Crêt de la Neige is a mountain peak in eastern France, rising to 1,720 m and standing as the highest point in the Jura Mountains. It lies in the commune of Thoiry, in the department of Ain, within France.

The summit is part of the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura, a protected landscape that helps preserve the region’s alpine meadows, forests, and limestone terrain. Like much of the Jura, the mountain belongs to a long ridge formed by folded rock rather than isolated volcanic or granite massifs, giving it a broad, elongated profile.

Geography and landscape

Crêt de la Neige is known less for a sharp summit than for its high ridge setting. The area is typical of the Jura Mountains, with karst features, forested slopes, and open areas above the tree line. On clear days, the high elevation can provide wide views across eastern France and toward the Alps, making the site attractive to hikers and visitors interested in mountain scenery.

The mountain is often mentioned alongside Le Reculet, another prominent summit on the same ridge and one of the best-known neighboring peaks of the Jura. Together, these summits define the highest part of the French Jura and are important reference points in regional geography.

Protection and recreation

Because it lies inside a regional natural park, the area around Crêt de la Neige is valued for both conservation and outdoor recreation. Hiking is the most common activity in the warmer months, while winter conditions can make access more demanding. Visitors are generally drawn by the quiet mountain environment, the long ridge walks, and the contrast between open summits and surrounding forest.

  • Elevation: 1,720 m
  • Region: Jura Mountains, eastern France
  • Department: Ain
  • Protected area: Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park

As the highest summit in its range, Crêt de la Neige has symbolic importance in the geography of the Jura. It marks a natural high point in a mountain chain that is lower and gentler than the French Alps, yet still distinctive for its landscape, ecology, and long-distance views.