Next up in this series of winter activities in the Jura mountains is Les Molunes. Les Molunes is one of those places that can best be described as being in the middle of nowhere, but a very beautiful nowhere. The commune – which is officially known as Septmoncel Les Molunes – is located in the southern part of the Jura massive in the Hautes Combes. The Haute Combes in turns is a plateau that stretches over sixty kilometres, with an altitude ranging from 900 – 1500 meters above sea level. The landscape offers a tranquil scenery of farms spread over a relatively large area with forest and mountains framing it. Many of the farmhouses were built to accommodate ancient forest workers. Due to the exposed landscape and relatively high altitude the weather can be rough at times, especially the wind. This wind is often coming from the south east, which means that the corresponding wall of the local houses is often fortified with special covering. With just over 100 inhabitants, the small hameau Les Molunes is not winning any competitions for being densely populated, which is probably why it was assimilated into neighbouring commune Septmoncel in 2017. However, it does have the town hall placed at the highest altitude in the whole of the Jura department.

There are three cross-country ski trails prepared, one red, one green and one blue. Both the red and the green starts from La Vie Neuve, and the blue one starts from La Simard, which is near the main road going from Lajoux to La Pesse. There are also two snowshoeing trails prepared; both starts off from La Vie Neuve.

Les Molunes is on the Grand Traverse du Jura. You are therefore not limited to staying on the prepared circuit trails. You can continue on to Lajoux and La Pesse, and whenever the liaison to Les Moussieres is open you can connect to the prepared circuit trails over there.

For dog owners, the rules are the same as for Lajoux. Dogs are not allowed on the cross-country trails, but will be allowed to accompany you if you go on snowshoes.

Curiously, I did not see a ticket office for cross-country tickets; I suggest you stop at the Tourist Office in Lajoux or La Pesse and buy your tickets there. Click to see the prices for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

If you need ski lessons, the ESF Haute Jura has instructors that speak both French and English.

From what I’ve said about the size of the place, it probably comes as no surprise that there are no equipment rental facilities in Les Molunes. The nearest shops can be found in Lajoux, Benoin Jeannin Sport and Mermet Equip’Fond. In Les Moussieres there is also a Gros Sport renting out equipment, and in La Pesse Michel Sport will rent you what you need of equipment.

In the southern part of the Jura massif, I often see dog sledding when out skiing. I have not tried this kind of activity myself yet, but it’s definitely on the list of activities I’d like to try (even if I am normally scared of dogs). There are several professional dog sledders offering outings ranging from one hour to several days in this part of the Jura Mountain. Les Bois Fous is one of these companies and it could very well be their dogs you can see on these photos, taken a few days ago in Les Molunes.

Because of Covid, all bars and restaurants are currently closed and only offer take away for the time being. At Feodor you can order burgers and very local beer and enjoy it outside. There is a table and benches right at the start of the ski trails. When bars and restaurants open up again, I will surely be going back to Les Molunes to try the food that Feodor cooks on his impressive offset smoker, imported from the US. The menu is very tempting with meat smoked on indirect heat for 10 hours, or even smoked Mont D’Or cheese. Just looking at the menu and having a sneak peak at the cosy interiour makes me want to plan lots of trips back to Les Molunes.

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How to get there: As for most places in the depth of the Jura mountains, you’ll need access to a car if you are planning a day trip. If you plan to stay for a few days am sure there are possibilities to be transported from Saint Claude to Les Molunes, but it will still be practical to have access to a car when there.

Enjoy your outing to Les Molunes!