Guide to Jura and Properties in Department 39

Jura is a department situated in the eastern region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in France. The department derives its name from the Jura Mountains and has three administrative divisions, with Lons-le-Saunier as its prefecture and Saint-Claude and Dole as sub-prefectures. Jura has a rich history, having been a part of the Free County of Burgundy, also known as the Franche-Comté, during the medieval era. However, after Louis XIV's conquest, the capital was moved from Dole to Besançon, and Dole now serves as a sub-préfecture.  Jura was one of the 83 original departments created during the French Revolution in March 1790. The department numbered 39, is bordered by the departments of Doubs, Haute-Saône, Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, and Ain, as well as the Swiss canton of Vaud to the east. The Jura Mountains have a wooded and rolling topography, with rocky terrain similar to the Alps. The department is home to several lakes, with the largest natural lake being Lac de Chalain, which measures 3 km long and 1 km wide. One of the largest artificial lakes in France, Lac de Vouglans, was formed after a hydroelectric dam was constructed.

The climate in Jura varies significantly by elevation, with the lower valleys having a temperate and pleasant climate, while the high mountain valleys have bitterly cold winters. The region's climate is ideal for wine growing, and Jura wines are distinctive and unusual. Vin jaune, a famous wine in the area, is made using a process similar to Sherry's and develops under a yeast flor. It is made from the local Savagnin grape variety. Other grape varieties grown in the region include Poulsard, Trousseau, and Chardonnay. The region's wines are highly regarded and have won several accolades.