ANGLEMOG

JOURNEYS TO THE JURA
Saturday 17th May - Early start with a 9.00 a.m. channel crossing on the Seacat. Drive down to Etreaupont, nr St. Quentin for overnight stop at the Clos du Montvinage. Those of you who joined us on the Circuit Historique, Laon, will remember this family run hotel where we all stayed in 1998. Natalie is looking forward to our return visit and is planning a welcome aperitif, dinner and wine!

Sunday 18th May - Today, we cross the miles via motorway, until we turn off near Chaumont for a scenic run into the Jura. We will drive through forest, valleys and gorges ending at the Corniche du Goumois and our base for the next 6 nights. Hotel Taillard. This delightful hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, billiard room, very comfortable rooms, superb food and breathtaking views. Half board arrangement has been negotiated.

Monday 19th May - Lazy breakfast. Short run to St. Hippolyte for coffee and wander. Then it is off for a short scenic drive along the Valley of the Dessoubre to the La Roche du Pretre with an unforgettable view of the Cirque de Consolation. The nearby hamlet of Grandfontaine-Fournets at the heart of the Haut-Doubs is typical of the Jura region. It is home to the Ferme du Montagnon - a farm dating from the 17th century. It has a smoking loft for curing meat, hams, sausages etc and, if you wish, you can buy the products from the old stables after touring the farmhouse. We will also have time to visit Orchamps-Vennes and Loray a couple of typical mountain villages before returning to the hotel.

Tuesday 20th May - Today we return along the Corniche du Goumois and a scenic run along the Doubs valley to Besancon. This is the capital of the Franche-Comte, birthplace of Victor Hugo and lies in a perfect oxbow meander of the Doubs, overlooked by the rocky outcrop known as the Citadel on which Vauban built his fortress. There is much to see here. Stroll through the old town which is mostly pedestrianised. In addition to beautiful old houses there is the Hotel du Ville, Palais du Justice, Roman ruins, cathedrale St Jean, the astronomical clock,and wander along the quayside. In addition you can visit the citadel which houses no less than 5 different museums, the little train will take you round the city and up to the citadel. Return to the hotel via the motorway.

Wednesday 21st May - Highlight of the trip for the boys! Today we drive into Switzerland, and drive along the corniche du Jura, follow the steep wibbly wobbly road up to Altkirch and Mulhouse for a tour of the French National Motor Museum, known as the Schlumpf which houses the largest collection of Bugattis in the world! A light luncheon has been arranged in the museum restaurant and hopefully the Morgans can be displayed within the grounds of the museum. Return to the hotel via motorway, Belfort and Montbeliard.

Thursday 22nd May - Today we visit the vallee de la Loue, and follow the river from its source to Ornans. The source of the Loue is reputed to be the most beautiful in the Jura, and we will follow the route, with opportunities to stop off for photos at belvederes, and walks to viewpoints before reaching the pretty town of Ornans with it's famous bridge and view of the old houses.
Friday 23rd May - Our last day in the jura, so a short restful run is planned. Taking a picnic we visit the Gorge du Doubs. We drive via Switzerland La Chaux de Fonds to Morteau, From here we drive along the river bank to Villers le Lac where we pick up a boat to take us to the Saut du Doubs. The boat takes us along the river to the Chaillexon Lake, and through a gorge. From the landing stage there is a short walk to viewpoint over the waterfall. We will then drive on through Pissoux to the Echelles de la Mort (ladders of death) and those who must, can climb these steel ladders up the rock face to see the view. Following a drive to the Belverders de la Cendree we return to the hotel via the Corniche de Goumois.

Satuday 24th May - After breakfast, leave the Jura for the run to Futeau in Lorraine, for dinner and our overnight stop at L'Oree du Bois, in the woods.
Sunday 25th May - Drive up to Calais for the 18.00 sea crossing on the seacat.