Jura Mountains, Wine and Cheese

The Jura is one of the least explored regions in France, and is a perfect place to go if you're looking for real peace and quiet.

The Jura mountains run along the French/Swiss border, and form part of the Franche-Comte region - the French Jura, in Eastern France.

The Jura is also one of the smallest wine growing regions in France, producing some unique wines.

The Jura Mountains - Vacation Ideas

One of the most charming and interesting places to visit in the Jura is Arbois, a very typical and authentic french town. You can sample the local wine, vin jaune - a nutty-flavoured 'yellow' wine which is aged in barrels for 6 years 3 months (precisely!).

There is even a michelin two star restaurant, an award winning chocolate shop, and a fabulous cheese shop, Les 4 Heures du Cremier, where you can try the local specialities, Morbier and Comte.

Another great place to sample wine is in the hamlet of Montigny-les-Arsures, Domaine André et Mireille Tissot, 35 Place de la Liberté (www.stephane-tissot.com) or in the village of Pupillin.

And where there's wine...there's cheese!

There's a Jura Cheese Trail which can be a fun day out. Details of creameries and farms open to visitors can be found on the Routes du Comte website.

Outdoor lovers should head to the Parc Naturel Regional du Haut-Jura, a regional park filled with lakes, mountains and valleys.

Skiing In The Jura Mountains

In winter, leave the crowds behind and spend some time in the Jura for a cross country skiing holiday.

Crozet, a hamlet only 20 minutes from Geneva airport, is a good place to start. Lelex-Crozet ski station has amazing views to Lake Geneva and even to the Mont Blanc Massif.

Nearby are the ski stations of Mijoux and La Faucille. All of these are great places for families and beginners, even intermediate level skiiers.