Nanchez / Pont-du-Navoy

Surely the most refreshing stage on this Jura cycling adventure! Once you’ve left the smaIl village resort of Prénovel (c.1,000m in altitude), you come to one of the Jura’s major sites, the Plateau des 4 Lacs (namely Ilay, Narlay, Grand and Le Petit Maclu). Nicknamed the Petite Écosse du Jura (or ‘‘the Jura’s Little Scotland’’), this area’s natural, traditional sides, and its patchwork of greens and blues, prove very appealing. Also admire the top of the Cascades du Hérisson, a series of waterfalls that are another must-see site, before taking a well-shaded road to the banks of the Lac de Chalain, the Jura’s largest natural lake, best viewed from the Belvédère de Fontenu (a viewing point that you can reach by bike).

Cycle route from Nanchez to Pont-du-Navoy

Following the descent from the Col de la Joux pass to Saint-Maurice-Crillat, you join the D678 road a bit before Bonlieu (take care, as this road can be busy with traffic). Then follow the Route des Lacs to reach the top of the Cascades du Hérisson, Ilay and Le Frasnois. Here, take the D74 road, which descends to Fontenu (with the added possibility of going to and from the Belvédère above the Lac de Chalain by bike). Continue your descent to reach Marigny, followed by Pont-du-Navoy.

Practical information

• Note that there are few services for cyclists available along this stage. Just a few services are available at Bonlieu et le Frasnois
• Accommodation available at Bonlieu, Ilay, Frasnois, Marigny and Pont du Navoy
• No bike repair facilities along this stage at time of writing

Don't miss

• Lac de Bonlieu
• The top of the Cascades du Hérisson, a series of waterfalls
• Plateau des 4 lacs (the four lakes being Ilay, Narlay, Grand and Le Petit Maclu)
• Lac de Chalain, the largest natural lake in the Jura (swimming possible at Marigny)
• Fruitières à Comté, traditional cheese-makers at Saint-Maurice Crillat (an organic cheese-maker) and Pont du Navoy