Local Guide: Things to Do in the Jura & Geneva Region From Beauregard Jura

Discover our favorite restaurants, markets, lakes, hikes, and day trips — from Mont Blanc views to medieval villages — all within easy reach of Beauregard Jura.

Food

One of the joys of staying at Beauregard Jura is the variety of food experiences at your doorstep — from rustic mountain chalets serving raclette to elegant lakeside restaurants:

Restaurants

  • Restaurant du Creux-de-Genthod (35–45 minutes)
    Lakeside dining just outside Geneva. Famous for its fresh fish and signature éclair, this is a dinner worth the short drive. Perfect for a special evening.

  • CosyKitchen, Nyon (35 minutes)
    Fresh, modern cuisine in a relaxed setting. A great choice if you’re looking for something contemporary after exploring Lake Geneva.

  • Le Refuge de Florimont (5 minutes)
    Classic Jura dishes near the estate. Think bubbling raclette and cheese fondue in a cozy chalet atmosphere — ideal for a winter evening.

  • L’Accord Parfait, Divonne (15 minutes)
    An easy option close by. Varied menu with good value, convenient for families or a casual night out.

Bakeries & Markets

  • Merveilles de Pain, Chevry (15 minutes)
    Our favorite stop for buttery croissants and pain au chocolat — worth the detour before a day of exploring.

  • Panifico, Ornex (20 minutes)
    Known for its sourdough breads, brioches, and seasonal specialties.

  • Gex Market — Saturdays (9 am – 12:30 pm)
    A smaller market with fresh produce, cheeses, and charcuterie — perfect for picnic supplies.

  • Ferney-Voltaire Market — Saturdays (8 am – 1 pm)
    One of the largest and most vibrant markets in the region, with everything from local produce to international specialties. A lively way to start your weekend.

  • Divonne-les-Bains Market — Sundays (8 am – 1 pm)
    Known for its wide variety of food stalls, flowers, and regional specialties. Excellent for a leisurely Sunday stroll.

Insider tip for guests: Many of our visitors enjoy picking up fresh breads, cheeses, and seasonal fruit at these markets, then enjoying a picnic back on the estate lawns with Mont Blanc views.

Nature & Activities

Col de la Faucille (15 minutes)

A favorite local spot in the Jura mountains with something for every season:

  • Summer: ride the cable car to Mont Rond for sweeping views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, hike on marked trails, or try the alpine luge.

  • Winter: family-friendly skiing, cross-country tracks, and snowshoeing.

Petite Mont Rond & Le Turet Viewpoint (15–20 minutes)

Short hikes with mild inclines that reward you with panoramic views of the Alps and Jura valleys.

Parc Aventure Genève (40 minutes)

A treetop adventure park in Parc des Evaux with ziplines, rope courses, and climbing challenges — great fun for children (ages 5+) and adults alike.

Walk Around Lake Divonne (15 minutes)

A flat, easy 3 km loop — ideal for a morning stroll, jog, or picnic. Families will find a playground, pedal boats in summer, and cafés nearby.

Lakes & Water Sports

  • Lac de Divonne (15 minutes): swimming, paddle boats, and a relaxed family beach.

  • Lake Geneva (30 minutes): beaches in Nyon and Geneva, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and summer boat cruises.

  • Lac des Rousses (40 minutes): a clear alpine lake with swimming, kayaking, and rowboat rentals.

  • Lac de Joux (1h): a broad mountain lake in the Jura, ideal for paddleboarding and sailing.

Paragliding in Annecy (1h15)

For the adventurous: Annecy is one of Europe’s most famous spots for paragliding. Glide above turquoise waters and mountains — an unforgettable way to see the Alps.

On the Estate Grounds

Sometimes the best day is the simplest. Stroll through Beauregard’s woodlands, enjoy a picnic on the lawns, or relax in the gardens with Mont Blanc views.

Insider tip: In summer, pair a morning market visit with an afternoon swim or paddle — it’s the perfect way to experience the region at a slower pace.

Day Trips

With Beauregard as your base, some of the region’s most memorable destinations are just a short drive away:

  • Annecy (1h15)
    Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its canals, turquoise lake, and charming old town. Spend the day strolling cobbled streets, swimming or boating on the lake, and enjoying Savoyard specialties in the many restaurants.

  • Lausanne & Lavaux Vineyards (50 minutes – 1h)
    Lausanne is a lively Swiss city with the Olympic Museum, a Gothic cathedral, and a lakeside promenade. Just beyond the city stretch the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Terraced vines spill down to Lake Geneva, with wine tastings and walking trails that make for an unforgettable afternoon.

  • Gruyère (1h30)
    A picture-perfect medieval town surrounded by rolling hills. Visit the Gruyère cheese factory, explore the château, and finish with a taste of the region’s famous double cream with meringues.

  • Yvoire (Ferry from Nyon, ~1h travel)
    A medieval village on the French side of Lake Geneva, often listed among the most beautiful in France. The ferry from Nyon makes the journey part of the experience, with stunning views across the water. Once there, wander flower-filled lanes, visit the gardens, and enjoy lakeside dining.

  • Geneva (30 minutes)
    An easy option for shopping, museums, lakeside walks, and dining.

Culture

Château de Voltaire, Ferney-Voltaire (25 minutes)

Once home to the philosopher Voltaire, this château has elegant rooms, landscaped gardens, and exhibitions that bring his story to life.

Wine & Cheese Traditions

The Jura is famous for Comté cheese and wines like Vin Jaune. A highlight is the Fort des Rousses (40 minutes) — a former military fort now housing one of the largest cheese-aging cellars in Europe. Guided tours offer a fascinating look at the making of Comté, and tastings are included. Booking in advance is essential.

Salins-les-Bains Saltworks (1h15)

A UNESCO-listed site where centuries of salt production shaped the town. Guided tours take you into the historic galleries and salt-making rooms.

Geneva’s Cultural Highlights (30 minutes)

From the United Nations to the Patek Philippe Museum and the Museum of Art and History, Geneva has cultural stops for all interests.

Lausanne Museums (50 minutes)

The Olympic Museum is a favorite for families, while the Collection de l’Art Brut offers a world-renowned display of outsider art.