Basel–Franches-Montagnes

Bustling Basel and its suburbs accompany the cyclist for a time, soon city, soon village, the hurrying tram, the serene concrete anthroposophic Goetheanum monument. The narrowness of the valley first forces a change in landscape, in Laufental between steep rock faces and forests wind the River Birs, lorries and the elegant ICN tilting train. Between two city gates, the rows of houses Laufen old town, the ceramics factory with the same name.

Upwards along the Birs to the plain of Delémont, the capital of young Canton Jura, a well-kept town complex, and the Wildmann fountain. Small villages along the River Sorne – the legendary military bicycle was made here – then up into a wild gorge, in the bizarre ravines of the Gorges de Pichoux.

Along the way, standing alone, the former Bellelay Monastery, further up the raw and windy landscape of Franches Montagnes, solitary farmsteads, grazing cattle and a beautiful 2-km-long avenue with over 250 maple trees.