The French Connection: Local Relationships Make the Difference of the Ski Trails of France’s Jura Region
Skate Skiers Race Under the Bells at the Transju
France’s Jura Mountain range is considered “Pre-Alps,” located on the northwestern corner of the Alps, the Jura’s undulating terrain builds like a sine curve as rolling hills oscillate upwards toward the jagged peaks of the French Alps. The Jura’s landscape is ideal for cross-country skiing – offering skiers the chance to explore the scenic Swiss-French border region near the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. From tasting locally produced cheeses to racing the Transjurassienne Worldloppet (optional, of course), there are ample ways to enjoy the region’s rugged beauty and deep history on Lumi’s French Jura trip (February 2-9, 2026). With the help of Lumi’s expert trip leaders, the time that guests spend discovering this quiet corner of France is enriched, thanks to the trip leaders’ personal connections and familiarity with local customs.
Most French guidebooks focus on regions like Bordeaux, Provence or the Rivera, but planning a trip to this lesser known region doesn’t have to be challenging. Lumi’s France trip leaders, Annette and Adele, make life easy, so you can get the most out of your time in in the Jura. There is still limited space available on Lumi’s French Jura trip, though bookings close soon. Send a message to info@lumiexperiences.com for more information or to reserve your spot!
Friendly Faces Light the Way
Lumi’s local trip leaders in France, Annette and Adele, both grew up with English as their first language, but each have spent over half their life living in France, within walking distance of ski trails. They also have strong ties with local businesses and restaurants, making them ideal translators, both for the French language and, more importantly, the culture.
As 2025 trip guest Mindy Benton recalls, “I felt like we were visitors to Annette’s home. It was fun to see so many locals smile as they greeted her! She was so helpful on race days getting us to the start and helping at the finish.”
Local experience can prove to be invaluable on race day, particularly if schedules or race courses change with short notice. Not only are both Lumi’s trip leaders bilingual, Annette previously was the Transju race director! Her insider knowledge of this popular event means you’ll be where you need to go at just the right time–whether you’re participating in the event, cheering on your travel companions or seeking quiet trails away from the race. Couple this with Adele’s decades of experience as a bike tour leader, escorting travelers on a literal Tour de Franceand you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable trip.
Adele and Annette shine outside of the race atmosphere as well. It is customary to make reservations for all meals in France, lunch included, which makes finding a midday meal on the trails a unique challenge. This is particularly true when some of the best mountain huts cannot be found online or only take reservations by phone. Knowing who to call is as important as arriving on time in this region on the Swiss border, just a few kilometers from Switzerland’s most renowned watch producing region.
“Adele and Annette are each wonderful, but together they make a great team. I will recommend this trip to anyone simply because they were so wonderful.” - Emilie Blevins
Cheer on Your Group's Racers at the Transju
Post-Transju Smiles
Bonus Experiences Enhance Your Trip
Like all Lumi trips, time in the French Jura includes cultural experiences that balance cross-country skiing with other popular activities in the region. Chief among them is the opportunity to try out the biathlon at Les Tuffes Nordic Stadium – host to the Premanon World Cup course. Although the stadium won’t be packed to the gills with fans as you line up your shot, you’ll still feel a rush of adrenaline in this awe-inspiring World Cup venue. Lumi guest Josh Doebbert shares: “The biathlon lesson at Les Tuffes Nordic Stadium was a blast! Concluding it with a mini relay was a great activity to bring the group together.”
Biathlon Training is a Highlight of Lumi's France Transju Trip
Biathlon Training is a Highlight of Lumi's France Transju Trip
Local cuisine plays a major part in every Lumi trip and the Jura region of France and Switzerland is well known for its delicious cheeses. Whether you’re craving Comté, Gruyère or Mont d’Or, there are an abundance of options throughout the trip. The beginning of the trip falls on a special holiday, Le Jour des Crêpes, or the day of crêpes, which celebrates this irresistible treat every February 2. Remember to leave room for some trailside fondue with your travel companions!
Post-Race Snacks
Your Homebase for the Week
With so many things to do in close proximity to one another, there is no need to pack up and shift locations during Lumi’s French Jura trip. Lumi’s hotel is centrally located in the quiet community of Les Rousses and an ideal homebase for the entire week, with quick and easy transportation delivering you to a variety of trails and other destinations. Enjoy a post-dinner stroll along the snow-covered streets and forested trails right from your front door.
A Nighttime Restaurant on a Quiet French Street
Overlooking the village is the imposing Le Fort des Rousses, a mid-1800s fortress that has been converted into a massive ripening facility for locally produced Comté cheese. No trip to this historic region is complete without a tour of its endless galleries stacked floor to ceiling with cheese – and a tasting, of course!
If skiing the wonderful trails near the French-Swiss border and exploring the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage is on your list, there are still a few spots available in this year’s French Jura Lumi trip. Email info@lumiexperiences.com for a detailed trip itinerary or to reserve your place today!
See you on the trail,
Garrott Kuzzy
garrott@lumiexperiences.com