The Jura – A Taste Of Traditional France

Itinerary

7 Day Itinerary

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service then to northern France for an overnight stay.

• Day 2 - Besançon

  Continue south and into the Jura, to Besançon, capital of Franche-Comté. Explore the delightful Old Town, which is built around a loop on the River Doubs. The city is dominated by the imposing medieval citadel which overlooks the town. See the Renaissance Palais Granvelle, Victor Hugo’s birthplace and the famous Astronomical Clock. We include a guided walk of the city before we continue to our hotel in Malbuisson four nights. Enjoy a welcome drink before our 4-course meal in the gastronomic Restaurant le Lac.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - Wine, Salt & Jura Foothills

  After breakfast, head through the rolling foothills of the Jura Mountains to the picturesque wine town of Arbois – which is also the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. Regarded as the Jura’s wine capital, Arbois is known for its rosé wine and distinctive Vin Jaune. Stroll around the pretty winding streets of this little town and then enjoy a local wine tasting. Lunch is included at a restaurant in Arbois or Salins les Bois.

  This afternoon takes us on a guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans. Witness fascinating examples of 18th century industrial architecture. Tonight, we enjoy our evening meal at the rustic A La Ferme restaurant.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4 - Cheese & Absinthe

  A short drive this morning takes us to Fort St. Antoine, an old military fortress now used to store thousands of the famous local Comte cheeses. Enjoy a guided visit and tasting of the famous local produce in the fort's cellars. We head back to the hotel for lunch in the gastronomic Restaurant le Lac.

  After lunch, we include a one-hour boat trip on Lac St Point, followed by a walk along the lake shores. We then head by coach to the town of Pontarlier, whose history is inextricably linked to absinthe. In the 19th century, it was the world capital of the infamous drink also called the 'green fairy'. For those brave enough, a tasting of absinthe and other local alcohols has been arranged! Tonight, we enjoy more cheese, where we follow in the footsteps of Rick Stein during his recent Secret France series on Channel 4 and settle down for a meal in the typical Restaurant du Fromage. A Fondue Jurassien, made with local wine and comte cheese is always a fun experience.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5 - A Day In The Haut Doubs

  This morning, we include a visit to the stunning Chateau de Joux, perched on its rocky promontory dominating the access routes between France and Switzerland. Originally a fort, the building has a long history including time used as a prison, and is now a museum. We later head back to the hotel for lunch at the rustic A la Ferme restaurant.

  After lunch we travel via the gorges of the Doubs River to Villers le Lac on the Franco-Swiss border. From here, we have arranged a 7km boat trip on the river up to the stunning Saut du Doubs waterfall, a French 'Grand Site National'. We disembark for a walk and appreciate the 27m waterfall. Finish our day at the Belvedere de la Roche du Pretre with its magnificent panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the stunning consolation rock formations which are home to caves, springs and waterfalls.

  Tonight, we enjoy a farewell evening meal at the gastronomic Restaurant du Lac.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6 - Ornans & the Vallée de la Loue

  We leave Malbuisson and our scenic drive takes us first to the Point de Vue du Moine, which offers lovely views over the whole of the valley. See the River Loue with its stunning waterfall before we head to tranquil Ornans, nicknamed 'the little Venice of Franche Comte'. The Vallée de la Loue has inspired many artists and is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Jura.

  We call at Ornans, before we head to Paris area via Cleron. Overnight in the Paris area.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 7

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Hotel le Lac in Malbuisson. 

Overnight stays in northern France and Paris will be in city-style hotels.