Jura Route
Overview
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Distance 36 km
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Ascent 1100 m
Intro
On the side of the next Jura chain, medieval St. Ursanne awaits on the banks of the mysterious Doubs. Another sweat-inducing climb to the high Freiberge, wide, peaceful countryside with pastures, pine trees and grazing cattle and horses.
Description
The lovely Gilberte de Courgenay bids you welcome at Courgenay railway station. Not in person, of course – the woman who was probably the greatest idol of Switzerland's soldiers departed this life a long time ago. Born Gilberte Montavon, she worked as a young waitress in her parents' inn during the First World War. She was adored by thousands of soldiers and officers because of her warm and friendly nature. She helped this little place to achieve considerable fame. After Courgenay, riders of e-bikes will use up quite a lot of their battery power to reach Col de la Croix pass. Other pedallers will shed even more calories as they conquer the altitude difference of about 300 meters. Despite the gradients, everything here in the Jura has the effect of slowing you down nicely. As you ride down to the river Doubs, you will pass the little farming village of Seleute, about 200 meters above the valley floor. Friendly tractor drivers can emerge grinning from side tracks at any time here – occasionally giving rise to some degree of danger.
But no danger whatsoever emanates from the graceful Jura horses that you will encounter more and more frequently after you leave St-Ursanne. This small mediaeval town on the river Doubs is in urgent need of donations to restore its lovely appearance. The centrepiece of St-Ursanne is the Collegiate Church (dating from the 12th to 14th centuries) with its pillared Romanesque basilica and a crypt, known as the undercroft (or "Unterkirche"). This picturesque little town boasts three interesting gateways and a four-arched bridge over the Doubs at "Porte Saint-Jean". The cycle route also crosses this bridge. From above the town, you have a fantastic view of the railway viaduct near St-Ursanne. Because of the difficult topography, five tunnels and several bridges has to be built for the railway line between Glovelier and Porrentruy towards the end of the 19th century.
After gaining more altitude, you will feel that you have arrived in a real paradise for hikers, equestrians and – of course – cyclists: the Franches-Montagnes (a range known as the Freiberge in German) are situated on a high plateau, at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,100 meters. Wind turbines tell you that it is often breezy up here. Kilometers of low stone walls also thread their way through the gently rolling countryside, with splendid meadows and forests that make you think you are in a park. Finally, ride through the villages of Les Enfers and Le Bémont to reach Saignelégier, the capital of the Franches-Montagnes district and the centre for horse-breeding.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Courtemautruy
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Saignelégier
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| Ascent |
1100 m
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| Descent |
640 m
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| Distance |
36 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
33 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
3 km
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
Over a pass, Through a nature conservation area, With panoramic view
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Quick Facts
Route number
