JURA VINEYARDS WALK

This varied walking holiday explores the Jura wine region, a network of mediaeval towns set against the dramatic backdrop of the Jura mountain range. This is France Profonde, as you imagine all the country must have must been 50 years ago with charming village squares decked with pavement cafés, geranium-decked balconies and pretty country lanes.

Following the waymarked Grande Randonnée(GR) trails for the most part, your walk takes you along undulating wine terraces, through ancient oak and beech forest and across high meadows carpeted with harebells and narcissi to discover thundering waterfalls, impressive limestone caves and dramatic gorges. Look out for kestrels and buzzards cruising on thermals.

There’s plenty of historical as well as scenic interest along the way. Your route takes you through two of France’s officially most beautiful villages – Baume les Messieurs and Château Chalon which boast mediaeval ramparts, feudal castles and ancient abbeys. You’ll also get the chance for some wine tasting in the string of postcard-pretty villages that you’ll pass through including Arbois (with its fascinating Wine Museum in the town castle) and the flower-decked village of Pupillin.

And the hotels that you’ll stay in serve to only enhance the region’s charm. Run by some of the most friendly hoteliers that we’ve come across, we’re sure you’ll return home feeling that you have experienced day to day life in one of France’s most authentic regions. Each of our hotels has its own particular charm. Our favourites include our restored watermill at Arbois, and Mme Lombard’s quaint wooden little hotel with its panoramic swimming pool.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.

Short break 'taster' option

This holiday is also available as a 4 night 'taster' version. You follow the same route as the regular holiday, but move on everyday (no rest days), making it ideal for a long weekend break.