Jura Travel Guide

Take the drive on the N83 from Bourg-en-Bresse to Salins les Bains to take in the classified vine areas (Cotes du Jura, Chateau Chalon, L'Etoile & Arbois). Do some homework before the trip to discover the wine types and the gastronomic specialities of the region. Try the sparkling wine, Crement de Jura & the still wines, reds of Pinot Noir; whites from Chardonnay & Savagnin. Also the Chateau-Chalon jaunes & some of the aperitif style fortified wines. You maybe lucky (or be well prepared) to arrive during one of several fetes & wine shows held during the year.
Don't neglect the cheeses of the Region. Comte & Raclette are two (of many) which you may have already heard of.

Train or car are the best ways to reach the Jura. The plateau is also a great domain for bikers, but better start here.
Car is best transportation to see all the sights. With bike you can explore the Jura, yet reckon with the fact that on the plateau too, there are steep slopes and hills. Hiking is a wonderful way to unify with the surrounding nature. To get down-hill, you can choose on various locations for 'rodelen'. In summertime the sleds are with wheels and still go very fast.

As many already know, the French are true live-enjoyers. Their wine is one way to enjoy live and in the Jura are some, not so well-known, but delicious exquisit wines. The cheeses have already some influence from the Swiss, because they are close to some famous ones made just over the border. The alpine fields are a good place for cows, so the basic ingrediant is there. Try the local dish and let yourself be surprised.

Chateau de Joux (castel of fun?) is near the samenamed lake (see accomodations) and lies magnificently on top of a rockformation, between two mountains. It held the surrounding valleys under control and still shows the power it once has had.

Favorite thing: Go hiking through the area. The Jura is a magnificent wandering area with a huge variety in landscapes. The mountains, many mountainlakes, waterfalls, wells, great castles, pictoresk villages, deep rivervalleys (the European Canyons), deep caves and green forests. The Jura stretches also over the border in Switzerland.

Fondest memory: Laying in the grass along the river Doubt at night. It's so dark that the Milky Way is clearly visable and numerous shooting stars make you run out of wishes.