rich history of Mijoux and the surrounding area.

A warm, authentic guest house ! It is located in the heart of the Valserine valley and the Jura mountains. The rooms are tastefully decorated in a modern, mountain style. Orlane, your host, prepares delicious meals with local flavors and seasonal produce for dinner, upon reservation. Ideally located for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fishing.

In the heart of the Monts Jura with a host of facilities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible! Résidence Les Berlicants offers modern, comfortable, fully-equipped apartments for two to eleven people. In the center of the village of Mijoux, in the immediate vicinity, you'll find hiking trails through forests and alpine pastures, downhill and cross-country ski slopes in winter, and thrilling activities on the Faucille site such as the giant zip line, tobogganing on rails and much more. In the center of Mijoux, an authentic Jura village on the border of the Ain and Jura departments, the Lélex and Les Rousses resorts are within easy reach, offering a wide range of activities!

29/09/2019 > 25/04/2020 Located near Lake Geneva and Switzerland, in the foothills of the Jura mountains facing the Alps, Divonne is an authentic destination for winter holiday escapes, skiing, and hiking… 25/04/2020 > 27/09/2020 Camp at a magnificent wooded site lying between the Jura and Mont Blanc mountains and Lake Geneva. Welcome to the Pays de Gex, at the border of Swiss Romandie. Enjoy the thermal baths at Divonne and the campsite’s swimming pool.

For a couple's getaway, it's the ideal place to relax in peace and quiet. Situated in the heart of a magnificent Jura house, these rooms benefit from a south-easterly exposure, offering sunny, serene views. Ideal for couples seeking intimacy and unique moments, they feature a private relaxation area with sauna and balneotherapy for complete relaxation. This establishment is for adults only.

Valérie and Marie-Flore warmly welcome you to their friendly gîte, ideal for a pleasant, relaxed stay. Stay in a 19th century building, located in a ski resort and at the heart of the Jura mountain range, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in summer and winter. Whether for one night or a longer stay, alone or with friends, you'll enjoy an exceptional natural setting. Every evening, Valérie proposes a menu based on local produce and specialities from elsewhere, with starter, main course and dessert, booked before 12 noon.

Approved by Jeunesse et Sports, Educ. Nationale, DDAS, affiliated with Ligue de l'enseignement. The center offers courses and activities according to the season: discovery class, snow class, multi-activities. The residence offers free rental of all or part of the premises, which include a professional kitchen, 2 catering rooms, an 80 m2 multi-purpose room, and four adaptable classrooms/activity rooms for educational stays in line with the teacher's/educator's/coach's pedagogical project. The vacation center combines four buildings, linked by corridors that allow you to move around without leaving the building. The accommodation comprises 90 places divided into 29 rooms (2 to 6 places) with shared sanitary facilities, including 2 PMR-accessible rooms with private sanitary facilities. The rooms are close to sanitary facilities equipped with washbasins and individual showers. The ESF can accompany you on mid-mountain hikes, ski tours, bike rides and snowshoe treks. The residence also caters for individuals, with overnight stays for hikers in the Dombes building.

In the heart of the Haute chaîne du Jura, the La Loge refuge welcomes you to an exceptional site! A summer and winter guarded mountain hut at 1436 m altitude, situated on the GR9 and close to the Lélex-Crozet ski area, enjoy an overnight stay, a break or a tasty meal during your getaway to the Crêt de la Neige, hosted by Cathy & Franck. Not far from the Haute Chaîne du Jura Nature Reserve, please respect its regulations.

The campsite between lake and mountains welcomes you for unforgettable family vacations. Cosy chalets, mobile homes, spacious pitches, swimming pool, bar-restaurant and summer entertainment. Everything you need for a peaceful and enchanting nature holiday! Located in Messery, on the Lake Geneva peninsula, the Relais du Léman 3* boasts a bucolic atmosphere where serenity and calm reign supreme. It focuses on the comfort and well-being of its guests in its beautiful oak park. Lovers of nature and wide open spaces will feel right at home. The campsite has a playground, a multisport field, a swimming pool and a snack bar. Various activities are organized in summer, including sports tournaments, creative workshops and aquagym. 2 sunny, free beaches nearby, accessible on foot, by bike or by car. Ideally located 6 km from the Swiss border, between Geneva and Thonon les Bains, the campsite adjoins the pretty medieval village of Yvoire, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages.