Independent Walking
Independent Walking
L ying to the north of the French Alps, the Jura vineyards cover a narrow band stretching along the steep slopes leading up to the Jura hills. These slopes are home to a series of dramatic valleys and gorges which harbour medieval towns & villages, stunning waterfalls & dramatic cliffs. Our linear trail follows the vines south, allowing you to discover not only the unique Jura wines, which include the famous Vin Jaune, one of the most prized wines in France, but also historic gems such as Baumes-les- Messieurs and Chateau Chalon. Starting in the historic town of Arbois, your week ends in the amazing reculée or gorge at Baume-les-Messieurs where you have the option of an extra day to explore this natural wonder.
JURA WINE TRAIL
Price p / p
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at guest house in Arbois.
Optional extra day & night in Arbois Explore the pretty historic town of Arbois famous for its red wines with a number of fine historic buildings. Then head north to visit the historic village of Montigny les Arsures, home of the rare Trousseau grape variety. 11km, + 250m
Day 2: Arbois- Poligny Head south to the wine-centred village of Pupillin, home of Ploussard grapes. Great views over the vines as you traverse the slopes near the edge of the Jura plateau. You’ ll pass between vines and forest before arriving above Poligny at the entrance to one of the numerous closed gorges which eat into the plateau. 15km, + 210m
Day 3: Tour from Poligny Explore the pretty town of Poligny and try the local wine in the cave cooperative located in an old church. Optional tour from the town climbing onto the cliffs which surround the town for a series of wonderful view points. A brief walk on the plateau brings us to the traditional village of Chamole before descending back down to the valley and the old abbey at Vaux sur Poligny Tour of the gorge through a wonderful forest with a lost world feel. 15km, + 340m
Day 4: Poligny- Passenans From Poligny climb back up onto the plateau for amazing panoramic views over Poligny and then follow the GR59 as it follows the edge of the escarpment. Then descend to pass through Miery and the pretty village of St Lothain with its 11 th century church overlooking the vines and village. Gradual rise through vines to village of Passenans. 14- 20km, + 400- 550m.
Day 5: Passenans- Chateau Chalon Today’ s walk explores a sumptuous landscape of secluded valleys, harbouring quaint historic villages such as Vau and Frontenay. Vines cling to the steep slopes below the forest covered plateau above. Chateaux, historic farms and churches decorate the landscape whilst the villages have retained their historic properties. Your trail also passes through Menetru les Vignes before reaching the exceptional village of Chateau Chalon built on a cliff top and home to the finest examples of Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille. 9- 12km, + 300- 370m
Day 6: Chateau Chalon- Baume-les-Messieurs Descend through vines to reach the beautiful village of Nevy sur Seille. Cross the river and climb slopes on far side to reach a wonderful ridge which you follow overlooking the vines of Vernois. Descend to reach the magnificent village of Baume les Messieurs with its ancient abbey nestled at the base of towering cliffs. Stay in the abbey building. 9 – 18km, + 250m
Optional extra day: Reculée de Baume This walk explores the reculée( closed gorge) of Baume from above and below, with its dramatic cliffs, interesting caves and picturesque waterfalls where water and limestone are in permanent interaction. Located at the valley bottom is the beautiful historic village of Baumeles-Messieurs with its abbey dating from the 10th century. 16km, +/-300m
Day 7 Departure- Transfer to Lons le Saunier after breakfast.
See Price List or Web Site for details. Extra nights available at Baume & Arbois on a B & B basis.
5, 6 or 7 days self-guided walking. The walks are moderate in grade. The average length of walk is about 16km with 375m of altitude gain( maximum in one day 19km & 470m ascent), although most of the days can be made easier. The paths are generally good, but due to the nature of the terrain include some steep and rocky sections where care is needed. The length of some of the walks can be varied.
6, 7 or 8 nights: 5, 6 or 7 days independent walking, moving between guest houses
♦ Varied walking that explores the dramatic gorges & valleys of the Jura wine-making region
♦ Wine tasting visits in a region famous for its unique wines
♦ Some of the prettiest villages in France in stunning valleys or perched on rocky spurs
♦ Medieval towns, renaissance chateaux & historic abbeys
♦ Stunning waterfalls & abundant wildlife
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade:
At a Glance
Profile:
Dates: 15 April
See Price List
31 Oct
Accommodation
Charming guest houses offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation in B & B’ s or small hotels where the welcome is warm and generous. Mainly 3 star or higher. They include town houses, old farms, village cottages & abbey rooms. Example: Les Jardins sur Glantines in Poligny is a wonderful historic property run by Nathalie and Ludwig, a wine producer. Large rooms beautifully decorated. Great food served on the patio or by the chimney in the 16 th century hunting room.
Included 6, 7 or 8 night’ s accommodation, all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 evening meals, walking notes and maps, wine tasting information, taxi transfer
at end of holiday to Lons le Saunier( extra for transfer to Arbois).
What’ s not included
54
Travel to Arbois & return from Lons le Saunier, France, lunches on arrival & departure days plus lunches and evening meals not included above, visits, travel insurance
Book now on + 44( 0) 7483 241 945 or visit www. highpointholidays. co. uk