Explore the Doubs area of eastern France, hiking across the Jura mountain range close to the border between France and Switzerland. The path doubles up the ancient pilgrim route of the Via Francigena with the less holy but equally famous Absinthe Trail. From Pontarlier, you begin almost immediately to climb up through the Juras. You will cross the Cluse de Pontarlier mountain pass, passing the Cluse de Joux as you go. This magnificent medieval castle and chateaux have a very long and interesting history. Find out about how to visit the site and museum here.. The route continues to ascend through the wild landscapes of Haut-Doubs, taking you across windswept pastures and up wooded mountainsides until you reach the Pass of Jougne (1010m). From here, you enter the small medieval town of Jougne, where the original pilgrim of the Via Francigena, Archbishop Segric, famously stayed back in 990 AD.