Jura, a scenic town in the South of France, is quickly becoming a fan-favorite tourist destination. Not only is the place picturesque and filled with beautifully structured architectural pieces but also, it’s rich in culture. But what it is known for the most is the variety of great vineyards hence why it’s hard to find a wine lover who has yet to get this destination on their bucket list. If you plan to visit the place, here is a detailed guide to all the tourist hot spots you should consider visiting.
Poligny
If you like to enjoy your wine with a selection of freshly made cheese, then Poligny should be on your checklist. The town has many dairy and fruit farms that produce the materials required to make a mean charcuterie board and Comte cheese. Therefore, book a day tour to visit different farms and taste different cheeses accompanied by whatever wine is deemed best.
Alternatively, you could book a historic walk around the town as you take in the beautiful scenery and waterfalls and learn about the town’s history.
Voiteur
If you want an intimate holiday in Jura outside of the crowded tourist areas, then Voiteur should be on your list. Although it’s a small quaint village, it’s far from boring as it has a lot of unique experiences.
Firstly, the town has many farms that grow a particular type of grape that produces an outstanding sweet wine called Vin de Paille. The fact that the wine is dried using straw mats gives it a pleasant texture, and you are bound to keep returning for refills.
Wine aside, you will love that the town is filled with cute houses boarded with vast vineyards. And because Jura is a four-season destination, the place is beautiful and scenic regardless of when you visit. Feel free to book a local tour to take you to the rocky cliffs for a hike or photoshoot.
Arbois
It’s best to visit Jura over a couple of days, say five days. And on one of the days, consider visiting the quiet town of Arbois. Remember that it’s best to wear comfortable shoes because the city is best explored on foot as it’s small and has beautiful streets you might love to walk through. At the heart of the town, you will notice that wine shops belong to vineyards around the Jura area.
Since most shops have a sitting area and offer wine tasting, you could opt to hop from one shop to another looking for bottles you would like to buy. Alternatively, consider visiting the wine museum, where you will learn about different wines and how they are made and get to buy some.
Once you finish the activities mentioned above, Arbois has very nice French restaurants that offer authentic French cuisine. The best part is that most restaurants are surrounded by beautiful views, making the food even more enjoyable. Finally, finish the day off wandering across the town, admiring its stunning architecture, and if you are lucky, you will witness the beautiful sunsets the place is known for.
The Haut Jura National Park
Jura has something for everyone. Therefore, if you aren’t into wine or want to do something different for a day during your trip, consider going to the Haut Jura national park. It is indigenously protected and therefore has lots of diverse vegetation and animals. The climate there is mountainous, especially if you go to the high altitude areas; therefore, ensure you carry warm clothing.
If you visit during Summer or fall, consider going for a hike, as there are six different trails to choose from. Besides the stunning views, you will also see a waterfall and river, in which you can even swim.
Chateau Colon
Since the mid-centuries, Chateau Colon has made a name for itself as one of the most beautiful villages ever. It is perched on a mountaintop from which you can see the vast extent of the vineyards in Jura and the local villages. All the buildings have character, and walking through the town will make you feel like you went back to the middle ages (as far as the views are concerned.)
Aside from that, foodies are bound to love this place as it boosts several acclaimed French restaurants. The best part is everything is locally sourced and, therefore, as fresh as possible. If you are a wine lover, you will love the authentic yellow wine made in the city called Vin Jaune; It’s sweet and has a yellow undertone, unlike most popular wines.
Lons-le-Saunier
Most of the hyped towns in Jura have a more country vibe as they are home to expansive vineyards. However, if you want a more modern holiday, consider centering most of your time in Jura’s capital city, Lons-le-Saunier. Here you can visit museums to learn about how the town came to be while you view exciting artifacts.
The fact that the town is partially surrounded by water gives it an outstanding balance between urban and country, ensuring you enjoy Jura’s main attraction. Besides museums, cathedrals, and parks, you can opt for a wine tour, where you will be taken to designated places that sell all the authentic wines from around the vineyards in the Jura area. This way, you get all the benefits.
Conclusion
Jura is the idea of heaven for any wine lover. Not only is it the hub of unique and authentic French wine, but you also enjoy the stunning views thanks to the extensive vineyards. Also, most places named in the article above are in the countryside. Therefore, the buildings are historical, and the people are also quite friendly.
