Lamoura / Nanchez
The ski resort of Les Rousses, at c.1,200m in altitude, marks the start of this stage. Known as the “station aux 4 villages”, or “the resort with 4 villages” – Les Rousses, Bois-d’Amont, Prémanon and Lamoura – this a perfect family resort for enjoying outdoor sports, summer as well as winter. A fine descent from Prémanon takes you to the town of Morez, French capital of spectacle-making. Take the opportunity to visit the dedicated Musée de la Lunette, walk beside the Bienne River and, why not, to test out the famed Les Hirondelles train line with its impressive viaducts, bikes accepted on board!
Cycle route from Lamoura to Nanchez
From Lamoura, follow the D25 road beside the lake. The road is fairly wide, traffic moderate. At Prémanon, the descent to Morez is along a narrow, winding road that is steep (8km at a 5% gradient). Take care. Cross Morez to reach the D126 road, a small road guiding you under the viaduct for Les Hirondelles railway line, a very narrow stretch closed to motorized traffic on weekends. There follows a very steep climb (with a 2km stretch at over 10 % gradient) between Lézat and Les Mouillés before reaching Prénovel via small county roads.
Practical information
- All manner of services available in Lamoura, Prémanon and Morez
- Accessible train station at Morez
- Accommodation available around Les Rousses (resort, or Station), Morez, Lac de l’Abbaye and Prénovel
- Electric bike recharging point freely available at the Haut-Jura Morez Tourist Office
- Bicycle repair facilities in Bois d’Amont and Morbier
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don't miss
- Lamoura: Musée des Lapidaires (on precious-stone cutting); Lamoura Lake and peat bog
- Forêt du Massacre
- Prémanon: Espace des Mondes Polaires
- Morez: Musée de la Lunette (on the tradition of making spectacles)
- Ligne ferroviaire touristique des Hirondelles (tourist train line)
- Haute Vallée de la Bienne
- Lac de l’Abbaye
- Comté cheese-tastings in local cheese-making facilities known as fruitières
- Les Rousses (6km): Fort des Rousses; Lac des Rousses; Cave d’affinage du Fort des Rousses (cheese-ageing cellar)
