Vineyards & Arbois
Capital of Jura wines — Pasteur & Vin Jaune
Arbois is the capital of Jura wines and the birthplace of Louis Pasteur. One of France's finest wine towns, it gathers historic wine cellars, vigneron estates and gastronomic restaurants within a medieval town. Beyond: the Jura wine route stretches across kilometres of hillside vineyards.
What awaits you
A glass of Vin Jaune on an Arbois terrace, the scent of walnut and wax. In the cellars, barrels age under the voile — six years of patience. This Jura is like nowhere else.
At a glance
- Best season
- Spring (vines in flower), autumn (harvest, colours). Summer is lively but the wine route gets crowded.
- Ideal duration
- One day for Arbois alone. Two to three days to explore the full wine route (Poligny, Château-Chalon, L'Étoile).
- Ideal for
- Wine lovers, food enthusiasts, couples, cultural tourists, food journalists & influencers.
- Distance
- Approximately 40 km from Lons-le-Saunier (35 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic)
Why stay at Lons Séjours
Our apartments are the right base for a day or several days exploring the wine route. T4 Cordeliers (unfurnished) is particularly suited to film crews or extended professional stays in the region.
View apartments →What to do
Cellar tastings
Many Arbois wine houses welcome visitors for guided tastings. Vin Jaune, Vin de Paille, Poulsard, Trousseau, Savagnin.
Maison de Louis Pasteur
Pasteur's birthplace and vineyard estate are open to visitors. Museum covering his life, discoveries and connections to Jura wines.
Château-Chalon
Medieval village perched on the hillsides, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, and the AOC capital of Vin Jaune. About 20 km from Arbois.
Wine route by bike
Part of the wine route is cyclable on tracks and quiet roads. Ideal for linking wine villages between Arbois and Poligny.
Practical info
- Getting there
- Car recommended. Designate a sober driver or use a local taxi service. Ask locally about Lons↔Arbois taxi or rideshare options.
- Tip
- Book tastings in advance for the major houses. Many cellars offer shipping or delivery — handy for travelling light on the way back.
Combine with
Combine with the Bains de Lons for a "spa & gastronomy" stay, or with the Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans for a UNESCO heritage day.
In bad weather
Rain doesn't dampen Arbois — wine cellar tastings are all indoors. A rainy day is actually perfect for cave-hopping from one historic cellar to the next. Maison de Pasteur is also fully sheltered. Arbois's best restaurants make for a very pleasant full rainy-day programme.
Plan your stay in Lons
Book directly, no platform fees. Describe your stay and receive a response within 2 hours on weekdays.