dossier

Jura Vineyards Walk

Day 1: Arrive at les Planches pres Arbois
We meet you and take you to your hotel (45 mins) - a restored water mill that enjoys a picturesque location by a limestone waterfall.

Day 2: Les Planches to Poligny 19km/12mi/5hr
Why not visit the Les Planches caves with their stunning limestone rock formations before heading out towards Arbois? The lazy riverbank route takes you into the town for a spot of wine tasting or, following the higher path, you may spot falcons swooping over limestone cliffs as you breathe in views over Arbois and the entire valley. Either way, the geranium-decked wine village Pupillin is the lunchspot today. From here it’s a pleasant walk through sun dappled oak forest into Poligny in time for are freshing dip in the hotel pool before dinner.

Day 3: At Poligny
You could laze by the pool, but it’s a shame not to walk into the fortified town of Poligny to explore its the medieval ramparts, 12C churches and flower-decked fountains that make up the pastel coloured old quarter. There are also a number tempting tasting places for the town’s famous Comtécheese and several excellent local wines. Afterwards, you could walk up to Monts de Vaux a great view over the town, before enoying another excellent dinner chez M Masson and family.

Day 4: Poligyn to Passenans 14km/8mi/3.5hr
Gently ascending, you reach the summit of the dramatic limestone Croix du Dan promontory for breathtaking views back over Poligny and its vineyards.  Your path then winds through lush meadows alive to the tinkling of cowbells to the delightful hamlet of Miery with its four pretty flower covered fountains. Then, the wooden hamlet of Les Bordes makes a panoramic picnic spot before you descend through oak and beech forest bright with cyclamen to the Schmit family hotel,nestling in the vines at Passenans.

Day 5: At Passenans
Why not follow a circular route that leads through woodland to the 14C Château de Frontenay.From here, an avenue of lime trees leads down to the picture postcard village of Vau, with its traditional wine growers houses, characterized by their pointed slate lauze roofs, returning to Passenans through apple and cherry orchards. Then maybe enjoy some wine tasting at Grand Frères Cave, before returning in time for a dip in the pool before dinner.

Day 6: Passenans to Baume les Messieurs/Les Planches 19km/12mi/4.5hr
Following an old Roman road you ascend through vineyards to Château Chalon, officially one of France’s most beautiful villages. Perched high on a limestone cliff, the view from its feudal castle is breathtaking! And its cobbled streets reveal a number of tempting lunch stops. Descending along the River Seille to Baume les Messieurs nestling between dramatic limestone cliffs. There’s time to visit its beautiful 6C abbey and limestone caves before we meet you and take you to Les Planches in time for your farewell dinner.

Day 7: Leave Les Planches
We take you to the station after breakfast.