09:37h at the Gîte: Our final day is also the “late” day – we got to sleep in until 9:00. After skipping breakfast (I was still more than full from last night’s pizza feast), it was off to a nature hike around the Gîte with its owner, Denis Marcelin.
The weather was perfect for the hike, where we were educated about the formation of the geographic region; upon arrival in the Jura, I recalled my geology knowledge and correctly assumed the rocks in the region were made of limestone (or "calcaires" in French) which is prevalent throughout the region and essential in the vineyard soils. Some of these rocks were 200 million years old.
The weather was perfect for the hike, where we were educated about the formation of the geographic region; upon arrival in the Jura, I recalled my geology knowledge and correctly assumed the rocks in the region were made of limestone (or "calcaires" in French) which is prevalent throughout the region and essential in the vineyard soils. Some of these rocks were 200 million years old.
During the hike, an assortment of items were selected to be eaten later during lunch, including leaves from the “stinging nettles” plants for soup. Denis demonstrated a technique when he handed each of us a leaf and asked if its smell was recognizable. Rather unpleasant at first, the odor morphed into a milder, more pleasing scent (not unlike mushrooms). This particular leaf could be used as a mosquito repellent.
12:37h at the Gîte: We dined on a light lunch of oeufs en cocotte (eggs in pots), accompanied by the foods picked during the hike. The stinging nettles soup appeared, visually, quite similar to the snail soup from earlier in the week, but the taste was not the same (needed a little more salt). The rest of the meal was adequate; while eggs as a main course was unfulfilling, the variety served in a creamy custard was unique. I do wish that I had eaten a bit more prior to the long train ride back to Paris.
14:20h near the Gîte: Before we depart, our group gets to visit the underground caves at the Grottes des Planches. What a treat. The tour guide (coincidentally the same gentleman who “shushed” our group the day before at the absinthe tasting) gave an informative history, in French, of the caves within the mountain. These caves were an added feature to the extensive natural landscapes and sights of the Jura. I may have to return one day to scuba dive and explore the 10 kilometers of underground “ocean” – if I get the courage to withstand the frigid waters.
14:20h near the Gîte: Before we depart, our group gets to visit the underground caves at the Grottes des Planches. What a treat. The tour guide (coincidentally the same gentleman who “shushed” our group the day before at the absinthe tasting) gave an informative history, in French, of the caves within the mountain. These caves were an added feature to the extensive natural landscapes and sights of the Jura. I may have to return one day to scuba dive and explore the 10 kilometers of underground “ocean” – if I get the courage to withstand the frigid waters.