A remote and wild plateau stretches out before you near the French border. This is a land of deep pine forests and open pastures where horses roam free. You find yourself in a place of quiet beauty and long horizons. The roads are open and lead through a landscape that feels more like the wild north than the high Alps. It is a region of watchmakers and hidden river canyons.
You can visit the medieval town of St-Ursanne on the banks of the Doubs river or climb to the high cliffs of Creux du Van. the landscape is shaped by the limestone rock which creates massive natural amphitheaters and deep caves. The vibe is peaceful and a bit mysterious. It is the perfect place for a road trip that values silence and the sound of the wind through the trees.
The local life is tied to the land and the tradition of fine mechanics. You can find great local smoked meats and cheeses in the village markets. The trails are perfect for long walks or horse riding through the woods. Jura is a province for the soul. It offers a quiet escape into a world of green trees and grey stone.
Jura (canton) highlights
- St-Ursanne Medieval Town Walk through the stone gates of a town sitting on a river that feels like it has not changed since the middle ages. The old bridge and the abbey are highlights.
- Creux du Van Drive to the edge of a massive natural rock amphitheater with vertical walls over five hundred feet high. It is a spectacular and wild site for nature lovers.
- Freiberge Plateau Explore the high open pastures where the famous local horses run free without fences. The landscape of giant pine trees and green grass is unique to this region.
- Etang de la Gruère Walk around a mysterious peat bog lake hidden in a deep forest that feels like a piece of the north. The wooden paths and dark water are very peaceful.
- Delémont Old Town Park in the regional capital to see the grand fountains and the old prince bishops palace. The town is a great base for exploring the surrounding forest hills.
- Clos du Doubs River Follow the road along a winding river canyon that is popular for canoeing and quiet fishing. The scenery is lush and feels very far from the busy cities.
- Mont Soleil Solar Park Visit one of the largest solar and wind energy sites in the country located on a high sunny ridge. The visitor center offers a great look at future tech.
- Porrentruy Castle Explore a massive hilltop fortress that dominates the skyline of a beautiful wooden town. The tower offers a view that reaches all the way into France.
- La Chaux de Fonds Drive to the city of watchmaking where the streets are laid out in a perfect grid to provide light for workers. It is a unique UNESCO heritage site.
- Saignelégier Horse Hub Visit the center of local horse culture where the massive national horse show takes place every August. The surrounding meadows are perfect for an easy drive.
The local Four
History of Jura (canton)
The Jura canton is a tale of a quiet rebellion and the ticking of a clock. As the youngest canton in the nation it only gained independence in 1979 after a long struggle to preserve its own culture. The history of the people is one of deep connection to the plateau and the massive pine forests. It is a land of long horizons that feels a world away from the busy cities of the plains.
For centuries the Jura was the home of winter watchmakers. During the long snow filled months farmers would retreat to their workshops to craft the intricate gears for the world finest watches. This era of precision turned the rugged landscape into a center of global luxury. Entire towns were designed around the needs of these craftsmen with streets built to capture the best possible light for their delicate work.
The natural history of the region dates back millions of years to a time when giant creatures roamed the land. The limestone cliffs and open pastures of the Freiberge are a massive prehistoric record of the earth. The history here is about space and silence where people have always lived in harmony with the horses that roam free. It is a story of a people who found their voice in the woods and their fortune in the gears of a clock.