Salins is a shy young lady who will unveil her secrets only to those who are prepared to take the time to get to know her properly
Philippe
Weekend for two in the heart of of Jura
An autumn weekend between Arbois and Salins-les-Bains
A weekend in the heart of Jura, between Arbois and Salins-les-Bains, is a chance to discover a hidden and endearing side to Jura. It's all about embracing slow tourism, meeting local producers and enjoying the deliciously approachable gastronomy. Above all, it invites you to accept wonderful encounters with hosts, restaurant owners, winegrowers and artisans, and let the local people help you discover all the region's gems, however little known.
Day 1 - Morning
Salins-les-Bains: Tour of the town and the Great Saltworks
Salins-les-Bains has many a hidden secret. To discover this town, you can take to the heights or go underground. Either way, from the top of a church or in subterranean galleries, the spectacle is well worth the effort. So take the time to let Salins reveal its treasures and tell you its story dating back a thousand years:
- the chapel of Notre-Dame-Libératrice and the rounded glazed-tile dome.
- the Great Saltworks, a UNESCO World Heritage feature you simply must see
- the apothecary of the old hospital and its superb collection of earthenware jars.
Did you know that in the 15th century Salins-les-Bains was the second most influential town in the entire earldom? Or that the founder of the Hospices of Beaune, Louis Pasteur and the royal saltworks of Arc-et-Senans would never have existed without Salins-les Bains?
Book your tour with the Tourist Office
But Salins-les-Bains is also your departure point for some extremely beautiful walks and bike rides. On the inviting slopes around Mont Poupet, the Fort Saint-André or Fort Belin, you'll be spoilt for choice. Indeed, Salins-les-Bains is surrounded by hiking and cycling routes, the most remarkable of which are the Echapppée Jurassienne, the Via Francigena and the Voie des Salines.
La Grande Saline de Salins-lesBains classée à l'UNESCO M.COQUARD et E.DETREZ Bestjobers / Bourgogne-Franche-Comte Tourisme
What the locals say
Salins-les-Bains through the eyes of a resident
Day 1 - Afternoon
Arbois: Introduction to oenology and the wines of Jura
There's a thousand ways to discover Jura's wines! Arbois, the Jura wine capital, proposes the interesting option of signing up with the Wine Academy for an oenology course organised by the Closerie des Capucines.
Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll discover all the subtleties of Jura wines in the company of professional enologists. All in the magnificent setting of the Closerie, a luxury establishment whose walls date as far back as the 17th century.
Throughout the year, the historical setting of the Closerie becomes a venue for culinary workshops in the company of the greatest chefs. Come and take part in a weekend of total immersion at the Closerie which also happens to be one of the loveliest guesthouses in the heart of Jura.
Day 2 - Morning
Potholing experience in a Jura cave
Jura is mostly known for its mountains and peaks, but we sometimes forget to go and see what's going on underneath.
You can change that by embarking on an adventure straight out of a Jules Verne novel, with Benjamin as your guide!
To add a little originality to your experience, you can even enjoy a wine-tasting session at the very bottom of the cave. We bet you've never even dreamt of sampling wine in a natural cellar like this one!
For the less energetic and the claustrophobic, head instead for the fully-equipped and well-lit Moidons cave, to enjoy the best possible visiting conditions, accessible to children as well as visitors with disabilities.
Réservez votre sortie spéléoTried and tested for you
Above all, a visit with Benjamin is all about becoming aware of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It is a lesson in earth and life sciences, delivered in the depths of the earth!
Romain
Day 2 - Afternoon
Introduction to pottery and visit to the Maison du Comté cheese centre
Meeting a potter
On the Poligny road, why not stop at Brainans, well-known in the region for its musical venue, Le Moulin?
But did you know there's also a pottery studio in this village? Gaëlle, who runs it, will change all your preconceptions about this craft to which she brings a modern feminine touch. You can try your hand at the potter's wheel, in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Découvrir la poterie du village
Visit to the Maison du Comté
Last but not least, you absolutely must visit the Maison du Comté (Comté Cheese Centre) in Poligny! In a building that's both modern and traditional, built in 2021, this brand new showcase welcomes visitors who are curious to discover all the secrets behind Comté, the king of cheeses.
Guided by the museum staff, you'll be able to taste and learn about the many flavours of Comté, from its production secrets to the most inventive ways of cooking it.
Beware: this tour is likely to exacerbate your addiction to Comté cheese!
Visiter la Maison du Comté Recommended restaurants and accommodation
