Winter and Summer alike, the Franche-Comté offers us the opportunity to practice various sports close to the elements: water, air, and earth. To get rid of the toxins in your lungs, here is what you have to do.
You are now aware that, traditionally, (make link with article on the GTJ the Great Jura Crossing is accomplished on skis. However, in the last few years, the GTJ Association has added three other circuits for the pleasure of discovering the Jura Mountains in summer as well: one for cyclists, another for cross-country biking and finally a walking-circuit. Cycling enthusiasts can also take advantage of the section of the Eurobike Trail which runs from East to West of the Franche-Comté, with 135 km of this route passing through the Doubs Department, 42 km through the Jura and 10 km through the Territory of Belfort. This is a green route reserved along its whole length for engine-less means of locomotion, its surface being specifically adapted for the comfort of the bicycle tourist. Cyclists can also retrace the route taken by Charles The Bold when he set out to conquer the North of Europe. This circuit was developed in collaboration with the regions of Lorraine and Burgundy, for cyclists with a touch of the daredevil!
And a river runs through it : did you know that the Saône is the French river most favoured by yachtsmen after the Canal du Midi? This river is noteworthy and attracts considerable attention on account of its ease of navigation and the beauty of its landscapes, thus bringing visitors from all over the world.. Guides of international reputation being on hand to introduce them to the site Another water-course lending itself ideally to water-borne tourism is the River Doubs. Delightful curves wind along the length of its 430 km. which pass through the cities of Pontarlier, Montbéliard, Besançon and also Dole, located in the Jura.
For closer contact with the water, why not try a spot of canoeing or take out a kayak? The Franche-Comté possesses both quiet and more turbulent waters. Those enamoured of the rapids will find their way to Goumois, while families will find the River Loue an ideal site. This very beautiful river is navigable along 170 km of its length. Yet another water-course pleasant to navigate on is the Ognon – this river rises in the Vosges and, hemmed in on both sides by cliffs, remains a narrow river until widening to flow into the Saône. Whether or not you opt for the "Saut de l'Ognon" by boat (a leap of 13 metres, not to be underestimated) you will be able to admire the dramatic entry of the river at Servance ending in a fine waterfall in the form of a triangle.
Fishing is another sport for which the Franche-Comté provides a perfect playground: amateur fishing in the rivers and lakes is immensely popular in our region. Fly-fishermen, amateurs and professionals wait for the fish to nibble in the depths of the Swiss-French valleys of the Doubs, the Loue, the Ognon and the Breuchin, the Bienne and right up to the high river of Ain-sur-la-Saône, the Hérisson or the Lemme. In fact, the National Museum of Fishing is to be found at Ornans. In this same city also and for those looking for a rather more physical and challenging sport, it is possible to try out the "Via Ferrata" at the Roche du Mont. For those who haven't yet heard of a "Via Ferrata", this is a circuit made along the face of the rock with the aid of ropes and snap-hooks. Several levels of difficulties exist, one of these being particularly difficult – to be attempted by the practiced sportsman only, and for the amateur there are other treats in store with the Baume de Vernon in Nans-sous-Saint-Anne, the Roche au Dade in Morez in the Jura or along the Echelles de la Mort, which, despite their name, are not too dangerous to tackle. Finally, if you are still in search of thrills, why not go hang-gliding at one of the region's clubs or schools, like the Mount Poupet take-off site for hang-gliding or para-gliding which is open practically all the year round.
