Magnificently positioned overlooking the vineyards and countryside of the Jura, Chateau-Chalon (39 Jura, Frenche-Comté) is a fine medieval village.
Chateau-Chalon in the Jura
The village is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France (les Plus Beaux Villages de France) and is the birthplace of the famous Vin jaune (literally yellow wine) made from late harvest grapes and it watches over its vineyards from the top of the cliff on which it is perched.
The village grew up around the castle it gets its name from and the Benedictine abbey, but all that remains of these are the keep and the Romanesque church of Saint Pierre.
The wines of the Jura are quite distinctive – reds and whites from local grape varieties, still and sparkling and the usual Vin Jaune (yellow wine) and Vin de Paille (straw wine) – see the official Jura wines website.
Gite du Colombier, Jura
There is a variety of accommodation on offer in and around Chateau-Chalon including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering Gites such as the Gite du Colombier, traditional stone-built cottages ideally positioned between vineyards and lakes.