Holiday rentals Jura

Three iconic places to discover in the Jura

The Jura is brimming with sites that embody both the region’s natural beauty and its historical heritage. Three destinations stand out in particular: timeless stone villages, landscapes sculpted by water and time, and vestiges of ancient civilisations. Each of these places reveals a different facet of the Jura’s character, amidst vineyards, forests and medieval architecture.

1. Château-Chalon

Perched on its rocky outcrop, Château-Chalon is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This medieval village charms visitors with its houses featuring white limestone façades, its cobbled streets and the ruins of its castle overlooking the rooftops. The site commands an exceptional view: the vineyards of the Jura stretch out below, a region renowned for its ‘vin jaune’ with its unique flavours. A timeless atmosphere pervades this village perched high above the valley, where every house tells the story of several centuries of local history. Holidaymakers enjoy strolling amongst the old houses and taking a contemplative break whilst gazing out over the vineyard-covered slopes.

2. The Hérisson Waterfalls

In Bonlieu, the River Hérisson cascades down in a succession of 31 waterfalls that captivate with their scale and grace. The most famous, the Éventail waterfall, cascades down 65 metres, creating a spectacular sight in a preserved woodland setting. The walking trails allow you to follow this watercourse as it winds its way from one waterfall to the next, amongst moss-covered rocks and dense woodland. The clear water and the play of light through the foliage offer moments of pure contemplation of nature. This site is an ideal day out for families seeking peace and tranquillity amidst the woodland.

3. Baume-les-Messieurs

Nestled in the heart of a remarkable natural cirque listed among the Grands Sites de France, Baume-les-Messieurs captivates visitors with its imposing geological landscape and architectural heritage. The village, also listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is centred around a Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century, of which the church and monastic buildings still stand. Natural caves carved into the rock complete this unique landscape, offering surprising underground vistas. The cliff face framing the village lends it a special sense of intimacy and grandeur, heightened by the silence and the quality of the air. It is a place of contemplation where religious history, architecture and geology come together.

These three sites embody the Jura in all its diversity: medieval history, geological splendour and spiritual heritage. A holiday in a holiday let in the region allows you to wander freely between these worlds, at your own pace and according to your interests.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday rental in the Jura

Each season transforms the Jura and offers a different reason to stay there for a few days or a few weeks. The region reveals contrasting facets depending on the time of year, and a holiday let allows you to experience each of them.

In spring, the forests of the Jura come back to life with vigour. The snow disappears from the plateaus, the meadows turn green again, and the first hikes become possible. Temperatures remain cool but mild. It’s the ideal time to explore the valleys and enjoy the paths that wind through the renewed greenery. Springs and waterfalls flow abundantly, offering spectacular scenes of rushing water.

Summer fills the Jura with light. The days grow longer, temperatures rise without becoming too hot, and the department becomes a favourite playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Lakes and rivers invite you to take a dip, the mountain trails are easy to navigate, and the villages come to life. Holiday rentals allow you to settle in and return to rest after each excursion, without the pressure of a tight schedule.

Autumn adorns the forests with warm hues. The foliage turns red and gold, creating scenes of striking beauty. The days remain sunny, though the air grows increasingly crisp. It is a prime season for walkers and photographers, when the Jura displays its most beautiful colours. Tourist numbers dwindle, bringing a greater sense of tranquillity to the valleys.

Winter transforms the Jura into a winter wonderland. The plateaus and hills are blanketed in snow, the lakes sometimes freeze over, and the landscape takes on a magical quality. It’s the perfect time for winter sports, cross-country skiing, snowshoe walks and exploring a Jura purified by the cold. The nights are long and ideal for a deep, restful sleep.

No season really detracts from a holiday in the Jura. Hiring a holiday let offers the flexibility to adapt your plans to the day’s weather, to change your itinerary without hindrance and to make the most of every season just as you wish. The Jura’s warm welcome remains constant, as does the quality of life offered by the holiday lets scattered throughout the department.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Jura

The Jura has some truly extraordinary discoveries in store: landscapes shaped by water, culinary traditions rooted in the local terroir, and mountains that invite you to explore. Here are three unmissable experiences to enjoy during your stay in a holiday rental.

1. Hiking along the trails of the Jura’s Lake District

The Jura’s Lake District boasts around fifteen mountain lakes nestled amongst forests and cliffs. The trails linking them allow you to discover different panoramas with each season: turquoise waters in summer, colourful forests in autumn. Walkers will find routes to suit all abilities, from easy lakeside walks to more challenging climbs up to the surrounding peaks. The lakeshores are perfect for a quiet moment of contemplation or a picnic by the water.

Address: Lac de Chalain, 39130 Marigny.

2. Tasting ‘vin jaune’ and Comté cheese in the Jura wine cellars

For centuries, the Jura vineyards have been producing ‘vin jaune’, this golden elixir with complex aromas, aged for at least six years in oak barrels. Co-operative cellars and independent wineries welcome visitors to discover this unique nectar, often paired with mature Comté. These tastings reveal the producers’ commitment to their traditional methods and offer authentic gastronomic memories to take back to your holiday accommodation.

Address: Route des vins du Jura, 39600 Arbois.

3. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Haut-Jura mountains

The Haut-Jura mountains are transformed into a winter playground as soon as the first snow falls. Cross-country skiing reigns supreme here: groomed trails criss-cross forests and plateaus, accessible to all ability levels. For those who prefer a slower pace, snowshoeing offers a silent immersion in the pristine white of the mountain landscapes. The resorts offer equipment hire and advice to help you improve or rediscover these winter sports.

Address: Les Rousses Ski Resort, 39220 Les Rousses.

Our guests’ favourite facilities when booking a holiday rental in the Jura

Comfort and convenience go hand in hand with a great holiday in the mountains. When choosing a holiday rental, people tend to think first of the bedrooms and the kitchen, but the additional facilities make all the difference. In the Jura, where winters are harsh and summers are pleasant, travellers appreciate accommodation equipped with everything they need to enjoy their free time in peace, whether with family or friends.

• Efficient heating: essential for autumn, winter and spring breaks in the region. A reliable system prevents any unpleasant surprises in mountain holiday cottages.
• Fully equipped kitchen: a hob, oven, fridge and kitchenware allow you to prepare your own meals and sample local produce without having to rely on restaurants.
• Bathroom with private shower and toilet: an essential feature that greatly contributes to everyday comfort and privacy.
• Washing machine: highly sought-after for extended stays, especially when travelling with children or when hiking in all weathers.
• Terrace or balcony: to enjoy the Jura countryside without leaving your accommodation, particularly on sunny days.
• On-site parking: a major advantage in the Jura, where having a private or accessible parking space significantly enhances the peace and quiet of your stay.
• Wi-Fi and internet access: even on holiday, staying connected is reassuring for many travellers, particularly those who need to check their messages.
• Comfortable lounge with a television: useful for days when the weather is bad or for family evenings.
• Fireplace or stove: a feature that creates a cosy atmosphere and enhances the enjoyment of an autumn or winter stay in the mountains.

Finding the right holiday rental also means taking into account the number of people staying, your budget and the planned season. A well-equipped property offers the freedom to tailor your stay to your preferences, whether that means relaxing by the fire or setting off to explore the peaks and lakes of the Jura mountains.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in the Jura?

Prices for holiday rentals in the Jura vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a gîte for two people, you can generally expect to pay between 40 and 70 euros per night. A family-sized property for four to six people tends to cost between 70 and 130 euros per night. Larger properties or those with high-end facilities, particularly in tourist areas, can cost between 150 and 250 euros per night.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to lakes, ski resorts or historic towns affects pricing. Accommodation in the heart of rural areas remains more affordable than that located near major tourist centres. The length of stay also matters: a weekly booking often comes with a significant discount compared to individual nights. Some owners offer sliding-scale rates for stays of three or four nights or more, particularly in the off-season.

Seasonality is a major factor. Summer and winter (the ski season) see the highest prices. Spring and autumn generally offer more flexibility in terms of pricing. To make the most of your budget, it’s essential to compare several accommodation options based on your dates. Booking in advance helps you secure better deals. Also take the time to read reviews to check that the value for money meets your expectations.