Jura Discovery 2009

First day - We start and finish at Baume les Messieurs in the wine region of the Jura. After following the valley, we climb out past this beautiful waterfall formed partly out of vegetative matter and partly from minerals

A spectacular viewpoint at the head of the enclosed limestone gorge with Baume les Messieurs in the background

Another viewpoint, before descending to explore the historic village of Baume les Messieurs with its 10th century abbey.

Second day - A walk exploring the green pastures around the historic salt mining town of Salins les Bains in the north of the wine region of Jura.

Historic town of Salins les Bains

After a walk ascending the slopes around Salins les Bains, a stroll through pasture to the B&B

Third day - A walk through vineyards up to the historic village of Château Chalon famous for its wine.

Great views from the village centre over the vines below

After exploring the sleepy village, wine tasting in a local cave to try a selection of the local vintages.

Day 4 - Rest day. Small walks including the climb onto the pic de l'Aigle for views over a region of lakes, known as the mini Scotland

The term Jurassic period - the era when much of the limestone in the region was formed - was named after this area of France. Here we are looking at one of the most important dinosaur tracks in Europe which was discoverd only a couple of years ago. These footprints about 1m wide were made by a diplodocus type dinosaur

Amazing views on our journey south east towards the Haut Jura

Day 5 - Spring Gentians on our walk in the Haut Jura

A fairly gentle walk up onto the ridgeline overlooking Lake Geneva

Following the ridgeline

Views south along the ridgeline of the Haut Jura towards higher summits

Day 6 - A walk exploring the small combes and ridges that make up the green pastures and forest of the Haut Jura.

Optional walk up onto the crete Chalam for great views out across the ridges and combes.

Rolling hills, ridges and combes of the High Jura hills

Day 7 - Stop off at the Cascades de Herisson on our return to Lyon. A series of spectacular waterfalls over the course of a couple of kilometres.

A spectacular walk at the Cascades de Herisson, Jura