Pontarlier-Jougne

The current route was already one of the most important roads in this area during the time of the Celts and Romans. Until the 14th century, it crossed the only pass over the Jura Mountains (1008 m above sea level) that was passable all year round. This mountain range forms the watershed between the Rhine (North Sea) and the Rhone (Mediterranean) between Basel and Geneva. In the road network of Charlemagne in the 9th century, Switzerland was the hub of Europe, and this route from Pontarlier via the Col de Jougne to Italy was mentioned in this context as the most direct connection, and it still is today.