Crêt de la Neige
Mountain Highest summit of the Jura Mountains, panoramic views
Highest summit of the Jura Mountains in eastern France; hikers and ski-touring enthusiasts reach its summit for long ridgeline walks and views across Geneva and the Alps on clear days.
Crêt de la Neige is the highest summit of the Jura Mountains in eastern France, reaching an elevation of about 1,720 metres.
Hiking routes lead to the summit from multiple trailheads and the site is popular for day hikes and panoramic viewpoints; on clear days the summit offers long-range views that can include the Alps. The peak sits within the upland, rounded terrain typical of the Jura and attracts walkers year-round.
The mountain is part of the folded Jura range, formed by compressional tectonics that produced the characteristic ridges and plateaus; the area has long been used for grazing and mountain recreation.
Crêt de la Neige lies in the Jura massif within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France and is accessible from nearby regional towns and trail networks in the high Jura.
- Elevation: The summit's elevation is 1,720 metres, making it the highest point in the Jura Mountains and a popular target for hikers in the region.
What to See #
- Summit (1,720 m): The summit area forms a broad limestone crest at about 1,720 metres and is the highest point of the Jura mountain range.
Tips for Visiting Crêt de la Neige #
- Approach from Col de la Faucille for the shortest, most direct walk to the summit-this parking/start point is the usual access and saves a long valley approach.
- Aim for a clear morning (arrive before mid‑day) for the best chance of panoramic views toward the Alps and Mont Blanc; afternoons can turn hazy or windy and reduce visibility.
- If trails are busy on summer weekends, use the lesser‑used ridgeline paths on the east side to reach viewpoints-many day visitors stick to the main path and miss quieter outlooks along the crest.
Best Time to Visit Crêt de la Neige #
Best late spring through early autumn for hiking; winter draws snow-sports visitors but is much colder and snowier.
Weather & Climate near Crêt de la Neige #
Crêt de la Neige's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1596 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm).
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