Most Beautiful Villages in Lorraine & Franche-Comté
The regions of eastern France achieve a unique identity that balances undeniably French culture and custom with influences from European neighbours. Lorraine has a distinctly Germanic feel in some of the towns and villages and the little known Franche-Comté has retained an atmosphere of unspoilt nature and uninterrupted tradition that makes it a fascinating place to visit.
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Lorraine
Bordering Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. Lorraine is a delicious blend of cultures, reflected in its hearty cuisine, wonderful beers and art history. Cities like Metz and Nancy are worth visiting and the First World War battlefields are incredibly poignant.
Points of interest: Palace Stanislas | Centre Pompidou-Metz | Jardin Botanique du Montet | Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy | Museums of Metz | Douaumont Ossuary | Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans | Notre-Dame du Haut | House of Louis Pasteur
Moselle
Rodemack
Rodemack
Situated just north of Metz close to the border with Luxembourg and Germany, this well-preserved medieval village is often referred to as the ‘little Carcassonne of Lorraine’ due to its fortified walls that circle the historic settlement. The very ruined remains of a 12th century castle and the Maison des Baillis are just two examples of the village’s important historical monuments.
The village of Saint-Quirin is stationed about midway between Nancy and Strasbourg in the peaceful Moselle countryside, and has a history dating back to the Gallo-Roman era. With over 70 listed historical monuments and religious buildings including its central priory, originally built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 18th century and its healing fountain, Saint-Quirin is a must-see in the region.
Franche-Comté
Tucked against the Swiss border, guarded by the undulating Jura mountains and sparsely populated, it is an ideal region to truly escape from the pressures of everyday life. Its villages present an idyllic picture of stone cottages, winding lanes and medieval churches, and many afford stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Points of interest: Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans | Musée du Temps | Château du Montbéliard | House of Louis Pasteur | Notre Dame du Haut
Jura
Baume-les-Messieurs [📸 aufilduthym.fr]
Baume-les-Messieurs
Sunken deep in a green valley lies Baume-les-Messieurs full to the brim with cultural and natural heritage. At it’s heart, like most ancient villages in the region, sits a Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century. It is also home to a beautiful Romanesque abbey with a magnificent Flemish altarpiece dating from the 16th century.
Often thought as as one of the prettiest villages in the Franche-Comté, Château-Chalon sits atop a high rocky outcrop with stunning views of the surrounding Jura vineyards. The village’s own vineyards carry the AOC quality label and are renowned for their yellow wine.
Nestled in the valley of the Loue in the heart of the Doubs lays the commune of Lods. Once a village of winegrowers and blacksmiths, it is now reliant on tourism and is home to the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (wine and vineyard museum).
Having undergone various occupations in the past before finally becoming French in the late 1600s, one would think its cultural, architectural and historic heritage would have taken a hit. However, the village has retained its ancestry. Its castle remains, albeit ruined, the 13th/14th century church of Saint Hilaire still stands and the old winegrowers’ houses still line the River Ognon.
Sites et Paysages Camping Au Clos de la Chaume is a pleasant site within walking distance of the town, on level ground with a small stream. The friendly family owners, who are British and French, live on-site and do their best to ensure campers have an enjoyable, relaxing stay. The grassy pitches are level, of varying sizes and with varying amounts of sun and shade. All touring pitches have electricity hook-ups (6/10A), and some are divided by shrubs and trees.
You'll find no noisy entertainment at Camping de Besançon La Plage, so the site is perfect for those looking for peace. This is an urban site and a great overnight stop when travelling down to the South or returning home. That said, children enjoy the sprawling lawns, spacious sports field, large swimming pool and playground. At the same time, the adults appreciate the handy location on the outskirts of Besançon and right beside the River Doubs, overlooked by the wooded hills opposite. There are 97 Pitches of average size, flat and level, and all had some tree shade, 16 amp E.H.U. and ten mobile homes to rent.
Camping Les Bouleaux is situated on the border of Lorraine and Alsace. From the site, you can take trips to enjoy the largest boat lift in Europe 'Route du Plan incliné', or a marvellous view from a magnificent height or visit the beautiful cities of Strasbourg, Nancy or Metz. If you like centuries-old castles or forts from the First World War you have many to choose from. For children, the Sainte-Croix animal park with more than 1500 European animal species is easily accessible distance from the site.
This very attractive site is quiet and child friendly and has been run in recent years by an enthusiastic couple who have made many improvements to this former municipal site. For example, the terrace has been enlarged, a small shop added and the accessible facilities have been improved. There are about 50 small to medium, uneven and open pitches, some with shade and all with electricity and water taps. The site is not far from Metz and is well suited for travellers going south to Germany, Switzerland or Italy. Forming part of the site, a lake is good for fishing (carp). Swimming is possible in July and August when there is a full time lifeguard and first aid room (water quality is regularly checked by the local authority).
Huttopia La Plage Blanche is located in the Jura, by the rippling waters of the River Loue. This spacious eight-hectare site has 202 pitches (171 for touring, 40 on the riverbank). All are large, grassy and level with 10A electricity (Europlugs).
Access to this site is excellent, and a little English is spoken. The site is large and spacious, set on the river Ain's banks, where a small beach and swimming, boating, and fishing can be enjoyed. There are 35 cabins and chalets for rent and 188 spacious pitches, with 115 having EHU, and tents are very welcome. Facilities are modern and clean, and an open-air heated swimming pool is on-site. You are only a 5-minute walk from a supermarket and 90 meters from the city centre.
In the heart of the Jura Mountains and one of the most extensive fir forests in Europe, between Doubs and Loue, you will be charmed by this campsite in Franche-Comté. Camping de la Forêt is in a unique rural setting on the forest's edge. The campsite has 61 marked touring pitches with electric hook-up points available; these are surrounded by mature trees offering plenty of shade during the summer months.
La Marjorie is a spacious site set on the outskirts of the spa town of Lons-le-Saunier with a long season. Bordering one area of the site are open fields and woodlands and a stream runs through the site. It has 192 level pitches, 180 for touring units and 127 with 10A electricity. Some are on hardstanding and 37 are fully serviced. They are separated by well-trimmed hedges interspersed with tall trees which gives privacy plus some shade. There is a cycle path from the site into town (2.5 km) and a mountain bike track behind the site. This is a good site for long or short stays. It would a good base from which to explore this interesting and picturesque area. In July and August activities are organised for all the family.
