Discovering Jura (Department 39)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Tucked away in eastern France, Jura (Department 39) is one of the country's best-kept secrets. Bordering Switzerland and forming part of the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region, it offers spectacular mountain scenery, peaceful lakes, vineyards and traditional villages without the crowds found in better-known Alpine destinations.
For English-speaking people considering moving to Jura, retiring in Jura, buying a holiday home or starting a lifestyle business, the department combines natural beauty with a relaxed pace of life. Winters can be snowy in higher areas, while summers are pleasantly warm, making it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Jura particularly appeals to people seeking authenticity, affordable property, excellent local food and easy access to both France and Switzerland.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Bourgogne–Franche-Comté |
Historic name | Franche-Comté |
Department number | 39 |
Department capital | Lons-le-Saunier |
Largest towns | Lons-le-Saunier, Dole, Saint-Claude, Champagnole, Morez (Hauts de Bienne) |
Population | Approximately 265,000 |
Area | Around 5,000 km² |
Climate | Continental with mountain influences; warm summers and cold, snowy winters in higher elevations |
Best suited for | Nature lovers, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, families, remote workers |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, especially outside larger towns |
English-speaking community | Small but welcoming, with some expat groups particularly near Dole and Swiss border areas |
Lifestyle summary | Relaxed, rural, scenic and community-focused |
Why Choose Jura?
Lifestyle
Life in Jura revolves around nature, local traditions and community. Rather than bustling cities, you'll find market towns, villages and friendly neighbourhoods where people know each other.
The pace is slower than in much of France, making it ideal for those wanting to escape busy urban life.
Community
Although international communities are relatively small, newcomers often find local residents welcoming once they make an effort with the French language. Clubs, markets and local festivals provide excellent opportunities to integrate.
Scenery
Jura is famous for:
Mountain landscapes
Forests
Waterfalls
Vineyards
Lakes
River valleys
Scenic driving routes
Outdoor enthusiasts are rarely short of places to explore.
Accessibility
Despite feeling wonderfully rural, Jura is surprisingly well connected.
Nearby destinations include:
Dijon
Lyon
Geneva
Lausanne
Besançon
Switzerland is only a short drive from many eastern parts of the department.
Food
Food lovers are particularly well served.
Jura is famous for:
Comté cheese
Morbier cheese
Bleu de Gex
Vin Jaune
Vin de Paille
Jura wines
Smoked meats
Local trout
Seasonal mushrooms
Traditional restaurants remain excellent value.
Culture
Rather than grand monuments, Jura offers authentic regional culture:
Wine traditions
Artisan crafts
Cheese making
Village festivals
Historic market towns
Winter sporting heritage
Property
Compared with neighbouring Switzerland and much of eastern France, property remains relatively affordable.
Options include:
Village houses
Renovation projects
Farmhouses
Modern homes
Apartments in larger towns
Rural properties with land
Pace of Life
If your ideal day involves countryside walks, local markets, cafés and peaceful evenings rather than nightlife, Jura could be an excellent match.
Jura Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Peaceful lifestyle, good healthcare and beautiful surroundings. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe communities and outdoor opportunities, though rural schools may involve travel. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Attractive throughout the year with good value property. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Opportunities in tourism, hospitality, artisan food and remote services. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasingly reliable internet in most towns, peaceful working environment. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hiking, cycling, skiing, lakes and nature are major attractions. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Limited nightlife and shopping compared with major cities. |
Popular Places to Live
Lons-le-Saunier
The departmental capital combines practical amenities with a pleasant atmosphere.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Professionals
Advantages
Hospital
Shops
Schools
Weekly markets
Good transport
Things to consider
Busier than surrounding villages.
Dole
A historic riverside town with beautiful architecture and strong transport links.
Ideal for
Commuters
Remote workers
Second-home owners
Advantages
Railway connections
Airport nearby
Attractive old centre
Things to consider
Some areas are busier than rural Jura.
Champagnole
Known as the "Pearl of the Jura," surrounded by forests and lakes.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Families
Advantages
Excellent hiking
Nature
Community atmosphere
Things to consider
Limited nightlife.
Saint-Claude
Nestled in the mountains near Switzerland.
Ideal for
Mountain lovers
Cross-border workers
Advantages
Alpine scenery
Outdoor sports
Local heritage
Things to consider
Winters can be long and snowy.
Arbois
One of France's best-known wine towns.
Ideal for
Food lovers
Wine enthusiasts
Retirees
Advantages
Beautiful architecture
Vineyards
Strong tourism economy
Things to consider
Popular with visitors during summer.
Poligny
Often described as the capital of Comté cheese.
Ideal for
Food lovers
Couples
Advantages
Traditional character
Markets
Excellent gastronomy
Things to consider
Small-town pace.
Les Rousses
A mountain resort close to Switzerland.
Ideal for
Ski enthusiasts
Holiday-home owners
Advantages
Winter sports
Summer hiking
International atmosphere
Things to consider
Higher property prices.
Cost of Living
Compared with many parts of eastern France and neighbouring Switzerland, Jura offers good overall value.
Property affordability
Property prices remain attractive, particularly in villages and smaller towns. Mountain resorts and Swiss-border locations tend to command higher prices.
Shopping
Most towns provide supermarkets alongside independent food shops. Weekly markets offer fresh local produce.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher in winter due to colder temperatures, particularly in older rural properties.
Eating out
Traditional restaurants are generally affordable, with many serving excellent regional cuisine using local ingredients.
General value for money
For many retirees and remote workers, Jura provides a comfortable lifestyle without the high living costs associated with larger cities or neighbouring Switzerland.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good throughout the department.
Main hospitals
Centre Hospitalier Jura Sud (Lons-le-Saunier)
Centre Hospitalier Louis Pasteur (Dole)
Hospital facilities in Saint-Claude
Healthcare availability
Residents have access to:
General practitioners
Dentists
Physiotherapists
Pharmacies
Community healthcare services
Access to specialists
Larger towns provide many specialist services, while more complex treatment may involve travel to Besançon, Dijon or Lyon.
Pharmacies
Every sizeable town has pharmacies, with emergency services available outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
Registering with the French healthcare system and finding a local GP soon after arrival is advisable.
Education
Families relocating to Jura have access to:
Schools
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Colleges
Several vocational and further education establishments serve the department.
International options
There are few international schools within Jura itself, although bilingual and international schools can be found in neighbouring departments and around Geneva.
Language schools
French language courses are available through local associations and adult education providers.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearest airports include:
Dole–Jura Airport
Geneva Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Rail
Regular services connect Dole and Lons-le-Saunier with Dijon, Paris, Lyon and Besançon.
Roads
The motorway network offers good links to eastern France and Switzerland.
Public transport
Buses serve many towns, although services become limited in rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. For most residents, particularly outside major towns, a car is essential for shopping, healthcare and exploring the countryside.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Lons-le-Saunier | Thursday |
Dole | Saturday |
Arbois | Friday |
Poligny | Monday |
Champagnole | Saturday |
Saint-Claude | Thursday |
Morez (Hauts de Bienne) | Saturday |
Les Rousses | Sunday (seasonal markets also held) |
Local Food & Drink
Jura has one of France's richest culinary traditions.
Local specialities include:
Comté cheese
Morbier
Bleu de Gex
Mont d'Or (seasonal)
Vin Jaune
Vin de Paille
Crémant du Jura
Jura Chardonnay
Savagnin wines
Smoked sausages
Morteau sausage
River trout
Morel mushrooms
Poulet au Vin Jaune
Local honey
Things to Do
Historic sites
Château-Chalon
Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans (nearby)
Historic centres of Dole and Arbois
Abbey heritage in Saint-Claude
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Mountain biking
Cross-country skiing
Alpine skiing
Snowshoeing
Canoeing
Fishing
Museums
Musée de la Vache qui Rit
Pasteur-related museums in Arbois
Local heritage museums
Festivals
Wine festivals
Cheese festivals
Christmas markets
Summer village fêtes
Nature
Hérisson Waterfalls
Lac de Chalain
Lac de Vouglans
Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park
Belvederes and scenic viewpoints
Family attractions
Adventure parks
Lakeside beaches
Wildlife parks
Outdoor activity centres
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
Learning French will greatly improve daily life and help integrate into local communities.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful but may have fewer shops and services. Planning journeys is part of rural life.
Internet
Broadband and fibre continue to expand, although speeds vary between villages.
Seasonal tourism
Summer and winter both bring visitors, particularly around lakes and ski areas.
Climate
Expect genuine seasons. Winters can be snowy, especially in the Haut-Jura, while summers are warm but generally comfortable.
Community life
Local associations, sports clubs and markets are excellent ways to meet people. Many villages have active community calendars.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
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What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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