The capital of Comté cheese, Poligny is a charming little town of terracotta-tiled houses at the foot of the Jura region’s first plateau. Craggy limestone cliffs rise up to the south and east, alongside a leafy patchwork of fields, vineyards and forest. This is a laid-back, rural region, perfect for foodies and outdoorsy types, who will adore unwinding at one of the best places to stay in Poligny, each of which boasts beautiful gardens and flavoursome food and wine.

Poligny’s rich history can be glimpsed through visits to the Collegiale Saint-Hippolyte de Poligny, the Tour de la Sergenterie, the Monastère Saint-Claire de Poligny or the Fontaine de la Sirène. Foodies will delight in touring La Maison du Comté, a speciality cheese museum, or in tastings at wonderful nearby wineries. You can tuck into delicious regional cuisine at the town’s cafés, bars and eateries, too.

If it’s nature-focused adventures that you’re after, you’ll find myriad hiking, cycling and horse riding trails in the Jura region. Spot the Croix du Dan from your mountain bike path, or listen to the birdsong as you wind your way through the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. Although within easy reach of Geneva, the best places to stay in Poligny feel appealingly tranquil and well-suited to a rejuvenating gourmet escape.