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Motorhoming in Jura
Jura occupies the largest part of the south of the region of Franche Comté and is one of four departments which make up the region. Well known for its ‘green’ tourism, for the French, Jura conjures up images of mountains, snow and ski-ing. Motorhome travel in France should include a visit to Jura if you appreciate wide open spaces, beautiful countryside and the time to breathe and take your time without lacking something interesting to do. Hiring a motorhome in France is an ideal way to discover this department, half of which is covered by forests, and which offers you a wealth of things to see, experience and taste at any time of the year.
The town of Lons le Saunier is the capital of Jura and is a very attractive spa town. The history of the town can be traced back to Roman times when a well of salt water was discovered and exploited. Today, situated in a little park, the discovery of this source has led to the development of a town with an important artistic, historical and architectural heritage. The picturesque streets such as the Rue de Commerce and the Place de la Liberté invite you to relax on terrace with a coffee and admire the town.
The area surrounding the town is also worthy of a visit. The town can be discovered in the first instance from the heights of the hills that surround it which have several strategic view points from where you can admire the town in the valley. About 3kms north west of Lons is the Château of Pin which was first built in the 13th century and has been in the process of being restored since the 20th century. Destroyed by Louis Xl it was rebuilt in the 15th century and is now classed as a historic monument. Situated amongst the vines and the green pastures of the surrounding countryside the château is open to visitors.
The town of Dole lost its place as regional capital in 1696 to the town of Besançon which you can visit if you go motorhoming in Doubs. Built around the impressive church of Notre Dame, the old town of Dole is home to a diverse array of architecture dating from the 15th to the 18th century. While visiting the picturesque squares and little streets you will come across the birth place of Louis Pasteur on the banks of the town’s canal.
Jura is famous for its cheeses, the best known of which is the Comté. The ‘vin de paille’ is made from grapes, dried in times gone by on ‘straw’ which increases the sugar content before being pressed to make the wine which is appreciated as an aperitif or desert wine. The vin ‘jaune’ or yellow wine is a dry white wine which is kept for over 6 years before being drunk.
You can stay in the Aires de Service in Jura which are often free while you travel around. If you’re tempted by the Jura, try also motorhoming in Haute Saône, motorhoming in Bourgogne or motorhoming in Rhône Alpes.
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