The best cycling routes around Lons-Le-Saunier

The region around Lons-le-Saunier offers diverse terrain. You'll find rolling hills and extensive vineyards, particularly to the north, as well as more challenging climbs in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park. The area also features dramatic geological formations known as "reculées" and numerous waterfalls, providing varied landscapes for your rides.

Yes, for a more relaxed experience, the region offers routes suitable for families. The Voie Verte PLM, an old railway line between Chatillon and Lons-le-Saunier, provides scenic views, tunnels, and old bridges on a safe, flat path. Additionally, the EuroVélo 6, which passes through the wider Jura Mountains, is known for being a safe and flat route suitable for families.

The Lons-le-Saunier area is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter magnificent waterfalls like the famous Hérisson Waterfalls, including the 60-meter high Le Grand Saut and the distinctive Fan Waterfall. The Baume-les-Messieurs Tufa Waterfall and Tuff Waterfalls are also notable. The region also features beautiful lakes such as Chalain, Clairvaux, and Vouglans, and dramatic geological formations called "reculées" (blind valleys).

Yes, Lons-le-Saunier is part of significant long-distance cycling itineraries. The Tour du Jura offers a 250 km journey traversing vineyards, lakes, and villages. Another major route is the Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ), a 360 km path crossing the Upper Jura Regional Nature Park, with challenging variants over mountain passes.

Beyond natural sights, the region offers rich cultural and historical points of interest. You can cycle through renowned wine-growing areas like Arbois, home to the vintages of l'Etoile and Château-Chalon. Nearby, the picturesque villages of Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon are recognized among "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." Lons-le-Saunier itself is the birthplace of Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, composer of "La Marseillaise," and features the historic rue des Arcades and the Maison de la Vache Qui Rit (The Laughing Cow Museum).

The routes around Lons-le-Saunier cater to all abilities. While there are over 160 easy routes, the majority are moderate or difficult, with over 550 moderate and 620 difficult options. This means you can find everything from leisurely rides through vineyards to challenging ascents in the mountainous Jura terrain.

The touring cycling routes in Lons-le-Saunier are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from the quiet countryside to the challenging mountain passes, and the opportunities to explore vineyards, lakes, and forests.

Yes, the region is famous for its vineyards. You can explore routes like Vineyard Loop 20 or The great vineyard loop, which take you through the vine-clad hills north of Lons-le-Saunier, offering picturesque views and opportunities to discover local wines.

Many touring cycling routes around Lons-le-Saunier are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the challenging Loop from Orgelet to Clairvaux-les-Lacs — Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, or the Domblans — Baume-les-Messieurs via the TJS Tour du Jura Sportif — loop.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Loop 3: Champagnole to Foncine-le-Haut – four major roads of the Jura offer mountainous terrain and significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is South Revermont’s remote places and castles, which features substantial climbs and descents.

Yes, if you prefer quieter rides away from crowds, routes such as the Tour of Haute-Seille’s remote areas are designed to take you through the region's tranquil countryside and less-traveled paths.

The Jura region generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather for exploring lakes and vineyards. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in the forested areas. It's always advisable to check local weather forecasts before your ride, as conditions can vary, particularly in higher elevations.