Beautiful nature and interesting historical sites attract many visitors to the Jura, an area of France that roughly corresponds to the old province of Franche-Comté. The Jura is one of France’s most picturesque regions, bordered by the rolling hills of Burgundy to the west, the Vosges to the north and the Swiss lakes to the east. The majestic Jura Mountains lie between the Saône River and the border with Switzerland. The French Jura shares a 250 kilometer border with Switzerland, behind which lies the Swiss Jura.
The pastoral landscape of the French Jura is dotted with cultural treasures: medieval towns, beautiful Romanesque churches and relaxing spas. In winter, the ski areas of the Jura offer a winter wonderland with powder snow and well-groomed slopes. In summer, holidaymakers enjoy the longer days and pleasant weather in this beautiful part of the French countryside.
1 Besançon
Besançon enjoys a picturesque location on the winding River Doubs on the edge of the French Jura. In the Middle Ages, Besançon was the most important city of the historic region of Franche-Comté (the former “Free Province” of Burgundy). Start a city tour at Place du 8 Septembre where the Eglise Saint-Pierre and Hôtel de Ville are located. Nearby is the 16th century Palais de Justice (Courts), once the seat of the Parliament of Franche-Comté. The city’s main street, Grande Rue , follows the line of the Roman road Vicus Magnus. The uniform houses of the Grand Rue were constructed by Vauban in the 17th century.
Vauban’s masterpiece, the UNESCO Citadel is a remarkable fortress 100 meters above the old town, with spectacular views. This fortress has 20 meter high walls that are more than five meters thick. At the Place Archéologique A. Castan are the remains of an ancient theater and cistern. The 11th-13th century cathedral features a Virgin and Child with Saints painting by Fra Bartolommeo (1518). More wonderful art can be found at the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologie , which has an excellent archaeological collection and beautiful paintings from the 15th to the 20th century, including works by Tintoretto, Rubens, Goya, Courbet, Bonnard and Picasso.
Accommodation: where to stay in Besançon
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2 Baume-les-Messieurs
Standing majestically on a chalk cliff surrounded by woodland, this jewel of the French Jura is listed as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages (Most Beautiful Villages). The village of Baume-les-Messieurs grew up around an abbey originally founded by the Irish monk Columban in the 6th century. Then the famous Cluny Abbey was founded here by Benedictine monks in 910. The Abbey Church was built between the 12th and 15th centuries in Romanesque-Gothic style. Spend some time admiring the serene sanctuary with a beautiful 16th-century Flemish triptych and several beautiful sculptures. Visitors will also enjoy strolling around the charming village and browsing the many artisan and artistic boutiques.
The town’s beautiful surroundings with peaceful nature, waterfalls and caves are equally inspiring, adding another layer of interest to this historic village. The Grotte de Baume-les-Messieurs is a 120-meter-long cave that is dazzling with thousands of stalagmites and stalactites and even waterfalls. Another interesting cave, the Cirque des Baume , is located about three kilometers south of Baume-les-Messieurs.
Accommodation: Where to stay near Baume-les-Messieurs
3 Belfort
Steeped in history, the town of Belfort is located on the Savoureuse River at a strategic point on the route between the Vosges Mountains in Alsace and the Jura. Until the 14th century, the city belonged to the Counts of Montbéliard and has since endured the turbulence of many different rulers. A monument in the square, Place de la République, commemorates the city’s tumult; the large Monument des Trois Sièges by Colmar sculptor AF Bartholdi (1904) recalls the three sieges of 1813-1814, 1815 and 1870-1871. Another memorial monument is the Lion of Belfort dedicated to this “City of the Lion”. Bartholdi made this beautiful sculpture from red sandstone from the Vosges and it seems to guard the city.
Also overlooking Belfort is the Castle (Citadel) which stands on a 70 meter high steep rock. The castle was rebuilt by Vauban as a citadel with impressive fortifications and a terrace with panoramic views over the Jura region and the Vosges. The citadel also houses a natural history museum. Other notable sights include the Porte de Brisach , a remnant of the city’s ancient ramparts; the 18th century Cathédrale Saint-Christophe with a beautiful interior; and the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) built in 1784.
4 Trees
Surrounded by picturesque, green rolling hills, Arbois is a pleasant town with beautiful 18th-century houses on the Place de la Liberté and a church from the 12th to 13th centuries, the Eglise Saint-Just . The Musée Sarret de Grozon (on Grand Rue) has an excellent collection of paintings, furniture and ceramics. The city’s most famous resident, Louis Pasteur, spent his early years in Arbois and returned often. The Maison de Louis Pasteur , where Louis Pasteur lived and conducted experiments, is now associated with the Institut du France Académie des Sciences and is open to the public. The house (including the laboratory) has been faithfully preserved.
For those who enjoy nature experiences, a scenic detour (five kilometers from Arbois) is the Reculée des Planches landscape , the unique limestone plateau of the Jura full of lush vegetation, waterfalls and amazing wildlife, including falcons. The main attraction of this area is the Grotte des Planches , an underground cavern that was carved out by two sources of the Cuisance River and through which an underground river still flows. A few kilometers from the Grotte des Planches is the medieval village of La Châtelaine and a breathtaking viewpoint of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval .
5 Poligny in County of Grimont
Explore the heart of the Franche-Comté countryside in the historic county of Comté de Grimont. Driving through this rural area, travelers will see many ancient monasteries, convents and churches along the road to Poligny. This city is a valuable destination with many cultural treasures. Poligny’s most striking features are its ancient towers: the Tour de Paradis and Tour de la Sergenterie , remains of medieval ramparts. A must-see sight, the Collégiale Saint-Hippolyte built in 1415, is one of the most exclusive churches in the Franche-Comté region. The church has harmonious lines and fine vaults and contains 15th-century statues of the Burgundian school. The Eglise des Jacobins , was formerly part of a Dominican monastery, founded in 1271 by Alix de Méranie, the Countess of Burgundy. This 13th century church is an example of a pure High Gothic style with three naves and ornate corner stones. An even older church is the Eglise Monthier-Vieillard , a beautiful Romanesque building dating from the 9th century.
The Comté de Grimont is a beautiful pastoral area and is known for its gastronomic specialties, especially its cured meats and Comté cheese. The Maison du Comté (on Avenue de la Résistance) is a museum that informs visitors about the processes of cheese production and offers a tasting of Comté cheese.
6 Pérouges
This beautifully preserved medieval town is distinguished by its atmospheric cobbled streets and beautiful old buildings. The tower of a medieval fortress stands as a testimony to the glorious history of Pérouges, with an arched gate giving access to the city. Visitors will enjoy walking the charming streets and admiring the picturesque half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages. The most notable half-timbered house is L’Ostellerie , one of the oldest auberges in France. The town also has an impressive church, the Eglise Wall . Pérouges is known for its lively festivals throughout the year: the Weekend Mousquetaire (Musketeer Weekend), the Venetian Carnival , and the Fête Médiévale (Medieval festival). The central square is typical of an old French town, except for the elegant sundial. In summer the village square is used for the Marché d’été , an open-air market popular with locals, and at Christmas the town has a Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) with a festive atmosphere and many handmade gift items for sale.
7 Arc-et-Senans
The UNESCO list The town of Arc-et-Senans is a fascinating place to visit. This city came into the spotlight with the founding of the Saline Royale (Royal Saltworks) commissioned by King Louis XV. The elegant neoclassical salt factory building is a masterpiece of industrial design created by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux. During the 18th-19th centuries, the saltworks provided an important industry, producing salt from natural sources of underground water 200 meters deep. King Louis’ commission included an ambitious plan to build the ideal industrial city. The circular layout of the city consists of five pavilions and two large storage areas grouped around an administrative building. The salt mines closed at the end of the 19th century and now houses the Musée du Sel (Museum of Salt) and the Musée Claude Nicolas Ledoux , a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous royal architect.
8 allowance
The former capital of the historic Comté de Bourgogne (the ancient County of Burgundy), Dole is located just above the junction where the Doubs River meets the Rhine-Rhode Canal. Dole was the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, who left town at the age of five. The house on Rue Pasteur where he was born is now a museum, the Musée Pasteur , with memories of the family and illustrations of Pasteur’s scientific achievements. The architectural highlights of the city are the 16th century Eglise Notre-Dame and the 15th-18th century houses in the old part of the city around the church. Another must-see sight is the Hôtel de Froissard at 7 Rue du Mont-Roland. This elegant 17th-century hôtel particulier (private residence) exemplifies the grandeur of a bygone era.
9 Château d’Arlay
In a peaceful setting overlooking the rolling hills of the Jura, the Château d’Arlay is one of the most beautiful estates in the region. The castle is on the site of a monastery built in 1650 and was purchased by the Count of Lauraguais, the Princess of Isenghien in 1774. The Countess reconstructed the building in 1774 in a neoclassical style inspired by the Salines Royales building in Arc-et- Senans.The updated castle and accommodations are designed to be fit for a princess and her guests. The monastery was converted into an elegant courtyard and the interior was redesigned with large halls and luxurious guest rooms. The courtyard opens into the Parc Romantique , beautiful gardens with a beautiful fountain, many flowers and fruit trees, and a Jardin des Jeux , an area reserved for croquet and other games. The castle is open to the public; the rooms in view have been beautifully preserved with the original furnishings.
Address: Château d’Arlay, Route de Proby, 39140 Arlay
10 Montbéliard
Known as “La Cité des Princes” (city of the princes), this cultured city has more than eight centuries of royal history. Built on the site of a 5th-century fortress, the beautiful Montbéliard Castle was created for the Comtes de Montbéliard in the 14th century. Standing high above the town, the castle with its medieval towers is clearly visible from a distance. The castle is open to the public and has several museum collections. The history collection features paintings and art objects, illustrating the timeline of princes who lived at the castle. There are also archaeological, natural history and contemporary art collections. Other interesting sights include the Tempel Saint-Martin , an austere Protestant church built in 1601, and the Eglise Saint-Maimboeuf , a nineteenth-century church in neo-Renaissance style built to confirm the conquest of the Catholic faith.
11 Nozeroy
The quaint medieval hilltop village of Nozeroy has the distinction of being the smallest town in France. In the 16th century, Nozeroy was the center of the mountainous region of Upper Burgundy, which became part of Franche-Comté. Nozeroy was a city of the Lords of Chalon and from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance it was a center of economic activity, religious faith and humanistic ideas. Nozeroy’s historic buildings and idyllic rural setting give the town a charming Old World atmosphere. Visitors have an impression of stepping back in time to the Middle Ages. Some of the well-preserved features include two city gates, the 15th century Eglise Saint-Antoine and the old houses along Grande Rue . Be sure to see the Tour de l’horlog (Clock Gate Tower), an impressive tower that is the last remnant of the Château des Chalons.
12 Ronchamp
The old mining town of Ronchamp, hidden in the green Rahin Valley, has an interesting mining museum, the Musée de la Mine . However, Ronchamp is best known for the Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut built between 1950 and 1954. This unique church is located on the top of a hill high above the city, a place of historical and spiritual importance. The view from this location extends to the Vosges Mountains. Created towards the end of Le Corbusier’s career, the Chapel of Notre-Dame is a surprising departure from his previous more cubist-inspired projects. The church has an avant-garde sculpture design with a curved roof and a random collection of slit windows. The colored glass windows allow ethereal jewel-like light to filter into the sanctuary. The interior also contains a precious statue of the ancient Virgin Mary. There are two annual pilgrimages dedicated to the Virgin Mary, an August 15 pilgrimage and a September 8 pilgrimage .
13 decorating
In the picturesque Loue Valley, the attractive town of Ornans is best known as the birthplace of the painter Gustave Courbet. The house where the artist was born now contains the Musée Gustave Courbet . Ornans is a pleasant place to discover at your leisure. Take a walk through the old town and discover the beautiful historic houses. The town also has an interesting Romanesque church, the Eglise Saint-Laurent , built in the 12th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries the church was changed, expanded and richly decorated; as a result, the interior reflects a mix of different architectural styles.
14 Château de Frontenay
This majestic medieval castle stands on a protected track, an ideal location during the Middle Ages. The building seems to dominate the site and has the appearance of a fortress. Renovations in the 18th century gave the medieval building a more luxurious interior and added beautiful terraced gardens. The Château de Frontenay is open to the public for conferences, receptions and seminars.
Nature reserves, spas and ski areas
Colomby de Gex
In the mountains near the Swiss border, Colomby de Gex is one of the best viewpoints in the Jura. To get here, take the road south from the Col de la Faucille and then walk along the footpath to Colomby de Gex (about a two-hour drive). From the top, the panoramic view extends to the Alps and Lake Geneva.
Culoz
Culoz is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers and is the perfect location for a climb to the Massif du Grand Colombier . This spectacular mountain is a place of majestic beauty with breathtaking views from the top. Culoz also has an incredible castle on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful landscape. The Château de Montvéran was built in 1316 and was inhabited by many illustrious men including the Constable of Bourbon.
Divonne-les-Bains
An important spa town since ancient times, Divonne-les-Bains is located between the Jura and Lake Geneva. The thermal springs offer a pleasant temperature and health benefits. The town also has a racecourse and a golf course. Divonne-les-Bains is home to the Esplanade du Lac , a range of cultural performances including theatre, music, dance, circus acts and comedy.
Redheads
The main attraction of Les Rousses is skiing in winter. The ski area of Les Rousses includes the four villages of Bois d’Amont, Lamoura, Les Rousses and Prémanon. These ski areas are close to the French Alps and the border with Switzerland. In summer, hiking, golfing, water sports and other outdoor activities are popular. Les Rousses is also famous for its regional Juraflore Comté cheese. The Caves d’Affinage de Comté Juraflore au Fort des Rousses (Cheese Aging Cellars) make Comté cheese using traditional methods. Firstly, the milk comes from the Juraflore dairy and the rounds of Comté cheese are aged in the underground cellars. This cheese aging cellar is one of the largest in Europe.
Lons-le-Saunier
This spa town is blessed with a picturesque location in the heart of the Jura countryside. Lons-le-Saunier is also known as the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle who wrote the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. Another boast: the popular cheese brand ” La Vache qui rit ” (“The Laughing Cow”) is based here.
Luxeuil-les-Bains
The perfect spot for tourists looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, this elegant spa town is located on the edge of the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park . Luxeuil-les-Bains has been a popular holiday destination since Roman times. The thermal baths of this area are known for their ability to improve health conditions. Luxeuil-les-Bains is also appreciated for the beautiful architecture in its historic center; many of the old sandstone buildings are listed historic monuments.
Malbuisson
Surrounded by unspoilt, deeply wooded forests, the village of Malbuisson is close to Lake Saint-Point, a short distance from Mont d’Or. Many skiers appreciate Malbuisson because the spacious and serene ski area is an escape from the larger, busier ski areas. Malbuisson has five ski areas: Métabief, Les Fourgs, Le Larmont, Entre-les-Fourgs and Rochejean. In summer the area is popular for walking, as well as water sports on Lake Malbuisson.
Saint-Claude
In the heart of the Jura, Saint-Claude is a popular holiday destination for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Alpine ski resorts are here as well as opportunities for cross-country skiing. In the town of Saint-Claude, the main attraction is the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre (formerly an abbey church) built in the 14th-15th centuries, one of the most beautiful churches in the Jura.
Salins-les-Bains
Nestled in a valley overlooking the Poupet Mountain, this typical town of Franche-Comté is known for its thermal baths and cultural heritage. The town takes its name from the French word for “salt”, as it has been a center of the salt industry since the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, the city’s salt extraction was linked to the Royal Saltworks in Arc-et-Senans. A top attraction in Salins-les-Bains is the Thermal Center , which features fitness activities, recreational swimming, spa treatments and medical treatments from the thermal waters. The town also has several old churches dating back to the 13th century.
Villers-le-Lac
Along the pristine River Doubs, Villers-le-Lac is a small mountain town near the Swiss border in an exciting natural setting. The tranquil lakes, gentle streams and majestic waterfalls provide an idyllic backdrop for nature walks, hiking, cycling, boating and fishing. In winter, this area is popular for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. About seven kilometers from Villers-le-Lac is the Val de Morteau ski area . This well-developed alpine ski area has ten lifts for a total of almost 100 kilometers of runs.
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