Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival – Welcome, pick up from Lyon and drive to Jura

Day 2

Chateau-Chalon This walks allows us to visit the wine growing area of two official vintages, as well as two typical Jura villages, Menetru-le-Vignoble and the charming Chateau-Chalon which perches perilously on top of a limestone escarpment. With its 12th century church and picturesque alleyways, this village is one of the prettiest in France. 350m climb

Day 3

Baume les Messieurs The walk explores the reculée (closed gorge) of Baume from above and below, with its dramatic cliffs, caves and picturesque waterfalls where water and limestone are in permanent interaction. Located at the valley bottom is the historic village of Baume-les-Messieurs with its abbey dating from the 9th century. 300m

Day 4

La reculee des Planches Our walk today starts at Arbois, a pretty town hemmed in by the reculee des planche, which at 245m is the highest in the Jura. After visiting the historic town our walk explores the vines, forests and cliffs that line the valley where we'll enjoy a number of exceptional view points. 15km 490m climb

Day 5

Herisson waterfalls A partial rest day where we'll visit the amazing Herisson waterfalls. Fed by a number of lakes, the river drops 250m in a series of 31 falls, each cascade being different in character with the highest reaching 65m. Depending on the amount of water we can walk behind one of the most stunning falls (Grand Saut). After we can take a short walk along the ridges to get views of this Lakeland region before relaxing in one of the numerous cafés and bars in the nearby villages.

Day 6

La Crete de la Neige Depending on conditions underfoot and the group we'll choose a circuit to ascend one of the highest summits in the Jura. Fantastic views of the Alps. Possibility to ascend the highest point in the Jura from its eastern side.

Day 7

Cret Pourri et gorge de l'Abime We'll explore the dramatic and narrow gorge de l'Abime, by a series of bridges and easy ladders that allow us to progress in this otherwise inaccessible location. The walk then climbs the Cret Pourri for a great panorama across the upland Jura. After, we can explore a number of other natural sights of interest near Saint Claude. (530m)

Day 8

Departure for Lyon

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Full board except see below

Exclusions -

Excursions and some extra drinks

Extras -

Highlights:
Varied walking that explores the rich contrasts between the dramatic gorges and valleys of the wine making region and the rugged upland ridges that overlook Geneva.
Some of the prettiest villages in France in hidden valleys or perched on rocky spurs.
Medieval towns, renaissance chateaux and historic abbeys
Stunning waterfalls and great wildlife
Vast panoramic views of the Mont Blanc
The Jura
Lying to the north east of the Alps, the Jura form an impressive arc of undulating limestone hills that reach their maximum height of 1720m in the east overlooking Geneva. The western Jura is lined with a series of dramatic valleys and gorges which harbour medieval towns, stunning waterfalls and a patchwork of vines. The moderate walks explore these “reculee” from above and below, including the Hérisson valley which contains a breathtaking collection of 31 waterfalls in a 3km stretch.
Later in the week we’ll explore the Haut Jura, home of glaciated lakes, flower-filled meadows and upland ridges. Forest covers much of the lower ridges where Lynx and stag are protected in the regional park. Also found in this richly diverse landscape are chamois, kestrels, hawks and wild flowers such as the giant orchid. Traditional alpine villages that seem to date from another time dot the landscape.
Accommodation
Charming 2 or 3 star equivalent guest houses. They are exquisite traditional properties offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation in B&B style guest houses or small hotels where the welcome is warm and generous. Examples
A la Trace
A typical local Farm nestled in the High Jura. Lovingly decorated to provide a homely and charming guest house