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Lons-le-Saunier

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City
—°1063
Lons-le-Saunier (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Lons-le-Saunier

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The arcades around Place de la Liberté offer great shelter if it rains.
  • Don't miss the statue of Rouget de Lisle, the composer of La Marseillaise.
  • Park near the Parc des Bains to easily access both the thermal center and the downtown area.
  • Combine your visit with a wine tasting tour in the nearby Jura vineyards.

🍽 Food

🍽
Comté cheese

Buy some aged Comté at a local fromagerie in the town center.

🍽
Vin Jaune

Try the famous yellow wine of the Jura region at a specialized wine cellar.

🍽
Chicken with morels

A classic Jura dish featuring chicken in a creamy morel mushroom sauce, available in traditional brasseries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Jura Wines

Look for local wine shops offering Macvin and Vin Jaune.

🛍
Local markets

Visit the indoor market for fresh regional produce and cured meats.

🧘
Parc des Bains

A lovely, extensive park surrounding the thermal baths, great for a peaceful stroll.

🧘
Plateau de Montciel

A wooded area above the town offering quiet paths and great views.

Highlights of 2026

10

Lons-le-Saunier is the historic capital of the Jura department, set at the base of the Jura Mountains in eastern France. The town's destiny has been shaped by its natural salt springs since Roman times, a heritage reflected in its name ('Saunier' referring to salt production). While the industrial salt works have closed, the town reinvented itself as a premier spa destination in the 19th century, with the Thermes Lédonia still offering mineral-rich treatments today. It is perhaps most famous internationally as the birthplace of Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, who composed the French national anthem, the Marseillaise. The town's architecture is notable for its appealing 17th-century arcaded streets, particularly the Rue des Arcades, which houses shops and cafes. Lons-le-Saunier is also a significant center for the food industry; it is the original home of the world-famous 'La Vache qui rit' (The Laughing Cow) brand. Surrounded by the renowned vineyards of the Jura and within reach of magnificent lakes and waterfalls, the city serves as a well-suited hub for exploring the cultural and natural riches of the region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015913171918151051
Rain mm10481968511299929879109112120

Geography

Population
20,678
Coordinates
46.67440, 5.55390

Facts

  • Prefecture of the Jura department.
  • Population: approx. 20,942 residents.
  • Thermal baths established in 1892.
  • Birth year of Rouget de Lisle: 1760.
  • Average elevation: 255 meters.
  • Postal code: 39000.

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Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Lons-le-Saunier (6)

Lons-le-Saunier Thermal Baths🎡 recreation

A historic spa facility famous for its mineral-rich salt waters, offering wellness treatments in a classic setting.

Saint-Désiré Church⛪ religious

A Romanesque church known for its significant crypt, representing some of the oldest religious heritage in the Jura region.

Spa Park (Parc des Bains)🎡 recreation

A beautiful 19th-century landscaped park surrounding the thermal baths, home to diverse and ancient tree species.

Edgar Faure👨‍👩‍👧 family

For families with children, the Edgar Faure playground in Lons Le Saunier, France, is an attractive destination. It features a great outdoor area that has plenty of space for playful activities. Children can spend a joyful time here while parents enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.

425 Offenbourg👨‍👩‍👧 family

The modern 425 Offenbourg playground blends beautifully into the cityscape of Lons Le Saunier. This family-friendly facility in France is known for its great outdoor area. Here, young visitors can have safe and fun-filled times in the fresh air.

Les Sources👨‍👩‍👧 family

In Lons Le Saunier, the Les Sources playground invites families to enjoy carefree hours. With this spot, the French city provides a great outdoor area tailored specifically to children's needs. The surroundings are excellent for an extensive play adventure.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lons-le-Saunier famous?
It is the birthplace of 'The Laughing Cow' (La Vache qui rit) and home to an interactive museum dedicated to the brand.
What wellness offers are available?
The Thermes Ledonia are famous for their healing thermal waters and offer relaxation in the Parc des Bains.
Which architecture is particularly worth seeing?
The Place de la Liberté with its arcades and clock tower is the historical heart of the city.
Are there regional products?
Located in the Jura, the city is handy for tasting Comté cheese and regional wines like Vin Jaune.
Who was Rouget de Lisle?
He was born here and is the author of the Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
Lons-le-Saunier: where is it located?
Lons-le-Saunier is located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
Lons-le-Saunier: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lons-le-Saunier Thermal Baths, Saint-Désiré Church, Spa Park (Parc des Bains).
Lons-le-Saunier: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lons-le-Saunier: why is it worth visiting?
Lons-le-Saunier is the historic capital of the Jura department, set at the base of the Jura Mountains in eastern France.
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