Jura: what to do in Baume

Perched 330 meters above sea level, in the Jura, is Baume-les-Messieurs, a small village of barely 200 inhabitants. Small, but highly regarded since it is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Francehas received the distinction of “favorite village of the French”, and is one of the “Great European cultural routes”.

Baume-les-Messieurs: a village halfway between simplicity and spirituality

If you are passing through Baume-les-Messieurs, you will of course need to take the time to discover its sumptuous green landscapes and the beautiful walking routes that the village offers, but also admire its famous Imperial Abbey. Because it is this abbey, “inspirer of the foundation of the order of Cluny, which radiated throughout the medieval West”, which makes Baume-les-Messieurs, a village which combines “simplicity with spirituality”, can we read in the book of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

Throughout the Middle Ages, in the heart of a valley typical of the Jura landscape formed by the Seille, the monastery of Balma lived its hours of glory. So much so that Frederick Barbarossa (emperor of the Holy Roman Empire from 1155 to 1190) made it an imperial abbey. Of great architectural richness (early Romanesque art, alterations in the 16th century), it consists of several conventual buildings, a 16th century Flemish altarpiece, a chapel of tombs and Burgundian statuary.

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What activities to do in Baume-les-Messieurs?

Visit Saint-Pierre Abbey in Baume-les-Messieurs : as mentioned above, the Benedictine abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs could be considered as the main tourist attraction of the village. To discover during the visit of this place steeped in history? Its Flemish altarpiece from the 16th century and statuary from the 15th century, its Chapel of the Tombs, its nave built according to the Benedictine rule with a paving of around forty tombstones, and its pretty sculpted portal from the 15th century.
The Caves of Baume : nestled 120 meters deep, the Caves of Baume have something to amaze many tourists. These open onto a 70-metre entrance, then offer numerous galleries laid out over almost a kilometer, some rooms of which can rise up to 80 meters in height. Bonus ? An underground river and lake that are home to bats and blind shrimp!
The waterfall of the Tufs : at the bottom of the Reculée is the Tufs waterfall, one of the most famous in the Jura, and above all one of the most beautiful in France. Its water comes from the Dard, an underground river that comes out of the ground after having traveled through the caves. With several rocks in relief, this magnificent waterfall which can be visited throughout the year is the starting point for many hikes.
Horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking in the Reculée: located in the heart of nature, the village of Baume-les-Messieurs is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. And especially from the famous Tufs waterfall, from which it is possible to walk along the “Jura Breakaway”, an emblematic route that crosses the reliefs of the Jura. It is also possible to access the belvederes at the top of the circus to contemplate the panoramic landscapes and the view of the village.

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What to discover in the surroundings of Baume-les-Messieurs?

Chateau-Chalon (12 km): perched on the edge of a cliff, Château-Chalon is a village that does not lack arguments to seduce tourists: it is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it is labeled “City of Character of Burgundy -Franche-Comté”, and it is classified, as well as its surroundings, “vineyard landscape”. It must be said that Château-Chalon is a high place in the wine-growing history of the department. It was he, in fact, who gave his name to a famous vintage… the yellow wine of Château-Chalon, of course!
The Château du Pin d’Arlay(16 km): in the heart of the vineyards, the Château du Pin d’Arlay, also called Château de Proby, is located at the foot of the ruins of an old fortified castle from the 11th century. Since 1996, the Château du Pin has been classified as a historical monument and remains open to tourists during the summer. Formerly called “Château de la Garde-Chemin”, it was once used – after the construction of its famous keep in 1252 – to control the convoys of salt coming from the saltworks of Lons. Between the 18th century and the 20th century, many owners then succeeded one another. Until a certain Trouillot transformed the property into a winery.
Chalin Lake(25 km): Nestled in the heart of a forest surrounded by mountains, Lac Chalin is a 232-hectare glacial lake located in the town of Fonttenu, near Marigny and Doucier, in the Jura. It is the largest lake in the Jura. With three equipped beaches, it offers tourists the opportunity to revel in its turquoise waters while doing a multitude of activities!
The Hérisson waterfalls(30 km): located on the Terre d’Émeraude community territory – community of French municipalities located in the Jura and the district of Lons-le-Saunier – the site of the Cascades du Hérisson is very popular with tourists. Located in the Reculée, in the middle of which flows the torrent of the Hérisson, the Cascades du Hérissons are however difficult to access and reserved for seasoned hikers, which makes it possible to preserve the fauna and flora of this exceptional site.

The most beautiful villages of France are also to be discovered in the GEO Special Edition currently on newsstands.

Find more information about Veules-les-Roses in the official guide The Most Beautiful Villages of France !

The Most Beautiful Villages of France PBVF

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