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Jura Overview

While Eurocamp customers often bring their own cars here, Jura’s close proximity to both Geneva and Lyon airports also make it a popular fly-drive destination. You really will benefit from the opportunity that a car affords you to discover not just this gorgeous outpost of eastern France, but also the picturesque delights of Switzerland, and Germany’s Black Forest beyond.

Caught between Burgundy to the west and Switzerland to its east, Jura is one of France’s hidden gems. You simply can't fail to enjoy the stunning scenery of this exceptional region, and our parcs here really do offer you the best of the rural scenery, even if you never stray far away.

Craggy limestone escarpments overhang clear sparkling rivers that cut through deep gorges and in places thunder down long cascades. High lakes and colourful caves can all be explored from the quiet mountain roads of the Haut Jura, while numerous little wine towns, medieval villages and a host of ruined castles are to be found along the North Eastern margins of the Vosges, south of Strasbourg.

There really are so many fine towns and ancient cities to discover here that you really won’t be able to see them all on a short visit. Champagnole, known as The Pearl of the Jura, is simply one of the most charming and picturesque places you will ever see, while Dijon, Beaune and Chablis are also unmissable, particularly for those with a love of fine food and wine.

Speaking of which, the perfect, white chicken of Bresse and the beef of Charolais are local specialities, but the cuisine here really is one of the most varied and exciting in all of France.

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Places to visit - Sightseeing

Nestled on the edge of the Franco-Swiss border, Jura is a fascinating region of France, which also allows easy access to the many delights of Switzerland:

Besançon
With its lovely Old Town, Besançon really is a treasure trove for lovers of fine architecture. From the fine Renaissance facades of the Grand Rue to the stunning Astronomical Clock, you will find something to delight you at every turn.

Dijon
The city centre of Dijon is one of the most splendid in all France, with everything from Gothic churches like the magnificent 13th century Notre Dame to the narrow cobbled streets of the old merchant’s Quarter to divert you.

Cascades du Herrison
To see nature at its finest, park in the village of Doucier, then enjoy the two-hour walk that takes you to the magnificent L’Eventail and Grand Saut waterfalls, where the torrents crash down from more than 200 feet. Unmissable.

Dole
Often overlooked by those camping in Jura, Dole has a rich history and a pretty old town, where winding alleys and narrow streets reveal 15th century buildings, the Place aux Fleurs and the 16th century Church of Notre Dame, with its unusual, mossy roof.

Champagnole
While Champagnole, ‘the Pearl of Jura’, may lack grand cathedrals and mighty buildings, it is a pretty and pleasant spot to while away an afternoon, taking in the 18th century church of St Cyr et Ste Juliette and the verdant Belle-Frise park.

Chateau D’Oricourt
This 12th century castle is one of the best-preserved 12th century castles in the region, with superbly restored fortifications. It also hosts a number of concerts and medieval-themed events throughout the summer months.

Chateau de Belvoir
A magnificent castle dating back to the 12th Century, Chateau de Belvoir is also home to a fine collection of arms and armour and offers quite magnificent views of Jura’s verdant countryside from its ramparts.

Great for younger kids

Dino-Zoo
This stunning forest park at Charbonnieres offers more than 15 hectares of wonderful woodland walks where you will constantly come across life-size reproductions of the greatest dinosaurs of the prehistoric age, from Triceratops to Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Great for older kids

Lac du Der, Chantecoq
Active teens will be delighted to find themselves at the Lac du Der, where they can enjoy a host of outdoor activities amidst stunning scenery, with sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, fishing and rowing all available.

The Doubs by Canoe
A number of companies offer canoe expeditions along the Doubs, just across the Swiss border. Canoes can be hired from Goumois, Clairbief, Soubey or Tariche, but please note that river conditions are not always suitable.

Places to visit - Activities & events

Canoeing
Camping in Jura means that you are never far from a waterway, so in addition to the Lou, Doubs and Ain rivers, you will find canoes for hire at a number of Jura’s gorgeous lakes, including Lake Vouglans and Lake Chalain.

Fishing
With more than 2,000km of rivers and some 2,600 hectares of mountain lakes, Jura has a spectacular choice of fishing, with lamprey, char, brook trout and pike all here to be caught, for those who have bought a licence from the local fishing association.

Mountain Biking
Jura is a mountain-bikers paradise, with more than 120 marked VTT circuits across the region that range from the easy to the extremely challenging. In July and August, you will also find a number of organised outings around Châlain.

Hiking
Jura is an endlessly beautiful region, with lush forests and sparkling lakes all around you, many of which are laced with excellent walking and hiking routes. And if you fancy something a little different, why not try ‘walks with donkeys’ at Étival.

Unmissable events in Jura

Les Petites Fêtes de Dionysos
Every July in Arbois, you will find this month-long festival dedicated to that most French obsession, gastronomy. So if you love good food and the grape as much as the French, this is definitely for you.

Haut-Jura Music Festival
Usually held over four weeks from the middle of May, this annual festival offers a host of classical and choral concerts held in churches in the Haut-Jura and the Saint-Claude area of Switzerland.

Besancon International Music Festival
This two-week festival is usually held from mid-September and is widely regarded as the most prestigious of its kind in France, offering a wide choice of chamber music concerts and recitals.

Places to visit - Eating out

Jura offers many delights for the keen gourmand, with a rich and varied cuisine that includes some excellent wines:

• Bresse Chicken – served in a variety of ways, including a la crème, the chicken of Bresse are perhaps the finest you will ever taste.
• Croûte au Morbier - a slice of home baked bread soaked in the local white wine, then baked together with a slice of Morbier Cheese.
• Escalope de Veau Jurassienne – a delicious escalope of veal, pan-fried, then baked in a topping of ham, mushrooms and the local Bleu de Gex cheese.
• Wine – While Côtes du Jura AOC and Crémant du Jura AOC wines are excellent, you really have to try the Vin Jaune, or yellow wine here, which is barrel-aged for six years and is similar in strength and body to a sherry.

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