Poligny is a small town of character built in a place of natural beauty surrounded by limestone cliffs, with spectacular views looking down on the town. It is well-known in France for its local cheese, Comte. The former walled town has a rich architectural heritage. Gastronomic specialities such as Jura wines and Comté cheese, also play an important role in this town.
Poligny is a small but dymanic town with around 4500 inhabitants and 2000 pupils and students in term time. The students attend the ENILBIO Dairy college or the Hotel and Hospitality high school. There are also a number of research laboratories in the town.
A market is held twice a week on the main square surrounded by several cheese shops and other local stores.
The 13th Century church, l’Eglise des Jacobins, was home to a wine cellar for over 100 years. It is currently being restored to its former glory.
Take a climb up to the top of the main church built in 1415 to discover the hidden courtyards and secret gardens of the town mansion houses.
The Collegiale Saint Hippolyte church and the Poor Clares monastery located right next to the house are steeped in more than 600 years of history.
The Jura vineyard is the smallest in France but attracts the praise and curiosity of winelovers from around the world.
You have to taste its speciality wines such as Vin jaune, Vin de Paille or Macvin during your stay in the region.
The Savagnin grape gives a specific taste of walnuts to its most prestigious wines.
Les Logis du Theatre promotes Jura wines and has been awarded the Vignobles et Decouvertes label. In partnership with a local wine grower and producer, Jura wine tastings can be organised on request.
In order to complete your gastronomic experience you can book a table in one of the fine restaurants where local specialities are offered.
Cheese : Comté, Morbier, Bleu de Gex, Mont d’Or, Cancoillotte, goat’s cheese can all be found in Franche-Comté region.
Do not forget the delicious Morteau and Montbéliard sausages, local smoked meats and patés.
For the food lover a real treat is the traditional Poulet de Bresse Chicken cooked in Vin jaune with Morel mushrooms. Absolutely delicious !
Take only a few steps from the front door to join the GR59 walking trail on foot or on your mountain bike.
Follow the trail through the vines or into the forest, climb up through the woods to the Grande Corniche or to the Croix du Dan to admire the spectacular views.
From there you will look down on the town and notice the outdoor pool, the clay tennis courts and the athletics stadium.
Once you have discovered the remparts of the former Chateau de Grimont or visited the Maison du Comté cheese museum, take your car to go slightly further afield.
Picturesque villages like Chateau-Chalon, Baume-les-Messieurs, Arbois with the Louis Pasteur Museum, the Great Saltworks in Salins les Bains and the Royal Saltworks in Arc-et-Senans.
Take a trip to the magnificent waterfalls in Planches-près-Arbois, Baume-les-Messieurs or the impressive Hérisson waterfalls.
Do not forget to visit on the first plateau of the Jura: the 4 lakes, Bonlieu and Chalain with its beaches and are great for relaxing in the summer.