Pont-du-Navoy / Lons-le-Saunier

This Tour du Jura Sport stage links the Premier Plateau to the thermal spa town of Lons-le-Saunier, crossing the Jura’s vineyards and two members of the association, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, all affording wonderful views! Do visit Château-Chalon, capital of vin jaune (a strong, distinctive local white wine), standing out on its vine-surrounded promontory. This perched village is packed with architectural treasures and viewing points to enjoy. Also do try a tasting of the whole range of Vins du Jura, comprising seven types awarded AOC status! A little further on, Baume-les-Messieurs nestles at the end of an impressive limestone steephead valley. Renowned for its Cluniac abbey dating back to the 9th century, it’s surrounded by stunning natural features, including the Dard River that springs from an underground cave and then descends via a tufa limestone waterfall typical of the region.

Cycle route from Pont-du-Navoy to Lons-le-Saunier

Leave Pont-du-Navoy along the D24 road then join the D5 road, climbing a hairpin bend. Meander up the D5, a quiet little road taking you across the Premier Plateau to Château-Chalon. Take care in this village, which attracts a large number of tourists in summer. Next, descend to Voiteur sticking to the D5. In Voiteur, take care at the crossroads (traffic coming from the right has priority) and turn left towards Baume-les-Messieurs, along the D70. This small road can be very busy with traffic, notably camper vans, in summer, especially around Baume’s campsite. After a stone bridge, turn right for Sermu, going via a very narrow, very steep little road. Continue on to Lavigny and then Lons-le-Saunier, riding along vine-surrounded small roads. Take good care entering Lons-le-Saunier.

Practical information

• All manner of services available in Voiteur and Lons-le-Saunier
• Accessible train stations at Domblans and Lons-le-Saunier
• Accommodation available in and around Château-Chalon, in Baume-les-Messieurs and in Lons-le-Saunier
• Bike repair facilities in Lons-le-Saunier

Don't miss

• Château-Chalon, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and capital of Vin Jaune (a distinctive local white wine): La Maison de la Haute Seille (offering tours and tastings); L’Ecole d’Autrefois; and more
• Baume-les-Messieurs, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: Grotte (an underground cavern it’s possible to visit); the Cascade de tuf (a tufa limestone waterfall); the Reculée (the steephead, or blind, valley here); Abbaye impériale de Baume-les-Messieurs dating as far back as the 9th century (tours possible)
• Lons-le-Saunier: the Thermes (thermal spa); the Parc des Bains; Maison de la Vache Qui Rit (dedicated to the popular cheese spread, The Laughing Cow, produced here); the arcades along Rue du Commerce; the theatre; and more.