Regions of France : Franche-Comté

Franche Comté is strong on outdoor activities, and although big cities are in short supply - fresh air is most certainly not. It will appeal particularly to anyone who wants to avoid crowds and enjoy alpine countryside with a French twist.

But don’t get the wrong idea, the region does have plenty of villages and towns with definite character. Gray has fine renaissance architecture while Le Corbusier’s chapel Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp is definitely 20th century.

The strategically important Belfort has stunning views over its surroundings and the regional capital of Besançon with its citadel was France’s capital of watch and clock making for centuries.

Doubs - Hotels Doubs

• Birthplace of Victor Hugo, Besançon is the region’s capital with fine museums
• The village of Ornans on the river Loue is renowned for its prettiness
• The Grotte de la Glacière near Baume les Dames has a glacier inside in winter and summer

Haute-Saône - Hotels Haute-Saône

• Spa town Luxeuil-les-Bains is a major treatment centre and close to the centre of kirsch production
• Le Corbusier’s famous chapel Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp is either loved or hated
• Gray has renaissance architecture and the national museum of Esperanto

Jura - Hotels Jura

• Locally produced vin jaune is famous all over the world – and only bottled at seven years
• Dole was the medieval capital of the region and has fine architecture
• Waterfalls and caves in abundance and the spa town of Lons le Saunier

Territoire-de-Belfort - Hotels Territoire-de-Belfort

• The smallest département in France resisted being annexed by Prussia in 1870
• The 11 metre high sandstone lion is a symbol of the town’s strong will. Imperturbable, the Lion of Belfort protects the now peaceful city so that all may enjoy the pleasant and dynamic, albeit little-known, streets of its Old Town..
• Views across the valleys of the Rhine and Rhône from the fortifications are stunning