Franche-Comté

Located to the south of Alsace, the historic province of Franche Comté boasts a varied landscape ranging from flat plains to dense woodlands, rugged dramatic mountains and limestone valleys.

A little-known area of France, Franche-Comté has retained an atmosphere of unspoilt nature and uninterrupted tradition, making it a fascinating place to visit. Tucked against the Swiss border, guarded by the undulating Jura mountains and sparsely populated, it is an ideal region to escape 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.

The capital, Besançon, sits comfortably in a loop of the River Doubs and is a vibrant city with a burgeoning music scene, a keen interest in the arts and a list of monuments to rival the greatest cities. The Granville Palace, cathedral and Astronomique Horloge are all must-visits. Still, the smaller features give Besançon such a charming character: fountains fill squares with the sound of trickling water, and the bookshops and cafés offer residents the perfect spot to watch the world go by. The Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several fine museums.

Providing the chance to explore untouched valleys, sun-dappled forests, and beautiful villages, a walking or cycling trip to Franche-Comté gives the sense of uncovering a secret and precious jewel to all who venture there. Franche Comté is really made up of two regions. The high valley of the Saône is wide, gently rolling farmland with a certain rustic simplicity. At the same time, the Jura mountains are more rugged, with dense forests, sheer cliffs, craggy limestone escarpments and torrents of clear, sparkling water rushing through deep gorges. It is for this thrilling scenery that Franche Comté is best known. A paradise for nature lovers, there are endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and caving, with some skiing in winter. The streams and lakes provide world-class fishing, while more therapeutic waters can be found in spa towns such as Luxeuil-les-Bains, Salins-les-Bains and Lons-le-Saunier.

The region has a rich architectural heritage dating from many different periods and features medieval abbeys and châteaux and a poignant chapel in memory of the war. Roman remains, fortresses perched on cliff tops and elegant spa towns can all be explored at leisure. The region’s position, bordering Switzerland and close to Germany, is reflected in its culture and the great diversity of architectural style in the many fine buildings.

Places of interest

Arbois: Pasteur Family Home and Museum; Museum of Wine and Wine Growing.

Belfort: Sandstone lion sculpted by Bartholdi; Memorial and Museum of the French Resistance.

Besançon: Citadel with good views over the city.

Champlitte: Museum of Folk Art.

Dole: Lovely old town, Louis Pasteur’s birthplace.

Gray: Baron Martin Museum.

Luxeuil-les-Bains: Tour des Echevins Museum.

Ornans: Gustave Courbet birthplace, museum.

Ronchamp: Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut de Ronchamp designed by Le Corbusier.

Salins-les-Bains: Salt mines and tunnels.

Sochaux: Peugeot Museum.

Cuisine of the region

Freshwater fish such as trout, grayling, pike and perch are local specialities. The region has a rare wine known as vin de paille as well as vin jaune (deep yellow and very dry) and vin du jura, Jura wine.

Brési: Water-thin slices of dried beef; many local hams.

Gougère: Hot cheese pastry based on the local Comté cheese.

Jésus de Morteau: Fat pork sausage smoked over pine and juniper.

Papet jurassien: Orange blossom tart.