The Jura – A Taste of Traditional France
The Jura – A Taste of Traditional France
The Jura – A Taste of Traditional France
7 Days Starting in Northern France and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: France, Malbuisson, Besançon, Jura Mountains, Fort de Saint-Antoine, Château de Joux, Paris, Loue, Ornans
Tour operator:
Tour code:
fjtvj
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Jura region of France is synonymous with fine, distinctive cuisine and excellent wines. This new tour explores the natural beauty of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, meadows and forests, as we visit charming traditional villages in this undiscovered but beautiful corner of France. We base our stay in the quaint little town of Malbuisson, which is so typical of the Franche-Comté region. From here, enjoy visits to Besancon, the stunning Chateau de Joux, Ornans and more, as well as taking part in several tastings, including cheese, absinthe and wine!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Travel To Northern France
Location: France
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City-style hotels
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service then to northern France for an overnight stay.
Day 2 : Besançon
Location: Malbuisson, Besançon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3-star Hotel le Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue south and into the Jura, to Besançon, capital of Franche-Comté. Explore the delightful Old Town, which is built around a loop on the River Doubs. The city is dominated by the imposing medieval citadel which overlooks the town. See the Renaissance Palais Granvelle, Victor Hugo’s birthplace and the famous Astronomical Clock. We include a guided walk of the city before we continue to our hotel in Malbuisson four nights. Enjoy a welcome drink before our 4-course meal in the gastronomic Restaurant le Lac.
Day 3 : Wine, Salt & Jura Foothills
Location: Jura Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3-star Hotel le Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, head through the rolling foothills of the Jura Mountains to the picturesque wine town of Arbois – which is also the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. Regarded as the Jura’s wine capital, Arbois is known for its rosé wine and distinctive Vin Jaune. Stroll around the pretty winding streets of this little town and then enjoy a local wine tasting. Lunch is included at a restaurant in Arbois or Salins les Bois.
This afternoon takes us on a guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans. Witness fascinating examples of 18th century industrial architecture. Our return journey back to the hotel takes us via a scenic drive via the gorges of the Lison River. Tonight, we enjoy our evening meal at the rustic A La Ferme restaurant.
Day 4 : Cheese & Absinthe
Location: Fort de Saint-Antoine
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3-star Hotel le Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short drive this morning takes us to Fort St. Antoine, an old military fortress now used to store thousands of the famous local Comte cheeses. Enjoy a guided visit and tasting of the famous local produce in the fort's cellars. We head back to the hotel for lunch in the gastronomic Restaurant le Lac.
After lunch, we include a one-hour boat trip on Lac St Point, followed by a walk along the lake shores with a local guide pointing out the local wildlife and flora. We then head by coach to the town of Pontarlier, whose history is inextricably linked to absinthe. In the 19th century, it was the world capital of the infamous drink also called the 'green fairy'. For those brave enough, a tasting of absinthe and other local alcohols has been arranged!
Tonight, we enjoy more cheese, where we follow in the footsteps of Rick Stein during his recent Secret France series on Channel 4 and settle down for a meal in the typical Restaurant du Fromage. A Fondue Jurassien, made with local wine and comte cheese is always a fun experience.
Day 5 : A Day In The Haut Doubs
Location: Château de Joux
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3-star Hotel le Lac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we include a guided tour to the stunning Chateau de Joux, perched on its rocky promontory dominating the access routes between France and Switzerland. Originally a fort, the building has a long history including time used as a prison, and is now a museum. We later head back to the hotel for lunch at the rustic A la Ferme restaurant.
After lunch we travel via the gorges of the Doubs River to Villers le Lac on the Franco-Swiss border. From here, we have arranged a 7km boat trip on the river up to the stunning Saut du Doubs waterfall, a French 'Grand Site National'. We disembark for a walk and appreciate the 27m waterfall. Finish our day at the Belvedere de la Roche du Pretre with its magnificent panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the stunning consolation rock formations which are home to caves, springs and waterfalls.
Tonight, we enjoy a farewell evening meal at the gastronomic Restaurant du Lac.
Day 6 : Ornans & The Vallée De La Loue
Location: Paris, Loue, Ornans
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City-style hotels
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Malbuisson and our scenic drive takes us first to the Point de Vue du Moine, which offers lovely views over the whole of the valley. See the River Loue with its stunning waterfall before we head to tranquil Ornans, nicknamed 'the little Venice of Franche Comte'. The Vallée de la Loue has inspired many artists and is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Jura.
We call at Ornans in time for lunch, before we head to Paris area via a quick stop off at Cleron where you can admire the medieval fortress on the banks of the River Loue. Overnight in the Paris area.
Day 7 : Return Home
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Additional Services
Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point
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Fully Guided
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International Travel
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Transport
Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach
What's Not Included
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Hotel le Lac in Malbuisson.
Overnight stays in northern France and Paris will be in city-style hotels.
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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What type of coach will be used?
You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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