Culture & Gastronomy Published on 29/12/2023
It took a while for our prayers to be answered this year. The snow kept us waiting. Then again, it’s easy to have fun without skiing in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort! Want to find out more?
We’ve got some great rainy day activities!
Get a warm welcome from our museums and visitor attractions come rain or shine.
Château de Voltaire is open all year round and the place to be. The famous philosopher lived here for 20 years and has left us a unique mansion that you simply can’t miss. Highlight: the fabulous grounds provide access to fantastic views of Mont Blanc if it decides to show itself 😉
Craftsmanship may be sacred here, but visitors are welcome:
- Learn about gem-cutting and jewels from all over the world at the Trabbia Vuillermoz Museum, the last gemcutter in La Valserine Valley! An experience worth its weight in gold!
- Fromagerie l’Abbaye opens to visitors at 8.30am to introduce them to all the stages involved in making the iconic Bleu de Gex at one of the last 3 cheesemakers making the famous blue. Make sure you take some home with you!
- Book a trip to Savonnerie Ferrone (from January) and find out how cold process soap is made using essential oils. The aroma in the workshop is a winner!
- Book a tour with Anne and Vincent, the passionate pair behind the Anvi glass workshop.
Last but not least, you can always unwind in front of the big screen at one of our two cinemas: Cinéma Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire and Cinéma le Patio in Gex. Isn’t Avatar out right now? 😉
Fancy an adrenaline rush?!
You’ll be pleased to hear there are two brand new facilities coming this winter! Drum roll please… Our summer toboggan run is turning into an all-season sled to bring you thrills and spills! It’s open daily on Col de la Faucille between 10am and 4pm during half term, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
How about zipping through the air? ! The steepest zip-line in France awaits for a ride at over 40mph with La Valserine Valley as your backdrop. There’s one on Col de la Faucille too so you can pair it with the toboggan run. The opening times are the same. You can book it online too. Click here for further information.
Any season works for speed junkies! Be fast and curious in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort.
Hat and sunscreen to enjoy the great outdoors
The weather forecast is looking good! We’re soon ready and meet up outside to tackle a wide range of outdoor activities. The first is a classic: a hike. With over 500km of marked paths, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh air among the mountains and plains. Which hike will you choose? A walk in the woods or a ramble on the ridgeline? Check them out here and take your pick. That’s if you can make your mind up 😉
You can join our mountain guides and learn from them as you explore the natural setting in the Pays de Gex and Monts Jura resort. They provide half-day, full day and evening tours.
Top tip: the ground is pretty damp at the moment so wear walking boots instead of trainers.
If you’re not a keen rambler, you can take the cable cars to enjoy the destination’s most incredible views of Mont Blanc. Feasting your eyes works up your appetite (didn’t you know?!) so we suggest keeping up the energy with a meal at one of the mountain restaurants.
If a Sunday stroll is more your thing then we have leisurely walks with a dash of history for you to try: visitor rallies. Go at your own pace as you explore local heritage in our towns and villages with fun puzzles and questions such as: “what does this sentence mean in Gex patois: rapercher les grolles et leurs mojons?” Tell us the answer once you’ve done our rallies. 😉
Another alternative to walks: MTB rides! Soaking up the beautiful Pays de Gex on an e-bike is all gain, no pain. You can hire all the equipment you need to experience the joys of cycling at our sports stores. Isn’t that the definition of freedom?
You could go all out with something unique like a carriage ride or canine biathlon. Have you heard of it? You learn how to hit a small target 5m away using a laser rifle next door to a pen holding 40 dogs. 0% risk; 100% fun! Try it out!
Let’s wrap up our outdoor activities with paragliding in the warm weather. Soar above the clouds in a two-seater and gaze at Mont Blanc. Further information.
Family party
Are you here with the family and looking for something special?
We suggest you pay Loisirs Games in Cessy a visit. Your family can go wild with over 1200m2 of bowling alleys and a games arcade with virtual reality.
Let’s end our look at snow-free things to do by saying that you can check out our online diary if you fancy a little outing! It provides details of events, workshops and performances.
Now you can see another side to the mountain this year with the same good dose of fresh air. That’s what you want when you come here! Who knows, you may even want to come back again this summer!
Since you’ve had such a great time, share your memories on social media using the hashtags #paysdegex and #montsjura on Instagram and Facebook!
