Guided Walking Holiday in Jura, France

Your Holiday at a Glance


Guided walking holiday	Jura Discovery: Wine Trails & Medieval Villages
Dates for 2012	19 - 26 May
Price	£725 (single supplement £140)
Grade	+ grade explained
Profile	8 days: 6 days Two centre-based, guided walking . Average: length 4-5 hrs View general information about our guided walking holidays
Highlights	Varied walking that explores thethe dramatic gorges and valleys of the wine making region as well as the plateaux above. Some of the prettiest villages in France in hidden valleys or perched on rocky spurs. Medieval towns, renaissance chateaux and historic abbeys Stunning waterfalls and great wildlife Lovely guest houses with great cuisine
Testimonials	"Looking forward to next year already! Guest house experience was fantastic" Keith Pointon "Complete immersion into real France unlike any other operator" Paul Simkin
Accommodation and Meals	Charming 2 or 3 star equivalent guest houses. They are exquisite traditional properties offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation in B&B style guest houses or small hotels where the welcome is warm and generous, and the food local and delicious.
What's included	Airport and station transfers from Lyon, transport to and from the start of each walk, 7 nights' accommodation. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and one evening meal), 6 guided walks.
What's not included	Travel to Lyon, France, lunches on the day of arrival and departure, one evening meal, transfers other than those from Lyon, any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance
	See full list of guided walking and trekking holidays See similar French guided walking holidays in Beaujolais and Tarn regions of France Return to home page

Jura discovery: Wine Trails & Medieval Villages

This guided walking holiday explores the Jura region in eastern France. Lying to the north east of the Alps, the Jura forms an impressive arc of undulating limestone hills. The western Jura is lined with a series of dramatic valleys and gorges which harbour medieval towns, stunning waterfalls and a patchwork of vines. The easy to moderate walks on this holiday explore these “reculée” from above and below, including the Hérisson valley which contains a breathtaking collection of 7 largewaterfalls in a 3km stretch.

You will discover a number of historic gems such as Baumes-les-Messieurs with its 10th century abbey and quaint streets, and Chateau Chalon perched precariously above the vines which make some of the most prized wines in France. During your week, you'll get to find out all about these famous and unique wines including the Vine de Paille and Vin Jaune, by a number of wine tasting visits.

Discover more about the Jura and have a look at photos from our 2009 Jura walking holiday

Walking Profile

This guided walking holiday is graded moderate with daily circuits that average between 10 and 15km. Average is 12km. There are a number of short ascents between the valleys and the plateaux with a maximum of 350m in a day. The paths are good, although they can be stony or muddy in places. There is a partial rest day in the middle of the week and some days can be made easier or harder as necessary.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome and pick up in Lyon and drive to Jura.

Day 2: Chateau Chalon

This walk allows us to visit the wine growing area of two classic vintages, as well as two typical Jura villages, Menetru-le-Vignoble and the charming Chateau-Chalon which perches perilously on top of a limestone escarpment. With its 12th century church and picturesque alleyways, this village is one of the prettiest in France. 11km, 350m climb

Day 3: Baume-les-Messieurs

The walk explores the reculée (closed gorge) of Baume from above and below, with its dramatic cliffs, caves and picturesque waterfalls where water and limestone are in permanent interaction. Located at the valley bottom is the historic village of Baume-les-Messieurs with its abbey dating from the 9th century. 11km, +300m

Day 4: Salins les Bains

Our walking trail today explores the lush green countryside around the historic town of Salins les Bains. Historic forts perched on high outcrops overlook the town which once housed one of the most important salt mines in Europe. (possible visit) After visiting the historic town our walk explores the forests and cliffs that line the valleys where we’ll enjoy a number of exceptional view points. Option to do just half of the walk. 8km- 15km +350m climb

Day 5: Arbois

Partial rest day as we visit the fascinating historic town of Arbois, home to one of the vintage wines from the Jura. Visit the gorge which is guarded by the town and its pretty waterfall. Wine tasting.

Day 6: Herrison waterfalls

We’ll explore the amazing Herisson waterfalls. Fed by a number of lakes, the river drops 250m in a series of 31 falls, each cascade being different in character with the highest reaching 65m. After we can take a short walk along the ridges to get views of this Lakeland region before relaxing in one of the numerous cafés and bars in the nearby villages. 8km, +300m

Day 7: Jura Plateau

Today's walking explores the first plateau with its green pastures and forests. We'll first visit the site of an amazing dinosaur track (Jurassic being named after the Jura region). We'll then visit the historic hill-top village of Nozeroy with its 15th century hermitage. Walk to the source of the river Ain and along a secluded valley before returning via the hamlet of Doye. Wine tasting 13km +200m

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Lyon after breakfast

Contact us about this guided walking holiday

Location Jura France guided walks

guided walking holiday in Jura France baume les messieurs

chateau chalon Jura vineyards France

Baume les messieurs Jura France guided walking holiday

Chateau chalon Jura France guided walking holiday

Jura France guided walking holiday

Herisson valley Jura France guided walking holiday

Once you have booked on this guided walking tour in France, further information about the walking, the Jura region and what to bring, will be sent to you. We do have a web page dedicated to what clothes and equipment you should bring. In addition, our travel shop has direct access to all the top walking and travel retailers. Please contact us if you need any further information.

Further information about this French walking holiday in the Jura will be sent to you prior to your holiday. We will endeavour to keep to these walks as far as possible on our guided walking holiday; however they are subject to change. In addition, we like to maintain a certain degree of flexibility to take account of the group’s abilities and interests, and the local conditions. The final selection of walks will be made by your guide during the week after consultation with the group.

Accommodation & Meals

On our guided walking holiday in the Jura, France you will be staying in two guest houses during the course of your holiday centrally located for each of the two regions. They are traditional Jura properties offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation where the welcome is warm and generous. The exact guest houses used will depend on availability. Below is a selection of the ones we have used.

A hearty and healthy continental breakfast provides the perfect opportunity to discover the local specialities such as home-made jams and local cheeses. At midday we will eat packed lunches prepared by our hosts and they will be eaten during the course of the walk. All but one of the evening meals will be taken at your guest houses. They are 4 course affairs and allow you to try mouthwatering local dishes, as well as some home-made recipies.

Name	Type	Details	Rating
Grange Combaret	B&B	A traditional building on an organic farm recently rebuilt to provide very comfortable spacious rooms. Great local cuisine using local produce including many from the farm.	3 Corns
Le Bellevue	B&B	Large historic house in the centre of Giron decorated with taste and care. It has a number of communal rooms to relax in, as well as a terrace and garden with lovely views	3 Corns

Travel Options

Transfers between Lyon Airport or train station and the Jura region of France are included in the price of your guided walking holiday in France.

Flight Options

The airlines Easy jet, BMI and British Airways have scheduled flights from the UK (Manchester, Stanstead and Heathrow airports) to Lyon St Exupery airport.

Please visit our travel shop for links to useful sites for reserving airport parking or booking train tickets to get to the UK airport.

Note: Please check concerning the availability of a walking holiday in France before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you. We would be happy to book travel arrangents to Lyon, France on your behalf.

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu changing at Lille. Please use Rail Europe's train finder to organise your train journey.

There is a practical train time leaving London at 9am and arriving in Lyon at 3pm. Please contact us before booking to check for other practical times.

Self Drive

Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including:

P&O Ferries

Norfolk Line

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Lyon area takes about 7 hours (excluding long breaks).

Tolls amount to about 35 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Other secure but non-surveilled parking is available free of charge.