The Jura

Holidays by Destination Europe France The Jura 

The Jura is a reminder of what most of Europe used to look like ? small towns sprinkled across land which is partly agricultural but largely wooded. It's lush and intriguing, and for children in particular, a chance to see the kind of places fairytales were set.

Between the forests, the fields even in the height of summer are full of wild flowers, and the landscape ranges from the area neighbouring Burgundy up through rolling hills and to the occasional white rock face. While the older towns are largely attractive pale gold stone, outside them along with more modern offerings are building ranging from Swiss style chalets to stone mountain houses.

There is history here, some of it quite lively, the area being a battleground of French Kings, Dukes of Burgundy, Holy Roman Emperors, and various bishops. Later, in the 19th century the tumbling rivers were a useful source of energy, triggering the creation of a variety of small businesses ? iron works, spectacle making, precious stone cutting, and mechanised woodworking, notably of toys, most of which are still alive and well today.

Tourism is not sophisticated. Until recently there have been few visitors other than French ones, who have been happy with old-fashioned standards. While this means there is not a great deal in the way of elegant accommodation, even simple food is produced to a high standard ? even if it's just a baguette sandwich with ham, butter and gherkin filling. There is also a more genuine welcome than in other, busier parts of the country.

There are tourist sites in the Jura ? Pasteur's home, a toy museum, salt works for example - but most open for just a couple of hours in the morning and another two or three in the afternoon. There are set hours for meals too. Even bars only serve food for an hour or two in the middle of the day. This is a place to take things at a civilised pace, like the locals do.

Given its attractions, it seems more than likely that in just a few years the Jura will become fashionable and much of this will change. It's well worth visiting now before that happens.