4.3
(19)
110
riders
13
rides
Gravel biking around Fontenu offers routes through the diverse landscapes of the Jura Mountains. The region features rolling hills, spruce forests, and pastures, with notable limestone cliffs and deep valleys. Lac de Chalain is a prominent natural feature, surrounded by varied terrain suitable for gravel exploration. The area's network of trails provides a mix of challenging ascents and scenic routes.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
4.3
(3)
7
riders
48.9km
03:28
540m
540m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
12.6km
00:54
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A bit of welcome freshness
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An imposing lake, of a remarkable blue!
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Beautiful viewpoint "Roches de Baume" with views from the plateau into the valley and as far as Baume-les-Messieurs.
5
0
Beautiful, great, viaduct and tunnel. It's a shame the cycle path isn't asphalted.
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Beautiful views, but unfortunately the railway line cycle path is not asphalted.
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An old railway bridge worth seeing, unfortunately there are stupid rivets on the road and it is slippery when wet.
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With the many tunnels, bridges and some beautiful views, it definitely has the potential to be a beautiful railway cycle path. Most of it is not asphalted, there is light in the tunnels, but the lack of asphalt means that there are very dangerous longitudinal grooves. Later there is a staircase, which is not easy with full luggage and in bad weather. The asphalted sections unfortunately have car traffic, even if only local residents. Conclusion: unfortunately it doesn't come anywhere close to Alpe-Adria.
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As you travel along the PLM Route, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Vallière Valley. Once a historic railway line, this scenic route now offers a tranquil escape through rolling hills, lush forests and charming villages. From the elevated vantage point, you can admire the meandering river, picturesque vineyards and distant mountains.
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There are 10 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Fontenu featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and elevations, allowing you to explore the beautiful Jura landscape without vehicle interference.
The Fontenu area, nestled in the Jura Mountains, offers a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll encounter a mix of rolling hills, dense spruce forests, open pastures, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The trails often follow former railway lines, like the Voie PLM, providing smooth, traffic-free sections, interspersed with more challenging ascents and descents characteristic of the Jura region.
Yes, there are routes suitable for families looking for a less strenuous ride. For example, the View of Lac de Chalain – Doucier Beach loop from Marigny is a moderate 15 km route that offers beautiful lake views and is perfect for a family outing. It allows you to enjoy the scenery without significant climbs.
Many routes offer stunning natural sights. You can expect panoramic views of the Jura Mountains and the picturesque Lac de Chalain. Some trails pass near impressive waterfalls like the Fan Waterfall, Saut Girard Waterfall, or the famous Hérisson Waterfalls. You might also encounter serene lakes such as Petit Maclu Lake and Lake Ilay.
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Fontenu are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Tunnel de la Diane (Voie PLM) – Révigny Metal Viaduct loop from Châtillon is a challenging 48.9 km circular route that takes you through varied landscapes.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in Fontenu. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural beauty of the Jura Mountains, including Lac de Chalain and its surrounding forests, is at its peak. Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher elevations.
Yes, the Fontenu area provides several challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers. For example, the Révigny Metal Viaduct – Tunnel de la Diane (Voie PLM) loop from Hauteroche is a difficult 58.8 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience for those seeking a physical challenge.
Many routes in the area provide stunning views of Lac de Chalain. The PLM cycle path – View of Lac de Chalain loop from Marigny is a particularly scenic option, offering extensive vistas of the lake and its surroundings while utilizing a traffic-free path.
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Fontenu, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Jura Mountains, and the diverse terrain that makes for an engaging ride.
For a longer, yet still moderate, full-day adventure, consider the Doucier Beach – View of Lac de Chalain loop from Monnet-la-Ville. This 31.7 km route offers a good balance of distance and manageable climbs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region's scenery at a comfortable pace.


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