Hiking in the vineyards of the Jura
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationBurgundy-Franche-Comté / Jura
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions45.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a journey through the Jura Escape , an exceptional route winding between renowned vineyards , charming villages , and wild panoramas . This semi-itinerant trip guides you through the heart of a contrasting landscape, from secluded, spectacular wooded cliffs to lush forests . Each stage reveals a new facet of the Jura's topography , with the meticulously tended rows of the famous Vin Jaune vines as a backdrop. Paced by walking and contemplation, this hike offers a complete immersion in nature while showcasing a rich cultural and winemaking heritage . You'll traverse unspoiled landscapes, soothed by the murmur of crystal-clear rivers and the tranquility of authentic villages steeped in ancestral traditions . After the exertion, it's time to relax: evenings are punctuated by local tastings , where Comté AOP , an emblematic figure of Jura gastronomy, will delight gourmets. A stay designed for lovers of wide open spaces , hiking and simple pleasures , in a region where nature and culture interact in harmony.
The highlights
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The diversity of the landscapes and the spectacular views of the valleys
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The route is one of the Great Hiking Trails of France
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Luggage transfer for traveling light
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 23 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 798 m
- Average daily descent: 873 m
Management
Program
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Discovery of Pupillin
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You arrive in the afternoon in Pupillin , a charming wine-growing village located just 3 km from Arbois , in the heart of the Jura wine region . Its flower-adorned and carefully restored houses attest to its authenticity. The birthplace of the typical Jura red grape variety, Ploussard (or Poulsard) , the village offers an ideal atmosphere to begin your stay. An easy 6 km walk through the vineyard slopes awaits you, with an elevation gain of 183 m and approximately 1.5 hours of walking. This route rewards you with a superb panoramic view of the surrounding vineyards.
Day 1 -
Pupillin - Pupillin via the Planches valley near Arbois
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 902 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, you'll leave Pupillin and head towards the Planches valley, an impressive cleft in the plateau surrounded by rocky cliffs and verdant forests. The hike begins amidst vineyards and passes through several typical wine-growing villages. Along the way, you'll enjoy a 180° view from the Roche du Feu viewpoint . A refreshing break awaits you at the bottom of the valley, where the Cuisance River reveals the Tufs waterfall , a striking natural spectacle. The ascent continues towards the Fer à Cheval viewpoint , before returning via the Pupillin viewpoint .
With a distance of 23.8km , an elevation gain of 902m , and a duration of approximately 7 hours , this day promises to be full of discoveries. Back at your accommodation, you can enjoy a well-deserved dinner and a restful night.
Day 2 -
Pupillin – Buvilly – Passenans
- Transportation Car - 00h06 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 694 m
- Negative elevation 846 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, depart from Pupillin for a short 10-minute drive to Buvilly . From there, begin a pleasant descent to Poligny , a small town nestled at the foot of the plateau. Renowned for its rich historical heritage, Poligny is also the capital of Comté , the iconic cheese of the Jura region. A visit to the Maison du Comté (Comté House ) is a must to discover all the stages of production of this PDO cheese. Continue with a climb to the Croix du Dan (Dan Cross ), offering a remarkable panorama of Poligny and the Vaux valley . The path then crosses verdant pastures where Montbéliarde cows graze , before reaching the vineyards towards the charming village of Passenans . The day ends with your check-in at a hotel surrounded by nature, where you can enjoy a convivial dinner and a restful night.
Day 3 -
Passenans
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 18km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a good breakfast, you choose your destination: either a return transfer to Pupillin to retrieve your vehicle, or a trip to the train station. The time will be determined when booking, according to your needs, whether in the morning or afternoon.
Option (contact us):
Option to add an extra day of hiking to explore Passenans and its surroundings, and overnight stay with half-board (dinner + breakfast)
Extend your stay with a loop hike around Passenans . This route takes you through the vineyards to the village of Frontenay , before climbing up to Château-Chalon , an iconic site listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France . From this hilltop village, enjoy breathtaking views of the Jura vineyards.
At the end of the day, return to Passenans to enjoy dinner and spend a peaceful night at the hotel.
After a good breakfast, you choose your destination: either a return transfer to Pupillin to retrieve your vehicle, or a trip to the train station. The time will be determined when booking, according to your needs, whether in the morning or afternoon.
Day 4
Note
An optional extra day of hiking with half-board accommodation is available to discover one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France: Château-Chalon and its breathtaking views of the Jura vineyards. Our four-legged friends cannot join the adventure this time; animals are not permitted during this stay. Thank you for your understanding.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated for 2 nights in a guest room in Pupillin, with a large double bed, private bathroom, 1 jacuzzi session of 45 minutes included upon prior reservation.
You will be accommodated for one night in a 3* Logis hotel in Passenans, in a room with a large double bed or 2 single beds, private bathroom, outdoor swimming pool accessible from May to September.
Access
A taxi transfer is arranged and included in the stay to take you back to the starting point (to your car or to Arbois train station).
Go to the starting point
- From Paris ( approximately 3 hours 10 minutes ): TGV Lyria to Bourg-en-Bresse, then TER from Bourg-en-Bresse to Arbois
- From Lyon ( approximately 2 hours 20 minutes ): TER train Lyon - Bourg-en-Bresse then Bourg-en-Bresse - Arbois
- From Paris: via A6 then A36 and A39 (410 km - 4h20) or via A5 - A31 and A39 (435 km - 4h30)
- From Lyon: A42 then A39 (179 km - 2h10)
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in bed and breakfasts and hotels, in twin rooms
- Luggage transport ( 1 piece of luggage weighing 13kg per person )
- A 45-minute jacuzzi session is included with the booking of the bed and breakfast in Pupillin.
- Half-board
- The return transfer to Pupillin
- the Jura Escape guidebook
- the GPX tracks of each stage
The price does not include
- Transfer from the train station to the accommodation in Pupillin
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
Options
- Picnics : CHF43.91 / person
- Transfer of additional luggage : CHF17.38 / unit
- Transfer between the train station and the accommodation in Pupillin : CHF13.72 / person
- Extra night before stay - Bed in a shared double room : CHF113.44 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF226.87 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Bed in a shared double room : CHF113.44 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF226.87 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 x 30L backpack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Spare clothes and socks
- 1 1L water bottle
- Cutlery and picnic box
- Snacks
- 1 swimsuit
- Casual shoes
- 1 camera or binoculars
- Walking sticks
Clothing to bring
- 1 pair of soft trousers
- 1 breathable and waterproof jacket ( Gore-tex type )
- 1 rain cape
- 1 fleece sweater
- Underwear
- 1 t-shirt made of polyester fibers (hollow fibers wick away sweat better)
- 1 pair of suitable shoes
- 1 hat or cap
