The trail known as the “Sentier des Gabelous” (29,5 km in length and with 15 information points providing further details about the ‘white gold’ adventure) leads to the city of Salins-les-Bains. This city is located in a valley and has the forts of “Saint-André” and “Belin” looking down on it from both bordering hills. Until the 20th century salt was extracted from the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2009) as well as from the saltworks of Lons-le-Saunier. When salt started arriving from the Mediterranean region and began competing with the Jura region’s output, both sites ceased their operations.

By virtue of the wealth of their soil, the cities of Salins-les-Bains and Lons-le-Saunier are now popular thermal centres in the Jura department. Visitors much appreciate their naturally salted water which is rich in minerals and trace elements.

Besides telling the history of salt, the first part of the “Échappée Jurassienne” also takes you through the Jura region’s vineyards from which originate no less than seven AOP (PDO; Protective Designation of Origin) wines. There is plenty of opportunity to taste the local specialities on the way. We particularly recommend the famous “Yellow Wine” (Vin Jaune) presented in its typical 62 cl bottle known as the “clavelin”.

You may also wish to visit other pretty towns of the Franche-Comté region such as Arbois – the Jura region’s wine capital, where Louis Pasteur lived for several years -, Poligny, capital of the famous Comté cheese that you will no doubt taste -, or (two villages classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France) Château-Chalon high upon its rock and Baume-les-Messieurs with its imperial abbey dating from the 19th century, lodged in its spectacular steephead valley.

For more information about this route you can visit: www.echappee-jurassienne.fr