The Jura

Holidays by Destination Europe France The Jura What to Eat 

There shouldn't be too much of a problem catering to children here given the nature of the local foods. Traditional items are dairy products but particularly cheeses. The excellent Comte is the most widespread, but others including Morbier Mont d'Or, and from slightly further south a blue cheese called Gex plus other more local, fresh cheeses. Because it has to be aged for a minimum of four months Comte has remained largely a hand-made cheese but still turns up regularly, for example in salads. Similar to a Swiss Emmenthal minus the holes it should appeal to most children. Another local speciality is cured meat, particularly ham.

The forests mean that there are plenty of mushrooms, particularly morels. The Bresse region is home to a particularly good type of chicken, and fresh water fish is good, particularly trout, visible in most of the streams and rivers if you look long enough.

The region is home to fruit trees, particularly apples but also plums, cherries and peaches, often turned into jams. There is also local honey, and the region is known for its specialist chocolate makers.

Most eating places serve good but unfussy meals, particularly suitable for hungry walkers. If self-catering, the small towns boast some high quality ready made options in both the charcuterie and patisserie shops, plus the odd specialist traiteur cum restaurant.