Cycling route: From the Jura to Lake Geneva
The Jura to Lake Geneva loop connects the Pays de Gex to the Swiss shores of Lake Geneva, passing through Divonne-les-Bains, Céligny and Founex. A varied route combining the Jura’s mountainous terrain with the atmosphere of the lake.
Start / Finish: Thoiry
Km 0 — Start
Head north-east along the road. A gentle warm-up over 1.2 km.
Km 1.3 — Towards the D89 (Route de Crozet)
Turn left and follow the D89 for about 1 km.
Km 2.3 — Cycle path
Join a cycle path via several junctions. Safe section for approximately 3 km.
Km 5.7 — Back on the road (D89)
Alternate between the cycle path and the road towards the plain.
Km 8.0 — Towards Route de la Source / Naz-Dessus
A series of small country roads. Slightly undulating terrain.
Km 10 — Sergy area / Gex countryside
Secondary roads, little traffic.
Km 12 — Back towards Gex
Pass through the town centre then head out towards the plain.
Km 14 — Towards Divonne-les-Bains (D1005 / D15h)
A smoother section with moderate traffic.
Km 18 — Chemin de l’Etraz / transition to Switzerland
A quieter road, slightly uphill terrain.
Km 21 — Crossing into Switzerland
Gradual entry into a more lakeside atmosphere.
Km 24 — Residential area and secondary roads
Alternating small roads and urban areas.
Km 26 — Short U-turn / route adjustment
Resuming towards the lake.
Km 28 — Towards Céligny
Fast-paced section with lovely open views.
Km 31 — Towards Founex
Wide, fast roads near Lake Geneva.
Km 35 — Passing through Swiss villages
Peaceful atmosphere, generally flat terrain.
Km 38 — Return towards the French border
Slightly hilly terrain on the way back.
Km 43 — Towards Sauverny
A mix of country roads.
Km 47 — Ségny / Cessy area
Side roads and through villages.
Km 54 — Cycle path
A safe section to finish the route.
Km 58 — Return to the starting point
Final rolling kilometres.
Km 59.5 — Finish 🏁
Itinerary details
Alert
A road shared with motorists.
Description
The ‘From the Jura to Lake Geneva’ loop offers a comprehensive and varied route starting from the Pays de Gex, combining the Jura’s hilly terrain, village crossings and views towards the shores of Lake Geneva.
The route begins with a gentle warm-up towards Gex and its hills, before descending towards the plain along smooth, secondary roads. After an initial section through the countryside and villages of the Gex region, the route gradually turns towards Divonne-les-Bains, the gateway to Switzerland.
The second part of the route runs along the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through Céligny and Founex, offering a more open and sun-drenched atmosphere, with rolling sections ideal for maintaining a good pace. The return journey then takes you through the countryside between Switzerland and France, alternating between small roads, villages and gentle hills until you reach the starting point.
A well-balanced route, combining gentle climbs, long rolling stretches and more technical sections, set in an exceptional natural landscape between the Jura and Lake Geneva.
This road cycling route is provided for guidance only and is intended for regular to experienced cyclists.
▶▶Important information before you set off:
This route is not signposted and requires the use of a GPS or a navigation app. The route follows roads open to motor traffic: you must comply with the Highway Code. Ensure you are physically fit enough to cover the distance and elevation gain, and check the weather forecast before setting off.