Cycling route: The Grand Tour of the Haut-Jura via the Valserine
The Grand Tour of the Haut-Jura via the Valserine offers a challenging loop starting in the Pays de Gex, winding through Jura forests, unspoilt valleys and mountain villages, with a memorable stretch along the River Valserine.
Start / Finish: Mijoux
Km 0 — Start
Take the northern access road for 5.3 km. A gentle warm-up.
Km 5.5 — Towards the D1005
Turn left and join the D1005. A fast-paced section.
Km 6.4 — Towards La Vattay
Keep left towards La Vattay. Start of the climb.
Km 6.4 to 16.7 — D1005 (10 km)
Long, gentle, steady incline through the forest.
Km 17.7 — Route des Tremplins (D29e3)
Turn left. Steeper climb.
Km 27.5 — Route des Jouvencelles (D29)
Continue for nearly 10 km. High-altitude section, sustained gradient.
Km 28.4 — Route du Lac
A series of small mountain roads.
Km 31.1 — D292
A fast-paced section at altitude.
Km 39.2 — Route du Manon
A varied section, alternating between hilly terrain and recovery.
Km 47.0 — D292
Continuing across the Jura plateau.
Km 48.8 — Towards La Pesse (D25)
Short climb followed by a transition.
Km 59.8 — Route de la Combe d’Evuaz (10.6 km)
Long, isolated stretch, a total immersion in the heart of nature.
Km 67.9 — Route de Champfromier (D48)
⚠️ Start of the descent towards the Valserine valley. Technical and winding.
Km 75.6 — Route de Forens (D14)
Gradual exit from the valley.
Km 76.0 — Route de l’Abbaye (D991)
Start of the return journey to the Pays de Gex.
Km 87.9 — Rue des Monts Jura (D991)
Long, fast-flowing section.
Km 96.0 — Finish 🏁
Return to the starting point.
Itinerary details
Alert
A road shared with motorists.
Description
This route is challenging and is reserved for experienced cyclists. It passes through a wide variety of landscapes typical of the Jura mountains.
Starting in the Pays de Gex, the route climbs gradually towards La Vattay and then the Jouvencelles resort, offering an initial taste of high-altitude cycling in the heart of the Haut-Jura forests. After this steady climb, the route turns towards the wilder terrain of the Jura side, heading towards Lamoura and then the more remote areas around Lajoux and La Pesse.
The second part of the route plunges into the Valserine valley, a river ranked among the most beautiful in France, with a long, winding and immersive descent to the vicinity of Champfromier. This section offers a striking contrast between shaded forest roads and steep-sided landscapes.
The return journey involves a gradual climb, alternating between rolling sections and gentle inclines, before rejoining the more open roads heading back to the starting point.
A comprehensive, physically demanding route that combines long climbs, technical descents and immersion in a preserved natural environment.
This route is provided for guidance only and is intended exclusively for experienced cyclists.
▶▶Important information before you set off:
This route is not signposted and requires the use of a GPS or navigation app. The route follows roads open to traffic: you must comply with the Highway Code. A high level of fitness is essential. Check the weather conditions in advance, particularly at higher altitudes where they can change rapidly.