Discover Arbois: A Wine Lover’s Paradise in Jura, France
Nestled in the heart of France’s Jura region, Arbois offers a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, rich history, and world-class wines. This charming town serves as the perfect base for exploring the unique terroir and exceptional vintages of Jura’s wine country.
Towns and Villages
Arbois itself is a quaint town with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Nearby villages worth visiting include:
- Pupillin: Known as the world capital of Ploussard grape
- Poligny: Home to the famous Comté cheese
- Château-Chalon: Perched on a cliff, famous for its Vin Jaune
Wine Producers
Arbois boasts numerous renowned wine producers. Some noteworthy ones include:
- Domaine Rolet: Family-run since 1942, known for traditional methods
- Domaine de la Pinte: Biodynamic winery with a wide range of Jura wines
- Domaine Tissot: Innovative winemaker producing high-quality organic wines
- Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot: Specializes in Crémant du Jura and still wines
Most wineries offer tastings and tours, but it’s best to book in advance.
Accommodations
Arbois offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences:
- Château de Germigney: Luxurious 4-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Hôtel des Cépages: Charming hotel in the town center, perfect for wine enthusiasts
- La Maison d’Eusébe: Cozy bed and breakfast in a renovated 16th-century building
- Camping de la Grange du Dîme: For those seeking a more rustic experience
Dining
Arbois is a gastronomic destination, offering excellent restaurants that pair local wines with regional specialties:
- Le Bistrot des Claquets: Traditional Jura cuisine with an extensive wine list
- La Balance Mets et Vins: Innovative dishes using local ingredients, perfect wine pairings
- Le Grapiot: Located in nearby Pupillin, known for its creative menu and Jura wine selection
- Restaurant Jean-Paul Jeunet: Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet Jura cuisine
Don’t miss trying local specialties like Comté cheese, Morteau sausage, and chicken with vin jaune and morels.
Wine Shops & Bars
Arbois offers several excellent wine shops and bars for tasting and purchasing local wines:
- La Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois: A cooperative wine shop featuring a wide selection of Jura wines
- Cave de la Reine Jeanne: Historic wine cellar offering tastings and sales of regional wines
- Le Nez Dans le Vert: Wine bar specializing in organic and biodynamic Jura wines
- La Cave du Comté: Combines wine tasting with local cheese pairings
Other Shops
While in Arbois, explore these local shops for regional specialties:
- Fromagerie Vagne: Artisanal cheese shop featuring Comté and other local cheeses
- La Maison du Comté: Dedicated to all things Comté, including tastings and educational exhibits
- Charcuterie Brelot: Traditional butcher shop offering Morteau sausage and other regional meats
- Arbois Tourisme: Tourist office with local products and souvenirs
Attractions
Beyond wine, Arbois and its surroundings offer various attractions:
- Maison Pasteur: Museum dedicated to Louis Pasteur, who lived and worked in Arbois
- Château Pécauld: Houses the Jura Wine Museum, showcasing the region’s winemaking history
- Reculée des Planches: Stunning natural gorge with hiking trails and waterfalls
- Cascades du Hérisson: Series of picturesque waterfalls, perfect for a day trip
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-centric events in Arbois:
- Biou Festival (September): Traditional grape harvest celebration with parades and tastings
- Percée du Vin Jaune (February): Annual festival celebrating the release of new Vin Jaune vintages
- Arbois Wine Fair (July): Showcases local wines and producers
- Christmas Market (December): Features local wines, foods, and crafts
Appellations
Arbois is part of the Jura wine region, which includes several appellations:
- AOC Arbois: The largest appellation, producing red, white, and sparkling wines
- AOC Château-Chalon: Exclusively for Vin Jaune production
- AOC L’Étoile: Known for its white wines and Vin Jaune
- AOC Côtes du Jura: Covers a wide range of wine styles
Each appellation has unique characteristics influenced by its terroir and winemaking traditions.
Grape Varieties
Arbois-Jura’s unique terroir supports diverse grape varieties. The region’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the distinct character of its wines.
- Savagnin: Indigenous white grape, key for Vin Jaune production
- Chardonnay: Widely planted white variety
- Poulsard: Light-bodied red grape, local specialty
- Trousseau: Red variety producing tannic wines
- Pinot Noir: Used for red and sparkling wines
Main Wine Styles
Arbois-Jura offers a range of unique wine styles, reflecting its rich winemaking tradition.
- Vin Jaune: Oxidative white wine aged under flor yeast
- Crémant du Jura: Sparkling wine made in the traditional method
- Macvin du Jura: Fortified wine blending grape must and marc
- Vin de Paille: Sweet wine made from dried grapes
- Trousseau and Poulsard reds: Light to medium-bodied, distinctive reds
Food Specialties
Jura’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local dishes showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage.
- Comté cheese: Aged cow’s milk cheese, pairs well with local whites
- Poulet au Vin Jaune: Chicken cooked in Vin Jaune sauce
- Morteau sausage: Smoked pork sausage, often served with potatoes
- Coq au Vin Jaune: Traditional dish with mushrooms and cream
- Trout: Fresh local fish, often prepared with Savagnin wine
Drives & Walks
Explore Arbois-Jura’s scenic landscapes through picturesque drives and walks. The region offers breathtaking views of vineyards, forests, and mountains.
Scenic Drives
- Route des Vins du Jura: Winding road through charming wine villages
- Belvédère des Quatre Lacs: Panoramic drive overlooking four lakes
Walking Trails
- Sentier des Vignes: Easy walk through Arbois vineyards
- Cascades du Hérisson: Hike featuring stunning waterfalls
Itineraries
Plan your Arbois-Jura adventure with these curated itineraries, designed to showcase the best of the region’s wine and culture.
3-Day Wine Explorer
- Day 1: Arbois town exploration and winery visits
- Day 2: Château-Chalon and Vin Jaune tasting
- Day 3: Scenic drive along Route des Vins du Jura
5-Day Jura Immersion
- Days 1-2: Arbois and surrounding wineries
- Day 3: Hike in Cascades du Hérisson
- Day 4: Explore Château-Chalon and L’Étoile
- Day 5: Comté cheese tour and final tastings
Getting There & Around
Arbois-Jura is accessible by various transportation options:
- By train: TGV service to Dole, then regional train to Arbois
- By car: A39 motorway from Dijon or Lyon
- Nearest airports: Geneva (2 hours), Lyon (2.5 hours)
Within the region, a rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring vineyards and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal times to visit Arbois-Jura are:
- Spring (April-June): Mild weather, fewer crowds
- Fall (September-November): Harvest season, vibrant foliage
Summer offers warm temperatures but can be busy. Winter is suitable for skiing enthusiasts.
Sustainability Efforts
Arbois-Jura embraces eco-friendly winemaking practices:
- Organic viticulture: Many producers use organic or biodynamic methods
- Water conservation: Efficient irrigation systems in vineyards
- Biodiversity: Preservation of local ecosystems and wildlife
Look for certified organic wines and eco-friendly accommodations during your visit.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some French enhances your experience:
- Wine-related phrases:
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” (I would like to taste this wine)
- “Quelle est la spécialité de la région?” (What is the region’s specialty?)
- Basic greetings: “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (Please)
Further Resources
Enhance your Arbois-Jura wine experience with these resources:
- Official tourism website: Jura Tourism
- Wine route information: Jura Wines
- Local events calendar: Arbois Tourism
Consider purchasing a comprehensive Jura wine guide book for in-depth information on producers and vintages.
