The best traffic-free bike rides around Entre-Deux-Monts

There are 5 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike routes available in the Entre-Deux-Monts area, offering a variety of distances and challenges for your adventure.

While all routes are designed for a relaxed cycling experience, the shortest options are generally more suitable for families or beginners. For example, the Chaux-Neuve – Chaux-Neuve Ski Jump loop from Foncine-le-Haut is a moderate 18 km route that offers a great introduction to the region's gravel paths.

The Jura Mountains offer exceptionally varied terrain, even on traffic-free routes. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense coniferous forests, and picturesque plateaus. While some sections might be smooth gravel, others could be more rugged forest paths, requiring a gravel bike with tires at least 40mm wide for comfort and grip.

The best seasons for gravel biking in the Jura Mountains are spring and summer, when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are mild. Fall also offers vibrant foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop. These seasons generally provide pleasant conditions for exploring traffic-free routes.

Yes, all the traffic-free gravel bike routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the challenging Chapelle-des-Bois – Chapelle-des-Bois loop from Gare de Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux is a long circular tour perfect for a full day out.

The region is rich in natural beauty. While riding, you might encounter stunning viewpoints like Pic de l'Aigle, or dramatic natural features such as the Langouette Gorges. The area is also known for its beautiful lakes and waterfalls, including Le Grand Saut and Saut Girard Waterfall.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience here, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Riders often praise the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, the diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the unspoiled natural environment of the Jura Mountains.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a longer challenge, the The ghost tunnel! – Shore of Lac de Narlay loop from La Chaux-des-Crotenay offers a difficult 37 km ride with significant elevation gain, taking you through varied terrain and past scenic lakes.

A gravel bike with large tires (at least 40 millimeters wide) is generally recommended for comfort and traction on the varied surfaces, which can include forest paths and some rugged sections. A light gear ratio will also be beneficial for the inclines you'll encounter in the Jura Mountains.

While specific parking details for each route are best checked on the individual tour pages, many trailheads in the Jura Mountains, especially those near villages or train stations like Gare de Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux or Foncine-le-Haut, typically offer parking facilities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Jura Mountains are dotted with charming villages. While specific cafes on the routes are not guaranteed, many of the routes pass near or through localities where you can find local culture and gastronomy, including famous cheeses and wines. Villages like Château-Chalon and Baume-les-Messieurs are renowned for their beauty and offerings.

The routes in this guide vary significantly in length and duration. You can find options ranging from moderate rides of around 18 km, taking about 1.5 hours, to more difficult, longer tours of over 74 km, which can take more than 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.