Lons-le-Saunier to Arbois
France > East > Lons-le-Saunier
At the base of the central plateau's west-facing rim, set picturesquely astride rivers and in the midst of fertile soils, are a number of towns that have supported centuries of agriculture, and have recently accommodated the small, specialist industries so typical of the Jura. The spa town and departmental capital of Lons-le-Saunier is a tranquil place, with fireworks on July 14, and on July 31 for St-Désiré, and outdoor music concerts throughout the summer. North of the town a string of vineyards traces the plateau's edge to just beyond Arbois, the Jura's wine-making capital. This is the eighty-kilometre Route des Vins du Jura, where the region's distinctive wines – such as the sherry-like vin jaune – are cultivated and manufactured from a variety of vines.Between Lons and Arbois, a scenic detour can be made into the hills to visit the ancient, time-locked villages of Baume-les-Messieurs and Château Chalon. And at Poligny more wines and the long-refined flavour of Comté cheese, produced in the Jura since the thirteenth century, are available for sampling at the Maison du Comté.
Pages in section ‘Lons-le-Saunier’: Lons-le-Saunier, Baume-les-Messieurs, Poligny and Arbois.
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