There are four Appellation dOrigine Contrôlée [AOC] classification vineyards in the region: Côtes du Jura, LÉtoile, Arbois/Arbois-Pupillin, and Château-Chalon; two products with AOC status: Crément du Jura and Macvin du Jura; and five grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir.
Chateau
de Parthey
HISTORICAL MONUMENT
Jura, France
Cultural immersion
at the
crossroads
of
European culture
Areas of Focus
Art
Architecture and Monuments
Gardens and Promenades
Wines and Food
Horses
The Chateau de Parthey dates from the XIII century and has remained in the Valdahon-Tarragon family through the ages. The Valdahon-Tarragon family has been deeply involved with the history and culture of France over the course of the centuries. IThey fought for the Ducs of Burgundy and were crusaders in the middle -age. IAmong them, past and present, are army officers, diplomats, ambassadors, members of Parliament, painters, sculptors and the Last Cavalry Man, Comte CapitaineIJoseph de Tarragon, grandfather of Marie-Christine, your host and current owner of the chateau.I Comte J. de Tarragon was killed Oct. 20th, 1914,Iin the battlefield of Staden,Iwhere having three horses killed under him that day, he charged single-handedly a platoon of German dragoons surrounding his men and was decorated posthumously with the Legion of Honneur.
The legacy of artists at Château de Parthey began with the Marquis Jules Cesaire de Valdahon. A noted painter of his time, his large-scale work is still seen in the towering gothic cathedral of Dole nearby. His daughter, Marquise de Fresquiennes, held artistic salons in Parthey in the summer. Noted guests included the writer Georges Sand and the celebrated sculptor and painter Clesinger. Painters Corot and Redoute gave painting lessons at Parthey and Courbet often made the trip from Ornans for a visit. Famed architect Violet- Le- Duc, friend of the Marquis de Valdahon, made the most recent tranformation of the house in the XIX century. Valdahon was a grand patron of the arts and created with Violet- Le- Duc a style contemporary for the time. IHe invested the property with a 50 acres parks "a L'anglaise"Iwith rare essences of trees, ginkos, lebanon cedars, rocailles and garden follies that continue to grace the landscape today.
The Parthey Foundation offers exceptional cultural experiences dedicated to a range of activities. Our beautiful, peaceful setting is two hours from Paris and Geneva, near the XVI century village of Dole. You will stay at Chateau de Parthey as guests of the owner, your host, Marie-Christine Maitre de Tarragon. The atmosphere is one of a family house filled with boundless creativity, deep history, gracious living and the warmest hospitality. With the benefit of her deep family roots, participants enjoy unparalleled immersion opportunity in the history, culture and lives of the Franche-Comté.
History
The Chateau de Parthey is built on the foundations of a Celtic site from the Bronze Age. Recent archeological digs unearthed a temple dedicated to a fertility goddess, built on a sacred spring still present.* Later, Romans occupied the place and their potteries, swords, bronze shields and marble columns have been unearthed here, especially on the north side of the park. XIV century Queen Mahaut d'Artois fortified the site in order to create, with other srongholds of the Jura, a defense for the city of Dole.** In the XVIII century, the Marquis de Reculot transformed the castle from
fortified into a more gracious house. The oldest part of the house dates from the XIII century and the latest transformation, in the XIX century, was made by the famed architect Violet- Le- Duc, friend of the Marquis de Valdahon. Valdahon was a grand patron of the arts and with Violet- Le- Duc created a style contemporary for the time. The property was invested with a 50 acres parks "a L'anglaise" with rare essences of trees, ginkos, lebanon cedars, rocailles, and garden follies that still grace the landscape today.
*[Campements Mésolithique en Bresse Jurassienne Choisey et Ruffey sur Seille]
**[Mairie de Choisey-Rousset: Dictionnaire des Maisons Historiques]
Excerpts from Valdahon-Tarragon History
Activities
Focus on Art
Au Pays De Courbet
-
In The Steps Of Courbet
A Burial at Ornans, Gustave Courbet, 1851, oil on canvas, 315 x 660cm, Musée d'Orsay, Paris, France. Giraudon/Art Resource, NY
The summer 2011 will see the grand opening of the Courbet museum after a 13 million euros renovation. Thanks to the efforts of the Senator Jeannerot, the Courbet house has been carefully restored. The XVIII century "Hotel de Champereux" and "the house Borel" have been added to the museum and now house the art
collections. Le musée Courbet is situated in the village of Ornans on the bank of the charming river LOUE, which inspired the paintings of Corot.
After visiting the house of Courbet and Ornans, we retrace his steps in this Jura landscape where he created his masterpieces. Depending on your interests, we may arrange an instructor through the museum to join us in painting the same sceneries, or you may choose to take pictures or to just enjoy the sites. We are priviledged to have the full support of Senator Monsieur Jeannerot, and the curator of the musée Courbet, Madame Thomas Maurin.
Le musée Courbet à Ornans
We like to canoe down the Loue river, taking in sight the great chateaux LODS, SCEY, Abbaye de MOUTHIERS and HAUTE-PIERRE. A pic-nic will be arranged somewhere along the way, where we will sip champagne "le Cremant du Jura".
Middle Age Bridge near Le musee Courbet
Chateau de LODS along the Loue River
Architecture, Museums and Historic Monuments
Baume-les-Messieurs
abbaye de Cluny
Besancon
c
Chateau Chalon
abbaye de Fontenay
Beaune
Arc-et-Senans
Salins-les-Bains
Dijon
The French Jura
A Land of Tradition in Franche-Comte
The French Jura lies in eastern France and roughly corresponds to the old province of Franche-Comté. We are bounded on the west by Burgundy and on the north by the Vosges, though compared with these areas, we are relatively unknown to tourists. Our rural region of "Cités Comtoises de Caractère" produced illustrious representatives of French genius, including Louis Pasteur, Victor Hugo, Louis Pergaud, the Lumière brothers and Gustave Courbet.
In the Jura, we have UNESCO World Heritage sites of Besançon, Arc-et-Senans and Salins-Les-Bains. The UNESCO list of World Treasures is short, so we are very proud to have three of them just for us! Four of our cities; Lods, Pesmes, Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon, rank among the "Loveliest Villages in France".
We love BAUME-LES-MESSIEURS, situated in a fantastic "reculee" - a canyon dug by jurassic glaciers. Surrounded by the impressive Cirque de Baume, the old, middle-age abbaye stands in the tiny village founded in around 869. The early XI century benedictine abbey of Saint-Peter is the main sight and the XIII century abbey church is a mix of roman and gothic elements with remarkable decorative features.
Baume offers a great hike, beautiful waterfall and a visit of the grotto. From the cliffs at the 'belvedere des roches de Baume', Baume-les-Messieurs can be seen at the bottom of the gorges while Granges-sur-Baume can be seen in the distance above. Nearby are the spectacular Hérisson waterfalls, and the Foret de la Joux, it's walks lined with magnificent old pine trees. These splendidly scenic settings are great places to paint.
In the heart of the Jura wine-growing region and with long views over surrounding vinyards below, the picturesque village at Chateau-Chalon is classified one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. The village holds remnants of a XIII century castle, the ancient fortified town gateway, a XI century romanesque church with unusual oak statue of Christ, and an interesting and historic style of local architecture.
Chateau-Chalon is a French wine from the Jura in the "gourmet" Franche-Comte region. The finest "yellow" wines of the Jura are produced under the name Chateau-Chalon AOC.
The prestigious Chateau-Chalon vineyards have been famous for their high quality and stringent methods since the Gallic era. In year 280, Roman emperor Probus commanded by edict that many vineyards be planted on the hills of 'Sequania', given the success of wine from this vineyard.
Abbaye de Cluny
Founded in 910, the Benedictine abbaye de Cluny was the cradle of reform that drastically changed western monastic tradition. By the XII century, Cluny's esteemed abbotts featured prominently in international politics, commanded an empire of 10,000 monks and answered directly to Rome.
The XIV century abbots residences of Jean de Bourbon and Jacques dAmboise remain in-tact as do the XVIII century convent buildings. The buildings house collections of remains and models of the former monastery and medieval village. These collections include marble columns form the sanctuary of the abbey church and their capitals, which are masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture.
Chosen by the Dukes of Burgundy as capital of their staggeringly successful XIV and XV century dynasty, Dijon was among the great cities of Europe. The winding streets of the medieval town stand amazingly unchanged through the centuries as this dynamic city has been careful to conserve its immensely rich architectural heritage. Medieval half-timbered houses, renaissance architecture, early churches, polychrome varnished tiles and grand, classical, lavishly decorated XVII and XVIII century town houses narrate it's long and colourful history.
The Palais des Ducs holds the Salle des Etats, the Place de la Liberation and contains the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the richest art museums in France. Cathedral Saint-Benigne holds the small 'chapelle mortuaire' built in a gallo-roman cemetery that dates back to the VI century, perhaps earlier.
The city prides itself as a gastronomic centre with it's gingerbread, famed blackcurrant liqueur Cassis and, of course, Dijon mustard as home-grown, health-giving delicacies. Excellent shopping and antiques here.
The cistercian abbaye de Fontenay is a UNESCO world heritage site and the only intact monastery remaining in Burgundy. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the abbey saw the height of it's influence in the XII and XIII centuries. It declined thereafter, several times attacked and plundered in the later Hundred Years War and wars of Religion. The abbey chuch was built in middle XII century in a cruciform plan, it's beautiful cloisters built around the same time.
The abbey at Fontenay is a group of ten important buildings set in extensive formal gardens, all surrounded by the streams and quiet shade of its beautiful woodland valley. Due, in part, to the fine condition of the buildings, it gives perhaps the most comprehensive view of monastic life to be found in Europe.
In the Bronze Age, Gaul tribes settled against the face of the Jura Mountains in this oxbow of the River Doubs. The area of Besançon is an ancient settlement that dates back to prehistoric times, as shown by excavations of Clairvaux and the caves of Courchapon.
The area, known by the Romans as Vesontio, was base for Julius Caesar's military operations in Gaul [58 BC]. The Romans invested a number of major roads connecting to the most important centres of Gaul, so that the area became the 'Provincia Maxima Sequanorum' - 'the largest province of the Sequani', a true metropolis. Over the centuries, it became Besantio, Besontion, Bisanz and gradually arrived at the modern French Besançon.
Famed as one of France's finest towns of art and history and the home of Victor Hugo, Besançon has one of the most beautiful historic centers of any major town in France. "La Boucle", a broad loop of the River Doubs, encircles the old town, while Vauban's imposing Citadelle, a UNESCO treasure of the world, blocks off the neck. The historic center is a remarkable ensemble of classic stone buildings, some dating back to the Middle Age and others to the Spanish Renaissance. Besançon offers lovely excursions on the River Doubs, at the source de la Loue or in the forest 'de la Joux'.
Local fare should not be missed, especially the cheeses, such as the 'Comté', typical of the Jura and the 'Concoillette' (a kind of cream cheese to eat with bread, potatoes and vegetables). Try also the popular tartiflette, the 'Mont d'Or chaud', and for dessert, a typical Galette of Besançon.
With features dating back to Antiquity, Beaune is an ancient walled city surrounded by its battlements, ramparts and moat, half of which are still intact. The old town is quite compact and based around the Hospices de Beaune, or Hotel-Dieu de Beaune. One of the finest examples of XV century French architecture, the Hôtel Dieu was built as a hospital for the poor and needy and is famous for its multicoloured tiled roofs and polyptych of the Last Judgement.
Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and is on the road of the "grands Crus", surrounded by some of the world's most famous wine villages. The famed, annual wine auction of the Hospices de Beaune is the primary wine auction in France.
Fittingly, Beaune has a major fine food market on Saturdays with a profusion of suppliers of everything produced in Burgundy and surrounding regions, for example; Bresse chickens, Jura cheeses, smallgoods, epicerie, produce of every type and seasonal specialties such as truffles. There is also a smaller market on Wednesday. There are various special-event markets and fetes throughout the year.
There is extensive "traditional" shopping clustered around the central square with a focus on gourmet food, fashion, and wine. Also within the town; the Museum of Wine, housed in a XV century meeting place for the Burgundy dukes, the XII century clock tower, the Musee des Beaux-Arts, the Jules-Marey Museum for early video photography, the Beffroi and the church of Notre-Dame.
Salins-les-Bains is situated in the narrow valley of the Furieuse near the immense Chaux Forest and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Once a key strategic spot on the road to Switzerland, the spa town and salt producing centre is watched over on one side by Fort St André, reinforced by the renowned Vauban, and on the other side by Fort Belin.
Salins-les-Bains is best known for it's Great Saltworks, active for at least 1200 years. Centuries ago, salt was crucial for much food preservation, and by the XVII century, it was one of the most sought after products available. It was control over the production of this valuable commodity that made the local Chalon family very rich and powerful. The old workings of the Great Saltworks are now open to show the vast internal mechanisms of it's underground chambers. From 1780 to 1895, its salt water travelled through 21 km of wood pipes to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans.
The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans was built during the reign of Louis XVI and is the modern and Utopian extension of the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains. Built by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, it was the first major achievement of industrial architecture, reflecting the ideal of progress in the Age of Enlightenment. The vast, semicircular complex was designed to permit a rational and hierarchical organization of work and was to have been followed by the building of an ideal city, whose unfinished Utopian architecture still carries the full impact of its futuristic message.
The saltworks in Salins-les-Bains and Arc-et-Senans are UNESCO world treasures and demonstrate an uninterrupted, chronological timeframe during which the extraction of salt continued in Salins, certainly from the Middle Ages, and probably from prehistoric times, through to the 20th century. Spa activity has extended its use to the present.
The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans was built during the reign of Louis XVI and is the modern and Utopian extension of the Great Saltworks of Salins-les-Bains. Built by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, it was the first major achievement of industrial architecture, reflecting the ideal of progress in the Age of Enlightenment. The vast, semicircular complex was designed to permit a rational and hierarchical organization of work and was to have been followed by the building of
an ideal city, whose unfinished Utopian architecture still carries the full impact of its futuristic message.
The saltworks in Salins-les-Bains and Arc-et-Senans UNESCO world treasures and demonstrate an uninterrupted, chronological timeframe during which the extraction of salt continued in Salins, certainly from the Middle Ages, and probably from prehistoric times, through to the 20th century. Spa activity has extended its use to the present.
Chateau de Joux
For a millennium, the Château de Joux has commanded the mountain pass "Cluse de Pontarlier", which links, through the Jura valley, Burgundy and Switzerland, Flanders and Champagne, Italy, and the cold northern seas to the Mediterranean. Armies have used this natural passage through the Jura mountains since the Roman Empire. It developed as a major trade route in the XIII century, becoming the road of salt and monasticism.
Standing roughly three hundred feet above the mountain pass, the imposing Château de Joux is a synthesis of a thousand years of architecture and fortification history. First built of wood in the XI century, the castle was rebuilt in stone in the XII century by the lords of Joux. Though there have been improvements and repairs throughout its long history, Fort de Joux' most famous improvements are those of Vauban in 1690. It experienced many major European conflicts, including the 1476 passage of Charles the Bold, a 1639 occupation during the Thirty Years' War , the 1674 signing of surrender during the French conquest of Franche-Comté, and t was a major stage on the Abolitions Trail in the fight against slavery. From XVIII century onwards, the Château de Joux was utilized as a state prison, alongside the Bastille and the Château d'If.
Set in the heart of Upper Doubs, the fortress offers an excellent hike, fascinating history and a rich museum of rare XVIII and XIX century weapons.
Chateau de Cormatin
la Source de la Loue
Chateau d'Ancy-le-Franc
Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin
les Cascades du Herisson
Hiking and Bicycling
le Bon Pays - the Good Country
In hot summers, when much of France turns dry in the heat, Franche-Comté almost always remains green and inviting. Along the Swiss border, in the Haut Doubs and Haut Jura, meadows remain green and full of flowers. Hidden valleys set amongst steep, folded limestone cliffs and countless rivers and waterfalls lined with rich forest give our Jura region its distinct form and colour. Our exceptional landscapes also hold glaciated lakes, important wildlife species such as the Lynx, Chamois and Cerf, and caves inhabited by pre-historic man.
The Jura is ideal for anyone who appreciates the outdoors. From gardeners to passionate geologists, from photographers and artists to writers, and from equestrians to hikers, cyclists and sailors, our region offers something for everyone.
Chateau de Cormatin is one the most beautiful châteaux of the Saône and Loire. Built in 1605 for the Marquis of Huxelles on the foundations and moat of a medieval fortress, it's demure exterior hides an amazing interior of polychrome decoration. The castle's paintings, woodwork and sculptures attest to the wealth of the lords of the place and it's Louis XII
and XIII apartments are exceptional, of the finest
in France, and chronicle the arts of the times.
The Flemish and Italian styles reflected here were influenced by painters and architects from Florence and Mantoue and by gardeners from Naples. For those inspired by interiors and decorative arts, the paint effects, ornamentation and remarkable richness of furniture and decoration will be of great interest. The needlepoint chair coverings were all done by the ladies of the house and the castle houses several classified objects; a remarkable portal, a bed with canopy, tapestries, and wall paintings of the vaults of the chapel.
The park, with its Renaissance garden, impressive potager and grazing horses, is an invitation to stroll and imagine. From the aviary, you can admire the flowerbeds, the labyrinth and the paths representing the symbolic parables, very fashionable in the seventeenth century.
The waterfalls and torrents of the Hérisson valley were essential for cultivation of the area's rich natural resources before the advent of electricity. For almost seven centuries, the driving force of these waters fueled the processing of hemp, iron ore, grain and wood. This is a great hike. Amazing for it's natural beauty alone, you will also discover industrial remains along the hike. You should not miss the magic of this unique valley!
The Hérisson river originates from the Saut Girard, fed by the waters of Lake Bonlieu and the Ilay Lakes and boasts 31 waterfalls and torrents on it's path.
One of the most beautiful rivers in France, the mythical Loue springs up near the village of Ouhans, leaps from the rock, and forms a waterfall. From lookouts to blind valleys, the Loue offers an easy downstream canoe with a succession of panoramic views and picturesque villages. Of special interest are the villages of Lods and Ornans.
Lods is built in the narrow valley of the Loue and is ranked among "the most beautiful villages in France". Ornans is perfect for walking, a privileged site for fly-fishing, and due to the way it is built along the river, it is often referred to as "Little Venice of Franche- Comte". It is also the beloved birthplace of Gustave Courbet and is preparing the re-opening of a fantastically renovated musée Courbet to great fanfare in July 2011.
Ornans on the Loue, "Little Venice Comtoise"
Off the beaten track in a small wooded valley, Château de Bussy-Rabutin stands a splendid testament of famous libertine Roger de Rabutin. While exiled here for misdemeanors on society, he not only penned lHistoire amoureuse des Gaules (the loving history of the Gauls), he also expressed his resentment towards Louis XIV and the nostalgia of his turbulent love affairs on the walls of his château. The magnificent interior apartments are decorated with over 200 17th Century paintings with elaborately painted ceilings to rival a mini Versailles.
Château de Bussy-Rabutin is surrounded by it's moat in 34 hectares of parkland and formal gardens on the ordered French style. While the facade of the house is representative of the XVII century, the courtyard is surrounded by galleries decorated typical of the first French Renaissance.
The Château d'Ancy-le-Franc is a Renaissance palace, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the Burgundy canal. It is the masterpiece of the famous Italian architect Sébastiano Serlio, master of symmetry and of 16th century architecture, who was summoned to the French court by François I. A classified historic monument, it's rich decor is attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century. The château interior holds a series of remarkable mural paintings which is the largest collection of Renaissance murals in all of France. The inner courtyard or Cour d'Honneur is of the most elegant in the country.
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc is set in the centre of a magnificent park of 123 acres and perfectly represents the Renaissance art of living'. Numerous streams and an immense pond offer a delicate charm in this space filled with greenery and relics of past times. The estate comprises immense stables, a farmhouse and various other constructions.
In 1684, the Marquis de Louvois acquired the château and set out to give it the character of a true Grand Siècle residence (referring to the Great Century in France, the XVII century). He ordered relics of it's medieval wall demolished to open the area for huge outbuildings arranged around two courtyards. To ensure it would be on par with other grand structures of the same era, Louvois had famous gardener Le Nôtre surround the château with an immense French-style garden that opened to the surrounding landscape. With magnificent garden beds, lawns, fountains and statues, Louvois turned Ancy-le-Franc into his own private Versailles.
In 1759, Marquis de Courtanvaux, the heir of Louvois, transformed the gardens into an English-style park. An artificial lake was dug and in it, he placed a tiny island on which he built a tiny pavilion, a shelter for his idyllic leisure activities. This pavilion, known as 'La Folie', is an elegant testimony of the time. It was the favourite spot of the XVIII century owners, a place to frolic and delight in a show of fireworks.
Petit Maclu and Grand Maclu in the Quatre-Lacs
Swimming, Hiking and Bicycling
The bright mountain lakes of the French Jura are beautiful, invigorating places to swim and hike. Most of our lakes are of glacial origin and were witness to the last ice age. Human presence in the region is attested to the Neolithic and Bronze Age (-4000/-750) by remnants of lake cities, found especially in Lake Chalain.
lac de Vouglans (above) lac de Chalain (above right)
Our mountain lakes are long admired. Characterized as "Little Scotland" in the 1825 book, Travel Picturesque and Romantic in Old France, they were designated "must see" for distinguished travellers!
Biking is one of the best ways to see the countryside. France is a bike-friendly place and there are many leisurely bike routes in the great vineyards of Burgundy. Paths and lanes wind through various landscapes, picturesque villages and some of the most famous and valuable vines in the world.
For nature lovers, Burgundy offers a path along the Canal du Nivernais, it's most beautiful waterway, with unspoilt villages and pretty countryside along the route.
canal du Nivernais
vin du Jura
Food
vin de Bourgogne
The reputation of Jura wines reaches back for many centuries in France, with it's wine-growing mentioned by Pliny in the first century and it's practice documented in X century Arbois. The techniques of vinification and planting, passed down from father to son, or taught in the region's brilliant professional federations, are essential to the quality of French vineyards and the Jura has the distinction of being the first wine region in France to be given an origin label.
Although France's smallest wine region, the Jura is perhaps the most complicated. Amongst oenophiles, it is irresistible for its mystery, its unwavering non-conformist spirit and the complex, eccentric, long-lived wines so brazen and invigorating in a crowd of wines that follow fashion into tedium. From the soft and sweet Vin de Paille to the multi-layered aromas of the legendary "Vin Jaune", the distinctive tastes, personality and depth of Jura wines come from our small vineyards, old vines and grape varieties not seen or tasted in any other place.
Our region is famous for its agricultural products and rustic, warm traditional dishes that have been kept alive for centuries. From the early hours of the morning, the people of Franche-Comté come out to meet with traders and artisans of the finest fresh foods and accompaniments. These gastronomic tradesmen guide us through a labyrinth of flavors with enthusiasm that is nothing but contagious.
The fame of the Jura wines has been in place forever. Our wines are based strongly on "terroir" and traditional techniques and practices. Our weather, soil and grape varieties, the ever present "terroir", and the skill of our winemakers are all significant in choosing the method of vinification and maturation. It is this great diversity that best characterizes the Jura wine region: 5 grape varieties, 6 AOCs, 200 professional winemakers, and a rich range of fine products. Red wines, rosés, white wines and Vin Jaune are the still wines of the region. Joined by sparkling Cremant, the sweet Vin de Paille, fortified Macvin du Jura and the distilled Marc and Fine, we have the largest range any region can offer.
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the Food
One of the world's most singular food and wine cultures; it is impossible to separate the grapes, the cuisine and the philosophy in the Jura. In this part of France, still unknown to many visitors, people live the way they have
for decades, even centuries and only those in the know have been enjoying the fruits of our labor. The Jura is very proud of it's unique local foods, wines and cheeses; crafted according to tradition rather than trend. Culinary specialties include: several of France's best known cheeses - most notably Comté and Morbier, our traditional Saucisse de Morteau and Montbéliard and many outstanding, distinctive honeys.
