An old Roman salt city, now prefecture of the Jura. Lons-le-Saunier is a spa city where visitors can sample the therapeutic effects of the salt water. In the heart of the Jura vineyards, Lons-le-Saunier is a picturesque and historic city.
Visit of the city center
It was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th Centuries, with arcades that give the shopping streets a lively and attractive appearance.
Place de la Liberté is the heart of the city, where all commercial activities are concentrated. It has been entirely renovated and embellished. Concerts and activities take place on the square in summer.
The most beautiful street of the city "Rue du Commerce", also called "Rue des Arcades", starts at the "Place de la Liberté" at the clock tower. Each of the 146 archways have different dimensions, curve and decoration
cordeliers church
Inside you can discover three interesting pieces of furniture.
the museum of archaeology
The permanent exhibit includes a sculpture representing Plateosaurus, the oldest dinosaur in France (over 210 million years) discovered in Lons, and a Bronze Age "pirogue" (dugout canoe) discovered in Chalain in 1904.
hérisson falls
They are located near the village of Doucier in the heart of the "Region des Lacs" (Region of lakes). The source of the Hérisson river is in the lake of Bonlieu at altitude of 805 m (2641 ft). It drops down to the Doucier plateau covering 280 m (920 ft) of altitude difference in only 3 km (2 miles) by cutting through narrow gorges and forming spectacular waterfalls of :
The "Eventail"( name éventail derives from its fan shape), a 65 m (213 ft) drop in leaps and bounds, forming a pyramid of foaming water.
The "Grand Saut" water falls from a height of 60 m (200 ft) in a single waterfall.
The "Saut du Moulin" and "Saut Girard".
house of rouget de lisle
At the number 24 of the Rue de Commerce, the house where the creator of the famous La Marseillaise, was born has been renovated in1996 and opened to the public.
les thermes ledonia
In the heart of the splendid Park des Bains since 1892, the thermes are using the benefits of salted water for classical thermal treatment or health/fitness restoration.
cirque de baume
In the vineyard hills between Lons and Arbois, erosion has carved a series of splendid valleys (reculées) ending in abrupt cirques of cliffs with caves: the "Cirque de Baume", 19 Km east of Lons. The village of Baume-les-Messieurs stands at the convergence of three valleys and is famous for its old abbey.
Baume-les-Messieurs Abbey
