Sentier de Grande Randonnée GR5

The Grande Randonnée network is France's system of waymarked long-distance footpaths, recognisable by red and white paint marks on rocks, posts and trees, and the GR5 is among the best known. It is a very long route that crosses Europe from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, passing through the Jura mountains and the Alps on its way south. Hikers use sections of it for day walks and for multi-day treks, and the path follows a variety of terrain, from forest tracks to ridge lines and high mountain passes. Baume-les-Messieurs, a village in the Jura department, is a stop for hikers in the region, and the exact route taken by local waymarked paths should be checked on a current map.

Baume-les-Messieurs lies at the bottom of a reculée, a long steep-sided valley with high limestone cliffs, a landscape type characteristic of the Jura. The cliffs close around the village on three sides, and the stream that runs through it forms small waterfalls and tufa terraces. The setting is dramatic and the walks around it combine woodland paths with views of the cliffs, which are the main attractions for walkers. Be ready for steep slopes when entering or leaving the valley, as the climb out of the village can be demanding.

The village is classed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, and its main monument is the Abbaye de Baume-les-Messieurs, an imperial abbey whose origins go back to the early Middle Ages. It has a place in monastic history: in the early tenth century, Berno, who was abbot of Baume, founded the abbey of Cluny, which became one of the most powerful monasteries in Europe. The abbey buildings and the church, with their medieval stonework, are a highlight of any visit, and a stroll through the lanes, staircases and terraces gives a sense of a village that has changed little. Nearby is the Grotte de Baume-les-Messieurs, a cave with stalactites and an underground stream, which is a popular visit in the warmer months.

The Jura is also a region of cheese and wine, and in the villages around you can find Comté cheese and the local wines of the Jura vineyards. The Parc de la Source and the Vallée de l'Ain lie in the surrounding area, and the Le Village de Baume-les-Messieurs forms the natural base for exploring.

The walks suit hikers with good fitness and sturdy shoes, nature lovers and those who combine walking with village visits. Check the weather and path conditions before setting out, as limestone paths can be slippery after rain.