Autumn has a lot to offer Pays de Gex. Are you in any doubt? Then follow the guide, and come and try out a myriad of fun, local activities with us. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
The most beautiful autumn walks in the Jura
Do you like pretty walks or Sunday hikes? You’ll enjoy them all the more in autumn! The landscapes are transformed into film sets by the flamboyant colours of the trees: yellow, orange and red. Not to mention the light: sunsets have never been as beautiful as at this time of year, especially in the Monts Jura. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc, you can be sure that your photo will be the talk of the web.
To experience this open-air spectacle, we recommend several emblematic itineraries:
- If you’re a good walker, the Chezery-Forens – Sur les traces des passeurs hike will take you through the Valserine valley and the ridges in a picture-postcard setting. It takes an average of 8h30 to complete this route;
- For the occasional walker, a stroll along the banks of the Valserine will allow you to enjoy the beautiful reflections in the water. You can start from the Ruffy bridge (which is magnificent!) just outside Lélex. Just a 15-minute walk will take you to the river;
- For the more courageous among you, we recommend climbing the Petit Mont Rond to watch the sunrise. In just 45 minutes from the Col de la Faucille, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Europe. OK, you’ll have to get up early, but it’s well worth the effort.
Must-see attractions in Pays de Gex
It’s not just the countryside that’s dressed up in autumn: our monuments are too, as demonstrated by the Château de Voltaire. It blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. It’s a real pleasure to stroll through the garden and enjoy the pretty autumn colours of the Jura. If the weather is clear, you’ll also be able to see Mont Blanc. Take a seat on the little wooden bench to admire it.


Then, if you feel like it, enter the château and take the opportunity to have a look around. The doors of this historic residence are open all year round. You can wander through the corridors of the château where Voltaire spent the last 20 years of his life, visit his flats and learn more about this illustrious figure. An ideal visit when the weather outside is cloudy and you’re much better off in the warmth!
When it comes to built heritage, Pays de Gex is full of hidden treasures. Gex’s famous fountains are a case in point. Among the best known is the 4 Goulettes fountain in Gex, listed as a historic monument since 1929. We invite you to take the Gex History Trail, which takes you on a tour of the town’s rich heritage, including its fountains, via 35 explanatory panels.
If you decide to go for a walk in Divonne-les-Bains, don’t miss a visit to the David mill. A former wheat mill, it was transformed into an electricity generating plant at the end of the 19th century to meet the town’s energy needs. Disused in 1993, it was finally put back into operation by the Divonnelectro association in 2015. Today, it is the oldest hydroelectric plant in France still in operation on its original site.
Which towns to visit in autumn in the Jura?
Autumn is a great time for long walks and cultural visits, but it’s also a great time to discover the pretty towns of the Pays de Gex, starting with Divonne-les-Bains.
A small spa town at the foot of the Jura mountains, Divonne is an ideal place to take a stroll or enjoy its facilities. With its golf course, spa and casino, it also has a lake around which you can stroll before enjoying a delicious typical Jura dish at the Pavillon du Golf restaurant.
Your stay in the Jura in autumn is also the perfect opportunity to discover Geneva, Switzerland’s most emblematic city. Visit the international quarter and the old town, admire its famous jet d’eau, take a cruise on Lake Geneva and enjoy a tasty Swiss fondue before heading home. A day full of emotions and discoveries!
What activities are available in autumn?
Looking for fun things to do with your partner, friends or family this autumn in the Jura? We’ve got some great ideas for you!
You can go horse-riding and admire the autumn colours with the Gaïa Loisirs centre, or test your limits on one of the region’s via ferrata. During your dizzying ride, you’ll have access to exceptional views over the whole of the Jura.
Get ready for Christmas early with local crafts
No one is a fan of the frenzy in the shops from 1 December onwards. The solution? Plan ahead and start shopping now! In the Jura, the small shops are much quieter in autumn than they are in December. So you can buy your Christmas presents with peace of mind, without getting stressed out! Short of inspiration? Here are a few local artisans you can use to treat your loved ones or yourself.
For jewellery lovers
We look forward to seeing you in Mijoux at the Trabbia Vuillermoz jewellers, open since 1946. With its extensive know-how, this jeweller’s offers you a wide choice, from costume jewellery to high quality jewellery. Whether you’re looking for jewellery in silver or gold, gemstones or precious stones, necklaces, rings or bracelets, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for!


A little extra: on the first floor, you can find out more about the origins of the lapidary profession. An exhibition of rough and cut stones from the four corners of the world and a selection of period tools used by the Lapidary craftsmen of the Haut Jura are on display.
For those who like to take care of themselves
Nestling in the Valserine valley, Emmanuelle’s Ferrone soap factory offers soaps handcrafted using the “cold saponification” process and made from natural, organic ingredients. Emmanuelle’s recipes are her secret, to protect and moisturise your skin naturally.
The hardest part will be choosing! You’ll want to buy them all!
For decoration lovers
Head for Valserhône to discover the Anvi glass workshop and boutique.
This workshop is divided into two specific activities, i.e. two very particular art glassmaking techniques:
- Anne specialises in the pâte de verre technique, one of the oldest methods of making glass, which involves first creating a model in refractory plaster.
- Vincent specialises in the technique of blown glass, known in particular for Murano glass.

Their shared passion is reflected in each of the objects they create. If you decide to fall for one of their pieces, you’ll go home with a unique work of art to give as a gift!
We hope that with all these ideas, we’ve brought you closer to autumn and all its treasures! Don’t hesitate to visit us at for even more great ideas for your stay in the Jura this autumn. We’ll be delighted to help.
100% of people who have tried these activities are delighted.
Thematics