Champagnole combines archaeological and ecclesiastical history with walking trails along the Ain and outdoor activities. The archaeological museum, the Base de loisirs de la Roche and the various cycling options each offer something different. You can plan your stay around culture, exercise or a mix of both.
Archaeology and architectural history
Champagnole’s municipal archaeological museum is designated a “Musée de France”. It offers insights into the lives of the Gallo-Romans and Merovingians who lived on the second Jura plateau from the 1st to the 7th century. The museum offers guided tours for individuals, groups and schools throughout the year; these take place by prior reservation. So if you plan to take a guided tour, book in advance.
The Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte also offers a glimpse into the town’s architectural history: it was commissioned in 1750 and consecrated in 1755. Its bell tower has an imperial dome in the traditional Franche-Comté style. The painting, together with its frame, “Prédication de saint François Xavier” has been listed as a protected historic monument since January 20, 2022.
Walks and activities along the Ain
Champagnole is a gateway town to the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. You can find walking routes along the banks of the River Ain and in Parc de Belle-Frise. The Base de loisirs de la Roche is also on the banks of the Ain and offers a different range of activities, including canoeing and kayaking, hiking, orienteering, mountain biking and fishing. Confirm which activities are available before booking.
For wheeled sports, there is the Champagnole pump track, a designated off-road course with rollers and turns on a paved surface. You can ride a mountain bike, BMX, skateboard, scooter, roller skates or balance bike on it. Three routes vary in difficulty: green for beginners, blue for intermediate riders and red for advanced riders. The pump track is therefore a separate option from the activities at the Base de loisirs.
Cycling: loop or connecting route
“La via Chalain – 61R” is a 45.6-kilometre mountain biking loop. It starts and ends at the Maison du Tourisme in Champagnole. Another option is the Voie PLM Doucier–Champagnole: this cycle route is 20.5 kilometres long and rated very easy. The information therefore distinguishes a longer mountain biking loop from a shorter route classified as very easy.
The Voie PLM also connects Lac de Chalain with Champagnole for cyclists. Its route status may change as work continues, so check before setting out. When planning, you can first choose between a loop and a connecting route, then compare the stated distances and difficulty information.
Market and local products
The Champagnole market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you would like to visit, check the date before travelling. A product with a connection to the town is another local speciality: Élixia lemonade was created in 1856 by Faustin Girardet, who came from Champagnole. Élixia is one of France’s oldest artisanal lemonade producers.
Another local taste is the cured meat from Relais du Fumé. It is made by hand and smoked with fir and juniper. Along with the market, it offers a different focus from the museum, walks or cycling tours, without requiring you to add an activity to your day’s schedule.
Planning your stay
When choosing Champagnole as a place to stay, consider whether you mainly plan to take a museum tour that requires a reservation, go for walks or follow one of the cycling routes described. The Maison du Tourisme Champagnole Nozeroy Jura has a tourist information office in Champagnole. Check the contact details before planning a visit.
Discover more destinations: Maynal, Cuvier (Jura), Montigny-lès-Arsures, Les Planches En Montagne, Pont-D'héry, Gigny, Saint-Maurice-Crillat, Fontainebrux.
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