The best road cycling routes around Lons-Le-Saunier

The Lons-le-Saunier region offers a vast network of over 1300 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 190 easy, 830 moderate, and 310 difficult options to explore.

Yes, beginners can find numerous suitable routes. For instance, the Col de la Percée — loop from Pont de Poitte is an easy option, offering a gentler introduction to the region's beautiful landscapes. There are over 190 easy routes in total.

Advanced cyclists will find plenty of demanding gradients and challenging climbs, particularly in the southern Jura region. Routes like Les Gorges de La Saine — loop from Nozeroy and Col de la Percée — loop from Voiteur offer significant elevation gains, comparable to Alpine ascents, and traverse challenging terrain. The area boasts over 310 difficult routes.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past stunning lakes such as Petit Maclu Lake and Lake Narlay. The area is also famous for its spectacular waterfalls, including the Hérisson waterfalls and the Moulin du Saut Waterfall, which provide picturesque stops.

Absolutely. Many routes offer expansive vistas, such as those found on the Belvédère du fer à cheval — loop from Poligny. You can also discover charming villages like Château-Chalon and Baume-les-Messieurs, or explore historical sites such as the Ruins of the Château de La Châtelaine or Chevreaux Castle.

The wine-growing region north of Lons-le-Saunier is renowned. Routes like the 'Great Vineyard Loop' (a significant 119km journey mentioned in regional research) or shorter options like the 'Vineyard Loop 20' will take you through areas producing vintages from L'Etoile, Château-Chalon, and Arbois. While not explicitly listed in the top routes, many local roads traverse these scenic wine country landscapes.

Yes, Lons-le-Saunier is a gateway to major cycling itineraries. The Grande Traversée du Jura à Vélo (GTJ à Vélo) is a substantial 370km route on minor roads, winding through the mid-altitude mountains. Another option is the Voie Bressane, a greenway that gently leads into Lons-le-Saunier.

The diverse landscapes of the Jura, with its vineyards, lakes, and forests, are particularly enjoyable during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions for exploring the region's varied topography and challenging climbs.

Yes, many of the routes around Lons-le-Saunier are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Col de Joux — loop from Pont-de-Poitte, the Col de Saint-Sorlin — loop from Champagnole, and the Jura Lakes and Petite Montagne Loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, ranging from vineyards to lakes and challenging mountain passes, as well as the well-maintained routes that offer both scenic beauty and a good workout.

Absolutely. The Jura escarpment to the south and east is a popular tourist region featuring several lakes. The Jura Lakes and Petite Montagne Loop is a great option, and you can also find routes near the lakes of Chalain, Clairvaux, and Vouglans, such as the Lac des Rousses — loop from Foncine-le-Bas.

While many routes explore the surrounding Jura massif and Revermont region, Lons-le-Saunier, as a historic spa town, serves as an excellent starting point. The Voie Bressane greenway leads directly into the town, and you can easily connect to various loops from there, allowing you to explore the Parc des Bains or the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle.