Comté, Morteau sausage...the Jura Mountains have it all when it comes to regional and local specialities! It's time for a 3-day gourmet getaway to discover these products thanks to a few iconic visits that often include tastings: a traditional 'tuyé' smokehouse, the Maison du Comté, secrets of white gold (salt) at the surprising Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains and so much more. We bet you'll be going back home with your suitcases (and bellies) full of delicious treats!
The high chimney known as a 'tuyé' is an original feature of the 'fermes comtoises'. These huge houses once provided shelter for people, livestock and hay in the winter. The farmers would hang salted meats in this enormous wooden smokehouse, to conserve them.
The art of smoking using a 'tuyé' smokehouse is still very much alive. To find out more, head to the 'Tuyé du Papy Gaby'. A place that blends history, expert know-how and the pride of belonging to the Republic of Saugeais, a very local micronation. Not-to-mention the famous Morteau and Montbéliard sausages are on sale here.
This tiny nation was founded in Montbenoît in 1947 as a result of a joke made by the local prefect. It covers an area of 128 km, 11 villages and a population of around 1,500 'saugets'. This republic within a republic has its own President, ministers, borders, customs officers responsible for its protection, flag, 'national' anthem, postage stamp and even its own vehicle number plate.
Now it's time to head to Fort Saint-Antoine to visit the monument and the maturing cellars within. Prepare your senses for this experience and venture inside the former military fort that was transformed into a maturing cellar in the 1960s.
This visit is a must for fans of comté cheese, who can wander around and admire the comté that will end up on their plate a few years later.
This is more than just a visit, it is an all-round experience thanks to the surprising scent, the sight of the thousands of wheels of comté, and the extraordinary range of flavours when it comes to the tasting!
Head to Salins-les-Bains where a fascinating tour awaits you. You'll be plunged into the history of Jura's white gold: salt.
On this tour, you'll discover a range of historic objects that tell the story of the history of salt spanning 1,200 years, including salt carts, bucket wheels, a huge balance that still works, and the last open salt pan in France!
The saltworks monument is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and so you can expect a fascinating and eye-opening experience learning about the booming economic past of the town of Salins thanks to salt extraction.
Guided tours of the Grande Saline
Now it's time to head towards Arbois to step into the world of a certain Monsieur Pasteur. This scientist revolutionised the world by creating a rabies vaccination and for his discovery of pasteurisation. Here, you can learn all about his life.
From the billard room to the bedroom, explore the intimate areas of this house where he would come and stay every year with his family and friends. You'll see his own personal laboratory that is still intact and bears witness to its famous owner and his greatest experiments.
The Maison Louis Pasteur in Arbois, a listed Historic Monument, was awarded the prestigious 'Maisons des Illustres' label in 2011 by the Ministry of Culture and Communication. At the same time as the childhood home in Dole!
Your exploration continues in Poligny at the Maison du Comté. This project was finalised in 2021 and here, you can learn about the history of comté cheese, and discover in a fun way the complex manufacturing procedure behind making comté.
This experience includes anecdotes from the people involved in this process, experiences that call upon the senses, little quizzes and to end on a high note, a fascinating tasting session!
Maison du Comté
Your getaway comes to a close in Lons-le-Saunier with a journey back to 1921, when the iconic 'Vache qui rit' (Laughing Cow) was created. The Musée de la Vache qui Rit was built in the very same spot that the brand was first invented by the famous Léon Bel. You'll be plunged into the history and evolution of this timeless product, a favourite snack for children. You can go on a self-guided tour with a tablet or audio guide!
Added bonuses: tasting at the end of the tour, play area for children and an educational garden!
Morbiflette, comté fondue and other cheese-based specialities at the aptly-named restaurant Le Fromage! In Arbois, Le Bistronôme is a great place for local and seasonal products! And in Lons-le-Saunier, come and taste their regional dishes such as frogs' legs (in season). Bon appétit!
Find your stay on the map and plan your route!
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