Which campsites around Château-Chalon are ideal for discovering the village?
Camping near Château-Chalon allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside while being within easy reach of historic sites, famous vineyards and hiking trails. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for an authentic getaway, camping in Château-Chalon is an ideal option for combining adventure with local discovery. We have made the following selection for you:
5-star waterside campsite in the Jura
Camping La Pergola ***** in Marigny is a magnificent campsite situated on the shores of Lake Chalain and 23 km from the village of Château-Chalon. Here you'll find a water park with outdoor and indoor pools, a whirlpool bath and waterslides, as well as a paddling pool for children. You'll also have direct access to the lake's beach, where you can enjoy a range of water sports. There are 353 pitches here, including 300 rentals of all kinds and pitches with electric hook-ups. Entertainment and children's clubs are organised during the summer months, as well as dance and entertainment evenings and shows for all.
Campsites with swimming pool in Burgundy
Camping Sous Doriat *** in Monnet-la-Ville is 20 km from the village of Château-Chalon. Open from May to September. You can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool, the bar and Wi-Fi access throughout the site, children's games, table tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball on site, as well as entertainment and shows during the summer season.
Camping Domaine de l'Epinette **** in Chatillon, 22 km from the village of Château-Chalon, offers a wide choice of accommodation including chalets and mobile homes. There are two heated swimming pools, including a paddling pool for the little ones and 3 water slides, a bar and a supermarket, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the site, pétanque, fishing, table tennis and football for the sportier guests. There is also a children's club and play area for younger children.
Cheap camping in the Jura
Camping La maison du Haut * in Saint-Lothain welcomes you between April and October. It is located 17 km from the village of Château-Chalon, in the heart of the Jura countryside, in the middle of a forest. It is 1 km from the River Brenne. There are 19 pitches and 5 rentals, as well as a table tennis table. Barbecues are permitted and the sanitary facilities are heated. There's even a snack bar on site.
With its 59 campsites, the Jura offers a wide range of accommodation options for outdoor enthusiasts, from tents and caravans to motorhomes and comfortable chalets and mobile homes. Click here to find out more.
What's not to miss in Château-Chalon?
Yellow wine, history and traditions
Renowned as the birthplace of vin jaune (yelloh wine), one of France's most emblematic and distinctive wines, Château-Chalon is perched on a hill overlooking the Seille valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and the Jura mountains.
Produced exclusively from the Savagnin grape variety, typical of this region, this dry, powerful and complex wine is often compared to Sauternes because of its exceptional ageing capacity, but it has its own distinct characteristics. The vinification process for vin jaune is unique: after the harvest, the grapes are fermented and put into casks, but it's during six years and three months of ageing in oak that the magic happens. During this period, the wine is covered in a veil of yeast called flor, which protects the liquid from oxidation and gives it its distinctive aromas of nuts, spices and dried fruit.
The vin jaune is then bottled in a clavelin, a special 62cl bottle that is a true symbol of this rare and precious wine. The label of this prestigious nectar often mentions the village of Château-Chalon, underlining the importance of the terroir in the quality of the product.
A stroll through the village
A visit to the village of Château-Chalon, perched on a hill in the Jura, takes you through winding lanes, where every turn seems to be an invitation to discover a piece of history or an unforgettable panorama. As soon as you pass the first houses, the magic happens. The cobbled lanes, lined with old stone, wind between the facades of the houses with their reddish tiled roofs. Each turn offers a different setting: a line of old houses, a discreet door, a window full of flowers, or a small stone bench that looks as if it has been placed there to contemplate the valley.
The atmosphere in the village is peaceful, almost timeless, as if time had stood still to give each walker the chance to soak up the serenity of the place. The walls of the houses, sometimes covered in ivy, bear witness to centuries of local history and traditions. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can feel the soul of this village, which has managed to preserve its authenticity and character.
As you slowly make your way upwards, the narrow streets lead to natural lookouts where you can admire the Loue valley and the terraced vineyards for which the village is famous. Château-Chalon is a veritable observatory of the Jura landscape, and these viewpoints make for special moments.
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Spectacular panoramic views
Exploring the village from its belvederes is a unique experience, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Jura vineyards and the Seille valley. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this exploration:
The Mont de la Biche lookout
This is one of the village's most famous viewpoints. It offers a breathtaking view of the vineyards surrounding Château-Chalon, and on a clear day you can see as far as the Alps and Mont Blanc on the horizon. The belvedere is located just outside the village, accessible on foot or by car.
Le Belvédère du Château
Located near the centre of the village, close to the old castle fortress, this belvedere offers a splendid view of the village itself and its surroundings. It's also a place steeped in history, as the village is named after this ancient medieval castle, of which only the remains remain.
An exceptional historical heritage
One of the first stops on a visit to Château-Chalon is the keep that dominates the village. Although only remnants remain, it offers a fascinating insight into the village's defensive history. The keep was part of an ancient, fortified castle dating back to the Middle Ages, and served as both a fortification and a seigneurial residence. The structure, although partially ruined, bears witness to the strategic importance of the village in medieval times.
Close to the keep is the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre, another of Château-Chalon's landmarks. Built in the 11th century, the church retains much of its original architecture, including a sculpted portal that illustrates the finesse of Romanesque art. Inside, the muted atmosphere and simple lines allow visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual history of the village. The decorative elements, though sober, bear witness to the dedication and craftsmanship of the builders of the time.
Discover the vineyards
The promise of a walk through the vineyards of Château-Chalon is that of a journey through the centuries and wine-making traditions.
The vineyard path: You can follow the signposted paths that wind through the vineyards and allow you to discover the history of the terroir. These itineraries will guide you through magnificent panoramas while familiarising you with the specific characteristics of the soil and climate that give Château-Chalon wine its uniqueness. The soil is limestone and benefits from a microclimate that is ideal for growing vines.
Cellar tours: Several of the region's wineries offer visits to their cellars, where you can learn about the winemaking process, the special characteristics of local wines and, of course, taste their products, including the famous vin jaune. It is often advisable to book ahead, especially during tourist periods or the grape harvest.
Cheese tasting
Finally, the village is also home to several cheese dairies producing cheeses typical of the region. This is a great opportunity to sample artisanal products and discover the art of cheese-making in this region, such as Comté, the emblematic cheese of the Jura region. It is made from raw cow's milk on local farms and cheese dairies, according to very strict specifications. You can visit farms that produce Comté, learn more about the production method, and taste mature versions of this cheese with its fruity flavour and hints of hazelnut.