Trails in Jura

Jura is a true playground for lovers of trail running and nature 💨. Located in the east of France, between Burgundy and Switzerland, this department is home to about 530,000 inhabitants, the Jurassiens, and 492 municipalities to explore. The prefecture, Lons-le-Saunier, is an excellent starting point to discover the Jura massif, but don't stop there: the villages of Arbois, Poligny and Salins-les-Bains are worth a visit, with their charming little streets and local specialties that will make you want to run... or take a gourmet break 😋.

As for heritage, Jura is impressive! Among the villages classified as some of the most beautiful villages in France, like Château-Chalon, Lods or Baume-les-Messieurs, spectacular waterfalls and impressive cliffs, every pause on the path can turn into a perfect Instagram photo 📸. If you're curious, you can visit the Maison du Comté in Poligny, dive into the history of salt at the Grande Saline, or even make a detour to the Maison de la Vache qui Rit, for fun and nostalgia 🧀.

But let's talk sports; Jura is all about incredible trails. Between the highest point of the massif, the Crêt Pela (1,495 m), the deep forests, and the valleys, there's plenty to enjoy. Looking for challenging courses? The Ultra Trail des Montagnes du Jura and the Trail du Cirque du Fer à Cheval will work your calves like never before. Prefer more accessible but equally beautiful formats? The Trail des Reculées or the O’xyrace Trail Blanc Jurassien will let you discover the beauty of snowy landscapes ❄️. Even the pros come here, Xavier Thévenard, the Little Prince of Trail, is a true ambassador of the massif and has trodden these paths hundreds of times. In short, running in Jura is like walking in the footsteps of legends 🏅.

And because you can't run on an empty stomach, Jura knows how to reward your efforts 😋. Between Comté cheese, saucisse de Morteau, Morbier, Mont d’Or cheese, and of course the famous vin jaune, you'll enjoy every bite after each trail. Bonus: you can combine sport and culture by stopping in the villages to discover their heritage, museums, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views. A little anecdote about Jura, Quentin Fillon Maillet, superstar biathlete, drew his strength from here. And even if you're not aiming for Olympic gold, running here will give you the impression of sharing a bit of his energy and determination 😉.

In short, if you want to discover a department that combines sport, nature, gastronomy, and heritage, Jura is for you. Put on your sneakers, choose your trail, and get ready to run between peaks, forests, and vineyards 🌳.