Introduction

Sitting amidst the rolling vineyards, the charming village of Arbois (pop. 3,500) is considered the wine capital of the Jura. Its wines were already reknowned in Roman times.

Attractions

The main attraction here is the Vine & Wine Museum (Musée de la Vigne et du Vin) housed in Château Pécauld. It is open daily from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, as well as mornings from 10:00 to 12:00 noon between March and October. The museum is closed in January and on Tuesdays (except in July and August). Admission is 3.5 €.

Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) , the famous microbiologist, spent most of his childhood in Arbois from 1827 to 1839. His house at 83 rue de Courcelles can be visited with its original 19th-century furnishings. Visits are by guided tour only, either 30-40 minutes (6 €) or one hour (7.9 €). Tours start at 9:45 am, 10:45 am, 11:45 am (June to Sept. only), and every hour from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (until 6:00 pm from June to Sept.).

Another sight is the 13th-century Tour Gloriette, originally part of the city walls.

Access Map

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