 Jura
Our
holidays are based in the departments of Doubs and Jura in the
east of France. We have four different holidays designed for
all levels of activity - choose one to suit your needs. We have
found some of the very best hotels in the region so you can
be assured of a comfortable stay and excellent local cuisine
at the end of the day.
Arbois
The pretty town of Arbois is the centre of Jura’s wine
trade. Enjoy a patisserie or an ice cream on the pavement outside
the famous Hirsinger chocolatier in the town square. Visit the
nearby village of Pupillin, surrounded by the vineyards that
produce the Appellation d’Origine Contrôllée
wines.
The famous scientist Louis Pasteur grew up in Arbois and his
house is open to visitors in summer. The house has been restored
and contains personal and scientific mementos. Visit the Grottes
des Planches at the end of the steep valley and see the natural
phenomena created by erosion and follow the course of the underground
river through the caves.
Salins les Bains
Visit the 17th century saltworks and the underground galleries
from the Middle Ages. The curious might try a cure thermale
at the salt water baths in water from the springs. Stay in the
best hotel in town where you can choose to eat in any one of
three restaurants.
Arc-et-Senans
The Royal Salt Works at Arc-et-Senans, designed by Claude-Nicolas
Ledoux and built in the 18th century fulfilled his vision of
an ideal city, housing workers and the factories together on
one site in buildings arranged in a semicircle. It became obsolete
as a result of technological advances in the 19th century and
closed in 1895. The buildings have been restored and now hold
architectural exhibits dedicated to the life of Ledoux.
|
|
Ornans
A pretty town, where the houses are built up to the edge of
the Loue river which flows slowly through the centre of the
village. Nearby on the river is the Miroir de Scey, famously
painted by Gustave Courbet who was born in the town and whose
former house is now a museum.
Mouthier Haute-Pierre
Nestling below the cliffs alongside the Loue river it is one
of the most picturesque villages of the region. Divided into
two distinct halves, Mouthier Haut with its narrow alleys snuggled
around the church, and Mouthier Bas whose houses back against
the sides of the valley
Besançon
The bustling city of Besançon built in a meander of the
Doubs River has plenty of shops to browse and cafes for refreshments
as you stroll around this historic city. Visit the 17th century
hilltop citadel which houses an aquarium, zoo, insect house,
museums and other attractions, in particular the Resistance
Museum and the Natural History Museum. The city also has a museum
of fine arts and architecture, housed in what was once the hay
market in the town centre and thought to be France's oldest
museum.
Baume les Messieurs
An exceptional village in a dramatic setting dominated by high
cliffs. The village is reached by a cycle along the gorge carved
by the Seille River. Have a snack in the café or visit
the ancient abbey, disbanded in 1792.
Château Chalon
A picturesque hilltop village set among steeply sloping vineyards,
built around a fortified castle and not to be missed. The village
has given its name to the prestigious Château Chalon wine
which is widely on sale. The views over the village and the
vineyards from the nearby Belvedere de la Rochette, behind the
church, are beautiful and well worth the climb.
|
|
 Cascades
du Hérrison
The spectacular waterfalls stretch along 4 kms of the Hérrison
River. On the walk past the fan-shaped Éventail waterfall,
leave behind most of the casual visitors as you follow the footpath
through the woods to the highest of the falls. Have lunch at
the Auberge nearby before returning to your bicycle to continue
your route.
Champagnole
A typical French town in the heart of Jura with a bustling local
commercial centre and the base for our cycling holidays in the
area. The long high street was reconstructed after a fire in
the 18th century and has remained little changed since. The
town is well positioned for exploring the attractions of the
area and forms a crossroads for local transport links. We stay
at a family-run hotel in Champagnole which has been welcoming
guests since 1875.
Lac St Point
A
vivid blue lake 6 kilometres long surrounded by green hills
that rise towards the mountains in the east. Enjoy the tranquility
of the walkers' path around the lake and the surrounding hills.
Visit the nature reserve and visitor centre at Lac de Remoray
a haven for egrets and herons and kingfishers.
Metabief
Cycle to Metabief, a ski resort in winter and a busy mountain
biking centre in summer. It is close to the summits of Mont
d'Or (1,463m) and Le Morond (1,426m) which offer views across
the Jura plateau and the Alps.
Visit the Fromagerie du Mont d'Or, famous for its cheeses sold
in spruce boxes and eaten hot.
Mont d'Or
Walk along part of the Grande Randonnée long distance
path (named as one of the Sunday Times 'Worlds Best Walks").
The highest peak of the area, Mont d'Or has panoramic views
of the Swiss Alps and the Jura plateaux.
Regional weather
stats
|
