Discover the enchanting landscapes and hidden gems while motorhoming in Jura, where rolling hills meet cascading waterfalls and picturesque vineyards beckon every traveler.

Have you ever considered exploring the Jura region by motorhome? Instead of going abroad this year, why not take a road trip through the French countryside and discover the beauty of nature at your own pace? Traveling by motorhome, van, or campervan means you can stop wherever and whenever you want without worrying about the cost or availability of accommodation.

Whether it’s by a tranquil lake, in a forest, or in a peaceful field, the Jura region offers endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. So why not consider visiting the Jura by motorhome and experience the freedom of the open road?

Jura is a department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. It is also a mountain range that acts as a natural barrier to Switzerland. The Jura has many wonders to visit. You will find sublime landscapes and a historical and cultural heritage unmissable. Are you planning to visit the Jura by motorhome? Here is our mini-guide on this road trip!

Motorhoming in Jura: Where and How to Rent Campervan in Jura

Key Takeaways for Motorhoming in Jura

- Explore the Jura region by motorhome and experience the freedom of the open road.
- Visit the Haut-Jura Natural Park, cities like Dole and Lons-le-Saunier, and enjoy the wine and Comté cheese routes.

- Plan your itinerary based on your interests and the time you have available.

- Be aware of narrow roads, especially in the mountains, and give priority to vehicles climbing uphill.

- Follow the speed limits and other regulations specified by the Highway Code.

- Carry essential safety equipment like reflective vests and warning triangles.

- Motorway toll rates for motorhomes are classified as Class 2.

- Respect the law and environment by avoiding wild camping and parking in designated areas.

- Use resources like the Park4night app to find suitable campsites and service areas.

- Rent a motorhome through platforms like Yescapa, ensuring unlimited mileage and necessary amenities.

- Visit Jura between April and October for milder weather, but be prepared for cooler temperatures even in summer.

- Explore attractions such as the coastline, whisky distilleries, mountain hikes, and wildlife spotting.

- Consider motorhome-friendly routes like the Alsace Wine Route, Green French Jura, or the Jura region of Burgundy.

- Enjoy the adventure and beauty that Jura has to offer for motorhome travelers.

How and where to rent a motorhome in France?

Do you want to discover the Jura with your motorhome or van for example? It is now easy to rent a motorhome in France. How? By using platforms for connecting tenants and private owners of motorhomes such as Yescapa for example.
How does it work?

• First, you have to choose the motorhome in your city (for example Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
• Be careful to choose the unlimited mileage, to check the number of beds available and if the trip abroad is possible.
• Make your rental request online and share your trip information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) with the landlord.
• If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner’s contact details to arrange a first meeting.
• On D-Day, present your driver’s license and pay the deposit.
• An inventory is made and a rental contract is signed between the two parties. On your return, after having scoured the Jura roads, sign the inventory of fixtures back and voila!

When is the best time to travel by motorhome in the Jura?

Be prepared for the weather if you plan on visiting the Jura by motorhome. The climate is known to be harsh and semi-continental, with mountain influence. In the southeast, the Jura has a humid mountain climate, which means heavy snowfall from October to May, very cold temperatures in winter, and cool temperatures in summer.

Conversely, the plain, from Bresse to Pays Dolois, has a semi-continental climate that can be very humid, cool in summer, and cold in winter. Make sure to pack accordingly to enjoy your trip to the Jura by motorhome!

The best time to travel is from April to October, when the climate is milder. However, keep in mind that the Jura is a region with a semi-continental and mountainous climate. Winters are long and harsh, with frequent frosts, while summers can be rainy or snowy.

Even in summer, nights and mornings can be cool, so bring appropriate clothing. If you’re well-equipped and up for a winter adventure, the Jura can also be visited in winter. Regardless of the season, the Jura has many wonders to offer for motorhome travelers, from beautiful landscapes to historical and cultural heritage.

Motorhome Adventure in Jura Itineraries ideas [5days, 7days, 10 days, 30 days]

The department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France has much to offer. Although it only covers 4,999 km², half the size of Gironde or Landes, the Jura is full of wonders, from sublime landscapes to an unmissable historical and cultural heritage.

To visit the Jura by motorhome, several possible routes depending on your interests. The Haut-Jura Natural Park offers a high mountain atmosphere, while the cities of Dole and Lons-le-Saunier showcase their rich history and culture.

Meanwhile, the wine and Comté cheese routes will delight foodies. You can enter the Jura through the A39 from Bourg-en-Bresse or Dijon, or through the A36 from Besançon.

With so many must-see sites to explore, it can be challenging to fit everything in, especially if you have limited time. Here are some ideas for steps to take during your trip:

• Visit the Jura in 3 to 5 days: Lons-le-Saunier, the Haut-Jura park and the resort Les Rousses, the Cascades du Hérisson, the lake of Vouglans,
• Itineraries in the Jura in 7 to 10 days: same stages, plus Baume-les-Messieurs, escapades in the Hautes-Combes, the Belvedere des 4 Lacs, Clairvaux-les-Lacs, Château-Chalon and the Jura vineyards, Lake Chalain, Arbois, Dole, Poligny, Salins-les-Bains, Sainte-Claude,
• Road-trip in the Jura in 20 to 30 days: same route, plus the villages of Bresse du Jura, Nozeroy and the Haute Vallée de la Saine, the villages and vineyards of Sud Revermont.

It’s true that these steps are just suggestions, and you can create your own itinerary. If you have a lot of time, it’s a good idea to spend a few extra days at each stop. This way, you can really get to know the region and its history and culture. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet the friendly locals and experience their hospitality firsthand!

Driving Motorhome in Jura: The Traffic Rules to Know

The Jura has 93 km of motorways and national roads, 3,545 km of departmental roads and 4,592 km of communal roads. As a rural department, the roads can sometimes be narrow, especially in the mountains. In such situations, prioritizing the vehicle climbing uphill is important, especially if it is heavier.

Honking in mountain bends can also be a useful way to warn other drivers when visibility is low. Furthermore, it is important to be extra careful on mountain roads, as bikers and motorists can sometimes appear quickly.

In France, the Highway Code is regulated by national law, but local and regional authorities may also impose additional measures, particularly during extreme weather conditions or major tourist events. Such measures may include specific speed limits or restrictions on vehicle access and parking.

From a legal perspective, a motorhome weighing less than 3.5 tons is classified as a car, so speed limits generally apply as follows:

• 50 km/h in built-up areas,
• 70 to 80 km/h on secondary roads,
• 110 km/h on divided carriageways,
• 130 km/h on motorways.

Make sure the motorhome is equipped with a reflective vest and a warning triangle. In roundabouts, the motorhome must always stay in the right lane. Also, pay attention to safety distances, which are more important due to the dimensions of the vehicle.

Motorhome tolls in the Jura: How much for Motorhome category?

There are two motorways crossing it: the A39 and the A36. Class 2 toll rates apply to motorhomes, while class 1 rates apply to vans or converted vans. Here are some indicative toll rates for class 2 vehicles on the motorways to visit the Jura by motorhome:

• Dole-Beaurepaire-en-Bresse: €6.70,
• Besançon-Dole: 4,40 €,
• Dijon-Dole: 6,20 €,
• Dijon-Beaurepaire-en-Bresse: €12.70

Crossing the Jura seems inexpensive: it’s normal; the department has only 93 kilometers of motorways!

Where to park Motorhome in Jura?

As a reminder, wild camping is officially prohibited in France, including in national and regional parks. While some itinerant travelers still practice it without being deported or fined by the police, respecting the law and environment when visiting the Jura by motorhome is important.

Fortunately, there are spots where you can spend the night in peace, such as in the middle of nature, in a forest, on a hiking trail parking lot, in the mountains, by a lake, or on an isolated path. However, it is important to leave the area clean and respect the environment by not leaving any waste behind.

There are still places where travelers can park their motorhomes overnight. When looking for a parking spot, remember that the motorhome is considered a car, and, therefore, can park wherever motor vehicles are allowed.

It is important not to take out any equipment on public roads, such as tables, chairs, or satellite dishes. If you are unsure where to park, the Park4night app is a great resource for finding campsites, service areas for motorhomes, and even spots in the middle of nature to park.

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Final Word

Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature with our insightful article on “motorhoming in Jura,” providing valuable information to enrich your upcoming journeys.