· FR

Lons-le-Saunier

Lons-le-Saunier, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, France

Lons-le-Saunier, located in the picturesque region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in France, is a charming town that offers visitors a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. One of the town's main attracti…

#Lons-le-Saunier#Bourgogne-Franche-Comté#France#Historic town#Thermal spa

1/2

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Lons-le-Saunier.

Top Hotels in Lons-le-Saunier

Top Flights to Lons-le-Saunier

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Lons-le-Saunier.

Tours

Visit to Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lons-le-Saunier

Explore the art collection of Musée des Beaux-Arts, featuring works from the Renaissance to the contemporary period.

Shopping

Shopping at Rue de Ronde

Explore a variety of local shops, boutiques, and cafes in one of Lons-le-Saunier's charming streets.

Outdoor

Hiking in the Jura Mountains

Enjoy the stunning views and trails of the Jura Mountains surrounding the Lons-le-Saunier area.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Lons-le-Saunier.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

Not Available

Languages

French, French

Average weather

Lons-le-Saunier

Jan

5°-1°

Feb

7°0°

Mar

12°2°

Apr

15°5°

May

20°9°

Jun

24°13°

Jul

27°15°

Aug

26°14°

Sep

22°11°

Oct

16°7°

Nov

9°3°

Dec

5°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Lons-le-Saunier.

What people love

Lons-le-Saunier is a charming town located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Lons-le-Saunier:

Natural beauty: Lons-le-Saunier is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, vineyards, and forests. The town itself is known for its thermal springs and beautiful parks, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
Thermal spas: Lons-le-Saunier is famous for its thermal spas, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. The town has a long history of thermal tourism, dating back to Roman times, and the spas continue to be a popular attraction today.
Wine and cheese: Lons-le-Saunier is located in the Jura wine region, known for its unique and delicious wines, such as Vin Jaune and Cremant du Jura. The town is also famous for its Comté cheese, a delicious local specialty that can be sampled at local markets and cheese shops.
Cultural heritage: Lons-le-Saunier has a rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings, museums, and galleries to explore. The town is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie, which houses a collection of fine art and archaeological artifacts.
Outdoor activities: Lons-le-Saunier offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The town is also close to the Jura Mountains, where visitors can go skiing in the winter months.

Overall, traveling to Lons-le-Saunier offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, relaxation, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a great destination for a peaceful and enjoyable getaway.

What to know

Lons-le-Saunier is a charming town in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France, known for its thermal baths and beautiful surroundings. However, like any destination, there are some potential cons to consider when traveling to Lons-le-Saunier:

Limited tourist attractions: Lons-le-Saunier is a relatively small town with a limited number of tourist attractions compared to larger cities in France. If you are looking for a destination with a wide range of activities and sights to see, you may find Lons-le-Saunier lacking in this aspect.
Language barrier: While many locals in Lons-le-Saunier may speak some English, French is the primary language spoken in the region. If you are not fluent in French, you may encounter some challenges communicating with locals or navigating the area.
Limited transportation options: Lons-le-Saunier is not a major transportation hub, so getting to and around the town may require some planning. Public transportation options may be limited, and having a car could be beneficial for exploring the surrounding areas.
Seasonal considerations: If you are planning to visit Lons-le-Saunier for its thermal baths, keep in mind that the availability of certain services and facilities may vary depending on the season. It's important to check ahead of time to ensure that the attractions you are interested in will be open during your visit.

Overall, while Lons-le-Saunier offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat in a picturesque setting, it may not be the ideal destination for travelers seeking a bustling city experience or a wide range of tourist attractions.

Lons-le-Saunier is a town located in the Jura department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. It has a rich history that spans several centuries, marked by significant events, historical figures, and notable landmarks.

Early History

The area around Lons-le-Saunier has been inhabited since ancient times. The town's name is derived from the Latin "Ledo salinarius," which means "salt marsh," indicating its historical significance in salt production. The salt industry has been central to the town’s economy and development since Roman times.

Medieval Period

During the medieval era, Lons-le-Saunier was part of the County of Burgundy. It gained importance due to its strategic location and its role in the salt trade. The town was fortified in the Middle Ages, and remnants of these fortifications can still be seen today.

Early Modern Period

The 16th and 17th centuries were tumultuous times for Lons-le-Saunier. The town was affected by the French Wars of Religion and later by the Thirty Years' War. In 1674, the Treaty of Nijmegen ended the conflict between France and Spain, and Lons-le-Saunier, along with the rest of the Franche-Comté region, was ceded to France.

18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th century saw the development of Lons-le-Saunier as a spa town, with the construction of thermal baths that attracted visitors seeking the reputed health benefits of the local mineral waters. The town also became a center for the production of Comté cheese and other dairy products.

Lons-le-Saunier is notably the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle, the composer of "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem. He was born in 1760, and his legacy is still celebrated in the town.

20th Century to Present

In the 20th century, Lons-le-Saunier continued to thrive as a regional center. It escaped major damage during both World Wars, allowing it to preserve much of its historical architecture. In recent years, the town has focused on promoting its cultural heritage and natural beauty to attract tourists.

Significant Landmarks

Hôtel-Dieu: A former hospital that now houses a museum and a library, showcasing the town’s architectural heritage.
The Church of Saint-Désiré: A beautiful church with elements dating back to the Romanesque period.
Place de la Liberté: The main square of the town, featuring a statue of Rouget de Lisle.
The Saltworks: Although the original salt production facilities no longer operate, the history of salt production is a key part of the town’s heritage.

Lons-le-Saunier remains a charming town with a rich history, offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical tapestry of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.