You’ll find yourself taking more time to admire the scenery, enjoy the great outdoors, linger over a meal or pop into a place you’ve stumbled upon along the way. In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura, the mountains provide the backdrop, whilst a wealth of experiences will enrich your stay.
From the Jura mountain ranges on the outskirts of Geneva to the mountain villages with views stretching out over Lake Geneva and the Alps, your winter holiday can be tailored to suit your preferences: action-packed, gourmet, cultural, relaxing… and often a bit of everything at once.
Rediscover that very special joy of being in the mountains
It often starts with a simple desire: to go out.
Breathe in the fresh air, gaze at the mountain ridges, catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc and soak up these landscapes that instantly make you feel as though you’re somewhere else.
In the Jura Mountains, everyone can set their own pace. You can strap on your skis in the resort’s alpine ski areas, head out onto the cross-country trails at La Vattay-Valserine, put on your snowshoes, or enjoy some family fun on the toboggan run at the Col de la Faucille.
And since winter sometimes sets the pace, get into the habit of checking the conditions, webcams and resort information in the morning. After that? Just follow your instincts.
Savour the moment when you push open a door
After a few hours outdoors comes one of the little pleasures of the winter holidays: returning to a cosy atmosphere.
In the Valserine Valley, stop off at Chézery-Forens. At the Fromagerie de l’Abbaye, watch the cheesemakers at work and discover the local produce before choosing a few pieces of Bleu de Gex AOP or Comté to pop into your basket.
A few streets further on, the atmosphere changes at the Jardins Sacrés. Housed in the former parish house, this venue combines a tea room, a snack bar, a shop and a library. Take a seat and enjoy a savoury waffle, a platter or some local produce, in a setting where plants play a very special role.
The sort of place where even a brief stop can easily make you want to linger a little longer.
Let yourself be surprised just a few kilometres from the peaks
This is one of the unique features of the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura: within just a few kilometres, your day can take a completely different turn.
In Mijoux, immerse yourself in the history of the stonecutters. The craft of working with semi-precious and precious stones has long been a central part of village life, and this expertise can still be discovered today through the stones, gems and tools that tell the story of the Haut-Jura.
Then head down towards Ferney-Voltaire and step back in time. In his château, Voltaire draws you into the world of the Enlightenment and the story of the man who profoundly transformed the town where he spent the final years of his life.
A few kilometres further on, the scale changes: at CERN’s Science Portal, you’ll find yourself immersed in particle physics and the mysteries of the Universe.
Travelling from the peaks of the Jura to Voltaire, then from the 18th century to the secrets of matter, all in the same getaway: this is a rather unique aspect of your holiday in the mountains.
Looking on the bright side of winter… the food side, that is
After a day in the great outdoors, certain cravings soon become apparent. And cheese is often one of them.
In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura region, Bleu de Gex AOP and other cheese specialities are a natural part of any meal.
On the road to the Col de la Faucille, the Refuge de Florimont truly embodies the spirit of the mountains. It’s the perfect place to savour the flavours of the mountains and enjoy a cosy meal in a setting that opens out onto the sweeping landscapes.
In Grilly, the Restaurant des Bergers also specialises in cheese specialities and hearty cuisine. It’s the perfect way to round off a winter’s day around a convivial table.
And then winter gives you a brilliant excuse to take your time. Order, share, savour… and leave a bit of room for dessert.
Take a little piece of the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura home with you
Holiday memories are kept in your mind, in photos… and sometimes in your suitcase.
During your stay, step inside the workshops of the destination’s artisans, producers and designers along our ‘Path of Craftsmanship’. Gourmet produce, handcrafted items and local craftsmanship each tell the story of the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura in their own way.
Take your souvenir home with you!
And do remember to pop in and see us at our tourist information offices. You’ll find a shop area showcasing local crafts and produce. It’s a lovely way to find a souvenir made right here, whilst getting advice from our staff to help you continue exploring.
Because a souvenir chosen from the people who bring the destination to life often tells a story that goes beyond that of a mere object.
Allow yourself the luxury of slowing down too
Your holiday can also take on a much more relaxed pace.
After spending several hours outdoors, treat yourself to a bit of pampering. Whether it’s a spa treatment, a massage, yoga or simply a few quiet hours: winter is the perfect time for moments like these, when you can take some time to look after yourself.
Indoor activities
Would you prefer to make the most of the rest of the day in a different way?
Cultural activities
Cultural activities
Service providers
Because winter also encourages us to do just that: plan less, feel more and savour the time we have.
In the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura, your winter holiday is whatever you make of it.
The mountains remain the central theme. Around them take shape villages, encounters, traditional crafts, local cuisine and that unique connection between the wide-open spaces of the Jura and the Lake Geneva region.
Thematics
