On vacation this winter in the Jura? This department has much more to offer than ski slopes and cheese specialties. It also has two of the “Most beautiful villages in France”: Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon. The opportunity, during your stay, to experience a timeless moment and take beautiful walks full of heritage and local produce.
Baume-les-Messieurs
Baume-les-Messieurs is first and foremost an incredible natural site just 1 hour from several ski resorts, according to the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” site. The town is located at the crossroads of three valleys, inside a remote area surrounded by steep limestone cliffs reaching up to 200 meters high. On site, you can discover AOC Côtes du Jura wines, including Vin Jaune, but also certain natural wonders, such as the Baume-les-Messieurs cave, which goes down to 120 meters. Its underground river, the Dard, also flows from an impressive tuff waterfall.
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Baume-les-Messieurs is also an exceptional historic site. Abbot Bernon, the founder of the prestigious Cluny Abbey, built a monastery there in the 9th century. It will become, thanks to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, an imperial abbey which it is still possible to visit. This Cluniac site is distinguished by its rich heritage, notably composed of a Flemish polychrome altarpiece from the 16th century and a Burgundian statuary from the 15th century.
Château-Chalon
From the heights of its cliff, Château-Chalon dominates the Bresse valley which can be admired from five belvederes. This town located 10 km from Baume-les-Messieurs represents the true wine-growing heart of the Jura, notes the “Most beautiful villages in France” website. In addition to producing Vin Jaune, it has a conservatory vineyard bringing together 47 grape varieties from the local vineyard which was saved at the last minute from phylloxera in 1870. You can stroll along its hillsides and discover the AOC Château wine. -Chalon.
In addition, Château-Chalon is a most picturesque village. Strolling along its streets, you can admire charming stone houses. This unique aspect invited the novelist Bernard Clavel to settle there from 1970 to 1975. Open-air exhibitions are sometimes organized in the streets or in the Froid-Pignon garden to celebrate his work made of writings and paintings, and covering themes such as nature or homelessness.
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