4 routes · Hiking

Via Francigena: Pontarlier to Jougne in the Jura Mountains
Hike the Via Francigena along the French–Swiss border from Pontarlier to Jougne.
Also in Doubs, France • Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 704 m
- Descent
- 460 m
- Duration
- 5-6 hrs
- Low Point
- 825 m
- High Point
- 1.2 km
- Gradient
- 7˚

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.
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Description
Difficulty
Difficult
Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Wild flowers