And if, for once, we explored a region starting with its basement? In the mountains of the Jura, water, omnipresent, has shaped a unique relief where underground caves are deployed, to visit for their incredible natural scenography!
On the surface, between mountains, waterfalls and lakes, the landscapes of the Jura, grandiose, are savored in every way, skiing, hiking or cycling. And in cultural visits: in the folds of the valleys, nestle also cited, castles and abbeys of character ...
The must-sees of your stay in the Jura mountains
Do you know what a "remote" person is? To understand everything about this geological phenomenon, go to Baume-les-Messieurs. This village, one of the most beautiful in France, is set between cliffs in the hollow of one of the indentations of the limestone plateau. Admire the superb architectural ensemble formed by the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, some elements including the church, are typical of the Romanesque Jura style.
And one slips into the side of the cliffs for an extraordinary journey under the ground: at 120 meters deep, the cave extends over 2,500 meters, offering the spectacle of its immense halls - 80 meters high for some! its concretions, and an impressive waterfall springing from one of its openings.
In the Jura, the five senses are in turmoil, including the winter where we warm up with the specialties. Château-Chalon is famous for its yellow wine, the "king of wines and wine of kings". But it is also a beautiful village perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the vineyard.
The neighboring village of Arlay is considered the capital of "straw wine", a sweet local wine. A rich heritage is found here: mansions windows, Saint-Vincent church, crowned with a superb Comtois steeple, and an unusual castle: its eight-hectare park created in 1773 in the spirit of the romanticism of the time , integrates the remains of the old medieval fortress. Inside, we visit the beautifully appointed princely apartments but also the large cellar dating back to the 17th century where the wines of the estate are still aging. In the old Dole, a magnificent Renaissance building dominates the Tanneurs canal: the Hôtel-Dieu is one of the jewels of the heritage of "little Venice Jura" with the Basilica of Our Lady. And in Orgelet, fortified church, mansions and former convent Bernardines strengthen the stamp of this city nestled at the foot of Mount Orgier.
- The Jura: Lake District
The Jura mountains are also a region of lakes like Lake Vouglans, the third artificial lake in France that stretches for 35 kilometers long emerald waters conducive to aquatic pleasures with three ports and three beaches. And in the Hérisson Valley, the eponymous river turns into a stream that forms 31 jumps and seven waterfalls on a path of 3.7 kilometers. Do not miss the jump of the Fan and the big jump: the waterfalls reach 65 meters high!
Taste the delights of Jura
In the hollow of the mountains of Jura, the culinary specialties are the mirror of the rural life. Starting with cheeses: blue Gex whose origin dates back to the arrival of Savoyard monks, county whose refining often requires between 8 and 24 months. Morteau sausage, made from pork, was traditionally smoked in the "tuyés", farms built around a fireplace room. It is sometimes eaten with potatoes sprinkled with cancoillotte, delicious cheese fondue. In the Bresse region, butter and cream benefit from controlled appellations, just like poultry, which can be accompanied by a tasty morel crust, mushroom stew with cream and toast.
Between sport and relaxation in the Jura mountains
Winter or summer, the Jura mountains are a paradise for nature activities. Ski in the heart of the Haut Jura Regional Nature Park in the resort of Les Rousses with a view of Mont Blanc, explore the Prémanon cross-country ski area in the middle of forests or cycle through the "little mountain" around the village of Cornod ... So many tracks for athletes! To mix with a relaxing parenthesis in the thermal baths of Salins-les-Bains, whose naturally salty waters are rich in trace elements or an oenological break in Arbois where between vineyard houses and mansions, the tasting cellars invite you to taste this wine classified AOC.