Sightseeing & Wine tourism in Jura
From Clos Alice, set off to stroll the narrow streets of Arbois, roam the vineyards and explore the Jura’s forests and landscapes. A region with a strong identity and a rich natural, cultural, craft and culinary heritage awaits you all year round.
Your hosts will be delighted to show you this area of the Jura and share their best addresses with you.
Arbois
Arbois, the capital of Jura wines, and a town steeped in history.
Stroll through the streets and lanes of this charming town and discover its superb heritage. From Saint-Just church to the Pont des Capucins bridge, Gloriette Tower and Château Pécauld, discover the town’s history. Step inside a typical Franche-Comté mansion to visit the Hôtel Sarret de Grozon Museum of Art, which houses paintings by local artists, sculptures and antique furniture.
Arbois was also the home of Louis Pasteur, an iconic figure in this wine-growing region. His family home is open to the public, and showcases his work on pasteurisation or the rabies vaccination.
Local culinary specialists, such as comté cheese houses, wine cellars, bars & restaurants, chocolate and pastry shops will delight your taste buds.
Note: Check opening times, which may vary according to the season.
At the heart of the Jura and surrounding areas
Towns and villages:
- • Château-Chalon : The cradle of the famous Vin Jaune, the village is officially one of ‘France’s most beautiful villages’. This village, perched on a rocky outcrop, awaits your visit.
• Baume-les-Messieurs : A cave, a waterfall, the Imperial Abbey; this village is a must! A typical Jura retreat, it offers a surprising landscape. Discover a magnificent setting!
• Lons-le-Saunier : The county seat of the Jura, this tourism and business town is also the birthplace of Rouget-de-Lisle, composer of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. The town is also renowned for its thermal springs. Take the family to see the La Vache Qui Rit® Museum [The Laughing Cow], probably one of the most popular cheeses for children (and grown-ups)!
• Dole : Narrow lanes, a Collegiate, pleasure harbour on the Doubs, and a host of other delights shape the charm of this town. There’s always an air of holidays here in the summer. The famous scientist Louis Pasteur was born here, and his birthplace home is open to the public
- • Besançon : Crossed by the River Doubs, overlooked by the citadel built by Vauban, this town is the ‘Time Capital’, a name earned thanks to its clock-making history and its Museum of Time. The town can be explored on foot, but also by taking a river cruise along the Doubs.
• Salins-les-Bains : This small village, nestled between two cliffs, is famous for its UNESCO-listed ‘Grande Saline’, or salt-water springs. Two fortresses, Fort de Saint-André and Fort Belin, once protected the village, but are not open to the public. Salins-les-Bains is also popular with hiking fans, who climb to Mont Poupet from the trail departing from the upper heights of the village. The thermal spas are another attraction here.
• Arc-et-Senans : The Saline Royale is the major attraction of this village. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed saltworks are located in the centre of a 13-hectare park. The summertime Garden Festival is also an opportunity to discover 30 gardens. A haven of peace with a rich architectural, cultural and natural offer.
• Poligny : The village to visit if you are a fan of the famous Comté cheese! The Maison du Comté is a museum dedicated entirely to this emblematic product. To round off your visit, stroll through the streets and explore Saint-Hippolyte church. The more adventurous can set off on a hike around the Croix du Dan, where spectacular views of the town and the Jura region await them.
Natural sites and the great outdoors: Lakes, caves and hiking trails:
- • The Tufs waterfall, or ‘Reculée des Planches’: Numerous karst hiking trails to the waterfall, the belvedere of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval and the Moidons cave.
• Chalain Lake: Nestled in the heart of the forest, this the Jura’s largest natural lake. It is a popular bathing spot in the summer, and offers two beaches with facilities. Its turquoise waters lend an air of tropical lagoons.
• Vouglans: At 35km long, this is France’s 3rd largest man-made lake, and a water-based playground for all ages. Swimming, fishing, canoeing and a host of other activities await you on your getaway to the Jura!
• Clairvaux: The ideal spot for a family outing and swimming.
• Hérisson waterfalls: A short hiking trail takes you through a series of jumps and waterfalls, including the impressive Saut de l’Eventail (65 m) and Grand Saut (60 m).
From meadows to forests, plains and vineyards, the Jura is a paradise for hikers (or fans of other outdoor activities). Whatever your level, you’ll find your perfect itinerary here!
Jura vineyards
The Jura Wine Route: This 80km wine tourism route through the Revermont hillsides is the ideal way to explore landscapes shaped by vineyards and meet with local wine-growers. France’s smallest vineyard boasts numerous treasures and a distinctive character not to be overlooked.
Discover Pupillin, Château-Chalon, Montigny-les-Arsures and more.
With 4 appellations (AOP Arbois – the oldest in France -, AOP Château-Chalon, AOP l’Etoile, and AOP Côte du Jura), the region’s vineyard is home to a wide variety of unique wines, including the famous Macvin, Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille, as well as distinctive whites (Chardonnay and Savagnin) and reds (Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir).
Things to do in the Jura
Golf courses in the area:
• Golf du Val d’Amour in Parcey (30 km away)
• Golf du Val de Sorne (48 km), among France’s 20 most beautiful golf courses
• Golf du Rochat in Les Rousses (66 km), The Jura’s 18-hole course par excellence
• Golf de La Chevillotte in Besançon (55 km).
Thermal spas:
• Salins-les-Bains: Thermasalina (Thermal baths and spas)
• Lons-le-Saunier: ValVital
Casinos:
- Salins-les-Bains
- Lons-le-Saunier
- Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux
