1.Giura, a bridge between nations
Landscape
Giura (in French Jura) is a strip of land between Switzerland and Burgundy. Mountains and hills cover its green plains and wooded slopes. There are numerous lakes, the largest of which is about 3 km long and 1 wide. The climate is cold in the mountainous regions and more temperate as you reach the valleys.
Attractions
Baume Abbey and the nearby village of Baume-les-Messieurs are miniature masterpieces to explore. Lake Vouglans is also characteristic and worth a visit, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in France. The romantic town of Dole, crossed by canals, houses a charming old town and a rich Museum of Fine Arts. Arbois is the capital of Jura. Its architecture of houses stretches out along the River Cuisance. A visit to the wine-cellars of Arbois is a must if you go there.
A dish
Poulet au comte du Jura et champignons (Earl of Jura chicken with mushrooms). Chicken sauteed in the pan with wine, cheese and champignon mushrooms.
A wine
Vin Jaune (yellow wine). A scented, aromatic, liqueur wine. Obtained from fully ripe, cavagnin grapes, it is dry, devoid of residual sugar and with a medium-high alcohol content. It recalls the flavours of dates, passionflowers with interesting spicy scents and suggestions of seasoned wood. More than a wine, it is a sensorial experience.
2.The Loire Valley: a thousand and one worlds, wrapped into one
Landscape
The Loire Valley is one of the richest and most extensive wine regions in France. The different nature of the areas, views that change up the course of the Loire (the longest river in France), cities spanning multiple styles and influences, the Loire Valley gives you fascinating and intriguing travel ideas. Wherever you choose to go, there is always something wondrous awaiting to be discovered. Its White wine is the liaison of this beautiful region.
Attractions
Immerse yourself in nature at Parc Oriental de Maulevrier: Gardens, flowers, trees with shapes that make them seem they were sculpted. A taste of the Orient. Among the numerous castles of Loire, there is Chenonceau Castle, a fairytale place: it is enchanting to observe its reflection in the mirror of water that surrounds it, and its evocative imposing architecture that sets it apart from anything else. Among the cities to visit, Orleans - famous for its Cathedral - stands out, while Nantes is a unique cultural centre and hub for research and continuously buzzing with activities.
A dish
Matelote d’aiguilles (Matelote of eels). Stew of eels with champignon mushrooms and onions. The eels are stewed in Chignon red wine, which is used at the end of cooking to make a savoury sauce.
A wine
Muscadet. A dry white, slightly effervescent wine, characterised by intense floral scents. It is produced with a special technique: after its fermentation, it remains on its lees until bottling. Its ideal match? Seafood!
Ph. credits: goodfoodrevolution.com | wikimedia.org | agenceinteractive.com | institutdetouraine.com | 20minutes.fr