Franche-Comté

Franche-Comté

Franche Comté in eastern France, has a particularly generous nature. Vosges (including the Regional Park of Ballons des Vosges) and the Haut-Jura offer countless opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and in winter you can enjoy downhill skiing and cross-country skiing.

The many lakes of the Haute-Saône are characteristic for this region, including Lake Chalain in Doucier, Grand Lake Clairvaux-les-Lacs and Lake Vouglans. Lovely to walk and cycle around the lakes, and of course beautiful places for sailing and windsurfing. Also discover the more intimate Lac Bonlieu and Lac Ilay but also Gorges de la Langouette and la cascade du Hérisson. The picturesque village of Baume-les-Messieurs is a nice starting point for a hike. In the regional capital of Besancon, the birthplace of Victor Hugo and the Lumière brothers, runs along the banks of the Doubs part of the European cycle route Nantes-Budapest. The Vauban citadel rises high above the river. Among the regional specialties you can enjoy fondue or raclette, but also cheeses like Comté, Morbier and Bleu de Gex. Lons-le-Saunier is a spa town where many establishments offer wellness cures. Lovers of classical music will enjoy the international festival held each year in September. For children, a visit to Montbeliard is obvious: they can go Sciences Pavilion, enjoy the festival in August or visit the Museum of the Peugeot Adventure. The area is also known for its wines.

There are extensive vineyards near Vuillafans, Champlitte, Chateau-Chalon, Pesmes, Lods and Arbois. In the latter city, you can visit the house where Louis Pasteur discovered the vaccine against rabies and the principle of pasteurization. You can go for a walk or a boat ride on the canal in Dole, his hometown. In the department of Belfort, you can visit the citadel of the same name. Do not miss the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut, creation of the architect Le Corbusier at Ronchamp.