Haut Jura

We entered Le Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura as clouds lingered between the mountains, sun rays sprouted through, and rain approached. The lusciously green forest surrounded us on all sides as the rain started to fall, making the trip even more charming. We drove and drove, passing by a small river that rushed down from the mountains, when the landscape turned from forest to green pastures, villages, and cows grazing and enjoying their view. Sun was here and there, as were the clouds. Houses, protected on one side with tin plates, were clearly the homes of local farmers and those who work to make this region's gems - Comte, Mont d'Or, and other types of cheese. 

Up on the hill, we stopped by the fort at Fromageries Marcel Petit. An hour and a half later, we left for Arbois, the capital of wine. But it was not yet time for Arbois, as the village Planches-près-Arbois waited to embrace us with its charm and take us to Cascade des Tufs, one of many breathtaking waterfalls well hidden in the forests of this region. Only a good while later were we ready to leave this place to experience the yellow-stone walled city and center of gastronomy and wine in Jura. There are no significant monuments to see. No. This walkable village is one in which the city is an exhibit itself with lots of small wine shops, cafes, shops, and tractors full of grapes during harvest season. 

Driving away, there was almost no evidence of the region's famous cows, but vineyards were everywhere, taking over the land right up to where the rocky mountains started. They were everywhere bearing fruits of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau. As it was September, fruit was being harvested for those fabulous regional wines. 

The signs along the road invited visitors to apple and other festivals, and trucks full of grape juice passed by, as did the tractors with grapes. You could feel that the season was in full bloom. We stopped by the most iconic winery of this region to discover their story when rain took over the sun, and we, happy to have tried all the domain wines, drove back home to Lyon. 

I could not agree more with what the Jura Tourism region website states: "The Jura, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is a 4-season tourist destination that is both unique and multiple. It offers a diversity of landscapes, atmosphere and cultures which make it a rich destination, full of resources and unexpected discoveries. From west to east, varied spaces are arranged successively, like a staircase, from the Doloise and Bresse plains to the Jura Mountains, passing through the vineyards, the Pays des Lacs and the Petite Montagne. Sometimes city, sometimes countryside, secret remote places or large sites, you will find the vacation that suits you!" 

It is all that and even more. Because it is Jura. 

Visit
Marcel Petite for comte cheese @fromageriesmarcelpetite
To eat and enjoy wine - Bistrot des Claquets
Waterfalls - Cascade des Tufs
Winery - Domaine Bourdy