Officially a department in the greater region of Bourgogne–Franche-Comté, the Jura is stitched in roughly between Bourgogne, or Burgundy, to the west and the Swiss border to the east. Thanks to an economy that revolves around producing renowned wine and cheese amid rolling vineyards and mountain meadows, the Jura is a bucolic buffet for lovers of French food. But it also draws outdoor adventurers with its stunning lakes, waterfalls, valleys, limestone cliffs, and more than 4,000 caves. Add historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you may start to wonder why the Jura isn’t better known. Of course, that’s part of its appeal. Here’s how to explore this under-the-radar area.

With estimates of 89.4 million international visitors in 2018, France again claims the title of the world’s most visited country. Is it possible that there are still a few secrets to uncover in this ever-popular destination? A meander into the scenic Jura region, in the eastern part of the country, shows that oui, c’est possible!

Officially a department in the greater region of Bourgogne–Franche-Comté, the Jura is stitched in roughly between Bourgogne, or Burgundy, to the west and the Swiss border to the east. Thanks to an economy that revolves around producing renowned wine and cheese amid rolling vineyards and mountain meadows, the Jura is a bucolic buffet for lovers of French food. But it also draws outdoor adventurers with its stunning lakes, waterfalls, valleys, limestone cliffs, and more than 4,000 caves. Add historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites, and you may start to wonder why the Jura isn’t better known. Of course, that’s part of its appeal. Here’s how to explore this under-the-radar area.