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Lons-le-Saunier
Prefecture of the Jura department, Lons-le-Saunier is a spa town located in the heart of the Jura vineyards. It was built over a thermal spring first used by the Romans and now supplying its thermal baths. A good place to view the city position between the Jura mountains and the Bresse plain is from the small village of Montaigu, above Lons-le-Saunier. |
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City Center
Place de la Liberté is the heart of the city where all commercial activities are concentrated. The clock tower of the square marks the beginning of the most beautiful street of the city "Rue du Commerce" also called "Rue des Arcades". Each of the 146 archways has different dimensions, curves and decorations. To the east, the square is closed off by the imposing rococo façade of the theater. |
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Points of Interest
On the Place de la Liberté stands the statue of the Empire General Lecourbe, born in Besancon and honored for his achievements on the battlefields. The statue of Rouget de Lisle, composer of the French national anthem, was set up in 1882 on the Promenade de la Chevalerie. It is the work of the sculptor Bartholdi.
An old wine press is displayed on the Place de la Comedie which used to be a popular district for the winegrowers. |
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Places of Interest
Set in the heart of the splendid Parc des Bains, the Thermes Ledonia offer the benefits of salted water since 1892. The house of Rouget de Lisle is now a museum open to the public. The archaeology museum displays a sculpture representing Plateosaurus, the oldest dinosaur found in France.
20 km from Lons-le-Saunier, Orgelet is a medieval town with a majestic 15th century church "Notre Dame" and its imposing bell tower. Charming houses and elegant mansions line the winding streets. |
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Lons Surroundings
In the vineyard hills between Lons and Arbois, erosion has carved a series of splendid valleys (reculées) ending in abrupt cirques of cliffs with caves. 19 km east of Lons, the village of Baume-les-Messieurs stands at the convergence of three valleys called "Cirque de Baume".
Rich farmlands lie close by Lons-le-Saunier. |
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