It is no accident that hundreds of people, whilst walking in Jack Londons and his dogs footsteps, should be drawn to the Jura. The call of wild so dear to the heart of the American writer, remains an ever present reality in this mountain range stretching out along the Franco-Swiss border. It is a paradise where foresters, countrymen, craftsmen, sportsmen and hikers happily mix.
Wood is everywhere in evidence in this border country with the traditional industries of sawing, toy and pipe-making, and manufacturing of small wooden objects, all forming the backbone of the local economy.
The main attraction is, of course, the charm of winter that appeals every year to a great many enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, snowshoes trekking and dos sleighing. With the arrival of spring, they are replaced by hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse-riders.
Other seasonal highlights is this Arc Jurassien (Jura Mountain region) reputed for its authentic traditions and the warmth of its hospitality include the annual descent of the cattle from their mountain pastures and many rural and forest festivals.
As though to make up for being further from the sea than the others French regions, Franche-Comté is blessed with a wealth of lakes which are an irresistible attraction to windsurfing, water-skiing, bathing, diving and even dinghy and catamaran saling enthusiasts. Sportsmen, ramblers and fishermen alike can enjoy a total of over 80 lakes with a distinctly Canadian air about them and which are enlivened in summer by locally organized festivals and events.
The best known waters are the Lake Saint-Point whose 400 ha (900 acres) are abound with various kinds of whitefish, the nature reserve of Remoray and the Vouglans reservoir un the Jura. The latter the result of an impressive hydroelectric dam built along the Ain river measures 35 km in length and is the second largest artificial lake in France. Visitors to Vouglans will enjoy it extensive facilities which include beaches, water sports clubs, cruises and restaurants boats. Another tourist attraction is the Lake of Chalain, a prehistoric site of great repute. Chalain is a lake dwelling made up of reconstituted Neolithic huts much frequented by archaeologists, researchers and indeed all people interested by the past. Guided tours can be arranged.
LABELS
Touristic trails :
Lake Trail, Fir Tree Trail
LOCATION
Area to visit :
Jura Massif, Region of Lakes
Nearest station :
Pontarlier - Saint Claude
OTHERS
Free visit :
Yes
Open all year round :
Yes
Type of site :
Panoramic viewpoint, Geology, Blind valley, Mountain summit, Forest, Valley
LABELS
Touristic trails :
Lake Trail, Fir Tree Trail
LOCATION
Area to visit :
Jura Massif, Region of Lakes
Nearest station :
Pontarlier - Saint Claude
OTHERS
Free visit :
Yes
Open all year round :
Yes
Type of site :
Panoramic viewpoint, Geology, Blind valley, Mountain summit, Forest, Valley
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