Unexpected Pleasures

Home to mountains, valleys, lakes and vineyards, Jura’s natural beauty will take your breath away. Stephanie Sheldrake explores one of France's hidden treasures.

- Stephanie Sheldrake

Experience the unexpected’ is Jura tourist board’s main strapline, and this really is no overstatement. Head to this eastern department of France and you will find a breathtaking mountain range, waterfalls, emerald-green lakes and lush valleys dotted with pretty towns and villages. Tucked into the eastern side of France bordering Switzerland, Jura is one of the departments that make up the former region of Franche-Comté and it is relatively undiscovered by British tourists and expats. But this unspoilt part of the country has much to offer, with valleys and forested peaks, fresh mountain streams and unpolluted lakes, as well as historic towns and villages and a rich gastronomic heritage. The average house price is an attractive €130,000 too.

MAGIC MOUNTAINS

Somewhat overshadowed by the Alps further south, the Jura Mountains are without doubt one of France’s best-kept secrets. The mountain range, which stretches north to south along the Swiss border, is a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors.

One of the best ways to enjoy this area is on foot: the mountains are home to the Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ), a 400km trail which runs form Mandeure in the neighbouring department of Doubs to the north, down to Culoz in the department of Ain to the south. The paths of the Haut-Jura were first made by Benedictine monks and have been used throughout the ages by all sorts of travellers from peddlers and smugglers to farmers and children on their way to school. The GTJ is now one of France’s largest networks of signposted trails for walkers of all levels, who enjoy the clean air and outstanding views.