4.5
(370)
6,835
riders
153
rides
Road cycling around Châtel-De-Joux offers diverse terrain within the Jura department of France. The region is characterized by its mountainous landscape, serene lakes, and dense forests, providing a scenic environment for road cyclists. Routes often feature well-maintained asphalt and minimal traffic, including notable climbs like the Col de la Joux. This area is part of the broader Jura Mountains, known for an extensive network of cycling routes.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
4.0
(3)
109
riders
53.9km
02:33
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(6)
88
riders
51.4km
02:34
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(7)
72
riders
47.0km
02:15
630m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(1)
43
riders
61.8km
02:59
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(2)
35
riders
67.3km
03:15
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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The old abbey right on the lake.
0
0
Nice little town with a cheese factory and a few restaurants.
5
0
Climbed it today (17-8-25); it's open, and there are signs along the road showing your progress. Traffic is quiet, and a beautiful green climb, especially further on.
0
0
It can be busy, but you can sit comfortably and eat tarte myrtilleus in the restaurant next door.
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0
Classified as 3rd category, the Col de la Joux was crossed during the 8th stage of the 2017 Tour De France!
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0
The Saint-Nithier church in Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a Romanesque style church with a double-decker dome bell tower dedicated to Saint Nithier. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Mondays. Masses are not very frequent, if you want to see one, it is better to consult the schedule here: https://theodia.org/fr?place=6327
1
0
There are over 150 road cycling routes around Châtel-De-Joux, catering to various skill levels. This includes 10 easy routes, 74 moderate routes, and 69 difficult routes, offering a wide range of options for cyclists.
The terrain around Châtel-De-Joux is characterized by the mountainous landscape of the Jura, featuring serene lakes, dense coniferous forests, and rolling hills. You'll find well-maintained asphalt roads, often quiet, providing a peaceful cycling experience through scenic environments. Notable features include climbs like the Col de la Joux.
Yes, the Jura Mountains offer rewarding ascents for experienced cyclists. The Col de la Joux – Abbey Lake loop from Nanchez is a popular route that includes the Col de la Joux, known for its pleasant climb and scenic views through the forest. Overall, there are 69 difficult routes in the area.
Absolutely. The region offers a good selection of routes for all abilities. There are 10 easy routes and 74 moderate routes available. For example, the Lake Etival – Abbey Lake loop from Les Piards is a moderate 53.5 km path offering scenic views past two beautiful lakes.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Châtel-De-Joux are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the challenging Dog's Leap – Lake Lamoura loop from Nanchez and the moderate Crozatons Pass – Route d'Étival loop from Nanchez.
Road cycling routes often pass by stunning natural features. You can encounter numerous picturesque lakes such as Lacs d'Étival, Lac de Bonlieu, Lac de l'Abbaye, and Lac de Lamoura. The region is also known for its dramatic waterfalls, including the Fan Waterfall, Saut Girard Waterfall, and the impressive Hérisson Waterfalls. Keep an eye out for viewpoints like La Fratte Viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 240 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs to serene lake loops, and the beautiful, quiet roads through dense forests and past stunning natural monuments.
Many routes in the Châtel-De-Joux area feature the region's beautiful lakes. The Lake Etival – Abbey Lake loop from Les Piards is a prime example, offering scenic views as it passes by Lake Etival and Abbey Lake. Another option is the Dog's Leap – Lake Lamoura loop from Nanchez, which navigates past Lake Lamoura.
While Châtel-De-Joux might not be a direct starting point for the entire GTJ, it lies within the broader Jura Mountains, which are traversed by this extensive cycling itinerary. The GTJ offers 375 km of relatively quiet routes, suitable for road bikes, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes and charming villages of the Jura Mountains.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in Châtel-De-Joux. During these periods, the weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery, including the forests and lakes, is at its most vibrant. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Yes, the mountainous terrain of the Jura offers several scenic viewpoints. While specific road bike routes to all viewpoints aren't detailed, the general area provides opportunities for stunning vistas. For instance, the La Fratte Viewpoint is a notable natural monument in the vicinity that offers panoramic views.
Many routes, particularly those starting from villages like Nanchez or Les Piards, will have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on recommended starting points and available parking facilities.


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