The Jura

The treasures of the Jura do not appear at first glance. From a distance, its rounded peaks and modest height pale in comparison to the splendours of the Alps facing it. But the Jura is not jealous and its peaks offer an incomparable view to the Alps. The beauty of the Jura reveals itself to the one who approaches, in the forests that cover its slopes and on its summits from where the view reaches as far as the distant horizon. In all seasons, the Jura offers wonders. From spring to autumn, when its magnificent trees are adorned with brilliant colours, and in winter, when the cold gives it an air of the wild high North for those who want to walk its snow-covered trails.

Did you know?

The Jura is a cradle of Swiss watchmaking. In the 18th century, the most skillful farmers began to devote their free time during the winter to the manufacture of watches and watch movements. Today, 90 percent of Swiss watch production comes from the Jura region and the largest Swiss watchmaking companies have their headquarters or factories there.

Did you know?

The Jura gave its name to the world's best-known geological period, the Jurassic (during the Secondary Era), during which the sediments that were to create the Jura were deposited on the sea bed. At that time, the region was still composed of coral islands in shallow lagoons comparable to those of present-day Polynesia. It is from this period that the famous Jurassic Park film series takes its name.

Did you know?

At La Barillette, a protected natural area in the Swiss Jura near Geneva, chamois often gather in the autumn to escape from hunters on the other side of the border, in France. It is then very easy to see them up close early in the morning.