La Route Verte: 3 stages of the new e-bike tour in check

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All good things come in threes – when planning multi-day bike tours this year, we took the well-known saying to heart. And so, after the bike tour through the Seeland and the Lucerne cultural tour, a third tour was on the program. Despite mixed weather forecasts, we made our way to Balsthal in the Solothurn Jura over Pentecost, equipped with saddlebags and bike helmets. Our starting point for a three-day e-bike tour along the “Route Verte” to Couvet in the Val de Travers.

How the Route Verte performed in a cross-comparison with the other two bike tours and which sights await you along the way, you can find out in the following lines. For all those who would like to take a look at the key data and the route of the three daily stages, I have linked them below:

Tag 1: Balsthal – Delémont – Saint-Ursanne Tag 2: Saint-Ursanne
– Saignélegier – Mont Soleil Tag 3: Mont-Soleil
– Vallée de la Sagne – Couvet

La Route Verte – the e-bike tour at a glance

Before we describe our impressions, I would like to give a brief overview of the Route Verte. The Route Verte is a project of the six Regional Nature Parks of the Jura Arc and was specifically initiated as an e-bike tour in 2018. In a total of seven daily stages, the Route Verte, starting in Schaffhausen, leads from the Schaffhausen Regional Nature Park in the east through the Jura Park Aargau, the Thal Nature Park, the Doubs Nature Park, the Chasseral Nature Park and the Jura vaudoise Nature Park until it ends after 470 kilometres in the westernmost tip of Switzerland – in Geneva. Similar to the Heart Route, the focus here was on creating a scenically attractive route for e-bikes (touring bikes!). Accordingly, some of the stages offer a lot of elevation gain.

For our tour, we have chosen three consecutive stages from the seven daily stages in the “heart” of the Jura. We got on the 3rd stage and cycled to the end of the 5th stage. We crossed three of the six regional parks – the Thal Nature Park, the Doubs Nature Park and the Chasseral Nature Park.

You can find more information about the total route as well as a detailed route description of the individual daily stages here: La Route Verte

Stage 3: from Balsthal via Delémont to Saint-Ursanne

And now we get on our bikes and dedicate ourselves to the winding route between Balsthal and Saint-Ursanne. I had great expectations for the third stage of the Route Verte – or rather for our first day of touring. Because the bike path on this day led over passes and through valleys, most of which were still unknown to me. But the dripping that started just when we received our two flyers in the nature park center in Thal put a damper on my euphoria. And the weather frogs were right – the gentle drizzle quickly turned into a merciless land rain.

If you want to come around the corner at this point with a “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”: Yes! You’re absolutely right. And at some point in the near or distant future, we may also count ourselves among those Gümmelers who mount their waterproof overshoes in such situations or put on their seven-coated rain parka and then, without pulling a face, cycle on in a relaxed and fluffy way. Unfortunately, my older rain jacket didn’t last half an hour and when we made a short stop in Neuhüsli after crossing the Passwang, it felt like I had landed in the swimming pool.

But whining doesn’t get us anywhere, and at least the Ortlieb saddlebags withstood Petrus’ open floodgates. We had prepared for rain and accordingly the front did not come as a surprise. The only pity was that we could only enjoy the beautiful – and effectively lush green landscape to the left and right of the bike route to a limited extent due to the wetness. If the weather had been nicer, we would have made a slightly longer stopover in Delémont in any case. The Route Verte leads through the middle of the beautifully restored capital of the canton of Jura, where there are some exciting historical buildings to discover. But because of our dripping wet clothes, we didn’t even dare to go to the Jura Museum of Art and History.

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Rather, we were eager to reach our milestone. So, after a short snack break, we switched from Route 23 (Basel – Franches-Montagnes) to the Lötschberg-Jura Route (No. 64) in the direction of Col des Rangiers. While the Route Verte actually makes the arc over the Ajoie to Saint-Ursanne, the low battery level of our e-bikes tempted us to head for the Direttissima down to Saint-Ursanne at the top of the pass. And I’ll tell you: It’s been a long time since a warm shower felt as good as it did on this day at the stage finish in the BnB Logis des Saules.

The bed and breakfast is located on the edge of the old town of Saint Ursanne and has lovingly furnished rooms and a great garden (including pool and barbecue area in summer). We couldn’t have found a better place.

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La Route Verte: Key data of the 3rd stages

Below you will find the key data of our version of the 3rd stage of the Route Verte (shortened by about 20 kilometers). You can also download the GPS data from the route via SwitzerlandMobility.

Starting point	Balsthal, Thal Regional Nature Park Information Centre (within walking distance of Thalbrücke railway station) (490 m above sea level)
Reachability	Accessible by public transport
Length	69 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 1,366 m 1,411 m ↘
Duration	approx. 4:30 h to 5.30 h
Destination	Saint-Ursanne (440 m ü. M.)

Stage 4: from Saint-Ursanne via the Franches-Montagnes to Mont-Soleil

The next morning we jump out of bed early. The view from the window confirms our enthusiasm. A magnificent day is on the horizon – and at the same time, in the early morning, the remnants of yesterday’s rain front caress the town of Saint-Ursanne in the form of elegant wafts of mist. What a backdrop! Before breakfast, we take a short walk to the chapel of the Hermitage. Here, above the old town, hides a wonderful vantage point.

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After a delicious regional breakfast at the BnB Logis des Saules, it’s time to continue cycling. With sunshine and pleasant temperatures, this feels much easier compared to the previous day. The cycle path winds its way from the Doubs Valley following Route 7 uphill to the high plateau of the Franches-Montagnes. Since we saw the battery dwindling all too quickly the day before, we only use the slightest pedal assistance today. So we make only leisurely progress, but we can admire the color palette in all its complexity. From dark fir green to bright spring green, the entire green spectrum is there.

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Today’s stage runs almost entirely within the Doubs and Chasseral Regional Nature Parks. In addition to a scenically attractive route, the Route Verte also aims to highlight the cultural heritage and products of the individual regions. Accordingly, a stage stop at the “Aux Couleurs du Terroir” in Montfaucon is almost mandatory. In the shop and café you will find an exquisite selection of regional organic products. In addition, all those who want to give their legs a short breather can enjoy a nice spot on the sun terrace. To get here, you have to hitchhike 50 meters up the hill to Montfaucon from the village of Les Enfers, where the Route Verte passes. An effort that is definitely worth it.

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Afterwards we continue via Saignelégier towards Mont-Soleil. While the cycle path to Saignelégier leads directly past the well-known excursion destination Etang de la Gruère, it is worthwhile – for all those who already know the moor lake – a detour to the Etang de Royes, which is also nearby, but far less known. From here, it’s not far to see the wind turbines of Mont-Crosin and Mont-Soleil. Shortly before the finish, we cross the cantonal border between Jura and Bern and are confronted with a final jagged climb up Mont-Soleil. Thanks to well-dosed battery use, we are able to shift the pedal assistance “up a gear” for this last section.

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At the end of the stage on Mont-Soleil, a special gem awaits us. We stay here at BnB Chez Clemens Ruben. Since 2001, Clemens Ruben, who was born in Bern, has been living in a wonderfully idyllic location in a traditional Jura house, which he is gradually renovating with respect for the existing structures. The result is impressive – even if the project is far from finished. Clemens is currently working on the installation of a large fireplace and then a third guest room is to be realized.

Until then, two spacious, beautifully designed guest rooms with artistic details are available. And since the nearest restaurant is not just around the corner, Clemens offers the “all-round carefree package” on request and conjures up fantastic dinners for his guests. All those who appreciate architecturally unique and personally committed BnB will remember their stay at Chez Clemens Ruben as a highlight on the Route Verte.

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La Route Verte: Key data of the 4th stages

Below you will find the key data of the 4th stage of the Route Verte. You can also download the GPS data from the route via SwitzerlandMobility.

Starting point	Saint-Ursanne (440 m ü. M.)
Reachability	Starting point can be reached by public transport / destination can only be reached to a limited extent by public transport (nearest stop (Mont-Soleil, funiculaire) is 4 kilometres away)
Length	48 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 1,338 m 656 m ↘
Duration	4:30 a.m. – 5.00 a.m.
Destination	La Fromache, Mont-Soleil (1,170 m ü. M.)

Stage 5: From Mont-Soleil to Couvet

Day three of our tour on the Route Verte greets us with dark clouds and a cool wind. Will the weather hold today? We’re not so sure about that and start the tour early along the fifth stage. We leave the imposing wind turbines of Mont-Soleil behind us and cycle along the ridge further west towards La Chaux-de-Fonds. Today’s elevation gain promises significantly more descents. The thighs are pleased. On the route, which runs along side roads with little traffic, you can admire the dry stone walls so typical of the Jura. These are based on a traditional construction technique and are at the same time an important habitat for plants that thrive on nutrient-poor soils. The preservation of these dry stone walls is an important component for biodiversity on Jurassic pastures.

The Route Verte takes us past la Chaux-de-Fonds via the Entre deux Monts pass down to the Valée des Ponts. If you have never visited La Chaux-de-Fonds before, I recommend that you plan a detour to the center of the chessboard-like clock city at this point. From here, it’s a good 35 kilometres to your destination in Couvet – the route can be covered by e-bike in under two hours.

With the 18-kilometre-long Vallée des Ponts, another area that was unknown to me awaits me behind the pass crossing. By the way, the name of the valley has nothing to do with bridges, but can be traced back to the wooden paths that were once used to cross the extensive high moor. The far-reaching view over the valley plain extends to the impressive rock arena of the Creux-du-Van.

We follow the cycle path along the entire length of the valley to its western end. Here the road winds its way through a secluded forest over a ridge and finally gives us a brisk descent into the Val de Travers. In Travers we cross the Areuse and follow the riverside path to our stage destination in the neighbouring village of Couvet. In this section, the cycle path leads directly past the asphalt mine la Presta. If you are interested in the history of the historic asphalt mine, it is worth coordinating the bike tour with the tour times and reserving a place in advance.

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And although we have reached the end of our tour in Couvet, we are not yet on our way home. We check in at the Hôtel de l’Aigle, which I have already come to know and appreciate during a previous stay in the valley. The hotel is a member of the Swiss Bike Hotels and offers an infrastructure geared to the needs of cyclists (locked bike room, washing machine and bike wash).

We return our rental bikes here and then toast the 175 kilometers with the poison green house aperitif called l’Absinthe Fizz Cocktail. What a tour! Despite the rainy start, it will remain in our very best memories. Who knows, maybe we will soon complete the missing stages 1 and 2 as well as 6 and 7 of the Route Verte.

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La Route Verte: Key data of the 5th stages

Below you will find the key data of the 5th stage of the Route Verte. You can also download the GPS data from the route via SwitzerlandMobility.

Starting point	La Fromache, Mont-Soleil (1,170 m ü. M.)
Reachability	Starting point (Mont-Soleil, funiculaire) and destination by public transport
Length	50 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 632 m 1,050 m ↘
Duration	3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.
Destination	Couvet (740 m above sea level)

Practical tips for your bike tour on the Route Verte

• The tour partner of the Route Verte is the Swiss active holiday specialist Eurotrek. He offers tailor-made packages including e-bike rental and luggage transport.
• To date, there are no official battery charging stations along the Route Verte. While the battery range should be sufficient with the newer Flyer GoTour models, depending on the type of e-bike, the battery is only just enough or not at all for the total length of the respective stage. We were on the road ourselves with older models and on the first day my battery did not last to the finish. Therefore, a careful handling of the batteries is required and you cannot rely on the fact that you can take advantage of the highest pedal assistance everywhere.
• The Route Verte does not have its own SwitzerlandMobility number and therefore does not have its own signs. Along the route, specific Route Verte signals are occasionally installed. However, it is advisable to get an overview of the SwitzerlandMobility routes along which the Route Verte runs in advance of each stage and to use these signposts as a guide.
• At the finish of the 5th stage in Couvet, in addition to visiting the Apshalt mines, it is also worth taking a detour to the Maison d’Absinthe in the neighbouring village of Môtiers. From there you can also take an entertaining gorge hike through the Poëta-Raisse.