Franche-Comte Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Franche-ComteAn idyllic holiday destination
The Franche-Comte region hardly registers as a blip on the list of main tourist destinations in France, yet it has everything to recommend it. Stunning mountain scenery combines with a vibrant culture and deep history to make the region an idyllic holiday spot, perhaps all the better for being off the main tourist trails.Top 5 things to see and do in Franche-Comte
1. Ski
Franche-Comte, being a mountainous area which borders Switzerland, offers great opportunities to enjoy skiing, of both the downhill and cross country varieties. So forget the Alps with their over inflated prices and crowded slopes, head for the ski resorts of Franche-Comte to enjoy stress free skiing in a stunning natural environment. The resorts of Jura offer mile upon mile of cross country and downhill skiing with friendly, family orientated resorts in breathtaking settings. And with an absence of crowds and spectacular scenery, this makes Franche-Comte a memorable winter holiday destination.2. The Musée de Beaux Arts in Besancon
The city of Besancon has one of the finest art collections in the country, said to be second only to the Louvre. See works by Matisse, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and Bellini in the wonderful Musée de Beaux Arts.3. Enjoy the countryside and outdoor sports
Franche-Comte, due to its mountain climate, is one of France's greenest regions. The lush countryside is an open invitation to discover the tranquillity and bounty of nature in the unspoilt, unpolluted environment. Whether you just want to take in the views and the scent of mountain flowers or to partake in outdoor sports such as cycling, hiking or even rock climbing, this is an idyllic place.4. Visit Vauban's citadel
French military history resounds to the sound of Vauban's name, and the city of Besancon gives you a chance to discover just why this is. The UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site of Vauban's citadel has it all: a fortress, a zoo, museums and amazing panoramic views.5. Waterfalls and grottoes
The region has an abundance of stunning natural features, with waterfalls, caves and unusual rock formations. Take some time to see the Source du Lison at Nans sous Sainte Anne. Here there is a lovely waterfall, rock pool and cave system to explore. It's a great spot for a picnic on a summer's day and near to the popular sight of the Devil's Bridge too.Top 5 towns and cities in Franche-Comte
1. Besancon
Besancon has everything that makes a capital city great. It is the perfect place to spend a long weekend, or to visit as part of a longer holiday. Gorgeous architecture, an authentic atmosphere, brilliant museums and art galleries coupled with the more modern pleasures of great dining and shopping make this city an essential part of any trip to Franche-Comte.2. Belfort
The principal town of the Territoire de Belfort department, Belfort is an interesting and attractive city with museums and monuments to see as well as shops and restaurants. There's a yearly three-day music festival held there too, with concerts taking place in various locations all around the city.3. Montbéliard
Attractions to see in Montbéliard include a magnificent chateau, once the seat of the Dukes of Württemberg, and an excellent Art and History Museum. Christmas is a magical time in this town, with spectacular illuminations and delightful Christmas markets transforming it into a winter wonderland that will charm young and old alike.4. Luxeuil-les-Bains
Luxeuil-les-Bains is a spa town with plenty to see and do. Enjoy a spa treatment to restore body and soul, then visit an amazing, futuristic church, go to a great animal park or simply potter about this picturesque little town taking in the graceful old buildings and soaking up the atmosphere. While you are there, taste some of the local ham, which is said to be delicious.5. Pontarlier
Pontarlier is France's second highest town, so pay a visit there to get a real taste of life in the mountains. The town is close to the border with Switzerland, and is located amid awe-inspiring scenery. It's also the capital of absinthe, but approach this local drink with the utmost caution!Food and drink in Franche-Comte
The gastronomy of Franche-Comte is a breath of fresh mountain air. Lush pastures produce the best of dairy foods, especially cheeses. Comte is one of France's favourite cheeses, and is eaten and loved all over the country. It also forms the basis for a tasty fondue, perfect for a sociable evening with friends. Other specialties include Montbéliard sausage and crepes stuffed with Morello cherries and Kirsch-laced ice cream.The region is also notable for its wines, among them the renowned Jura wines. Another local drink, usually served in small quantities as an aperitif, is absinthe. It's an evocative and powerful drink, with the emphasis on powerful!
How to get to Franche-Comte
To fly to the region the best airports to head for are Basel Mulhouse, Geneva or Lyon St Exupery. You can take the TGV to Besancon from Paris, which has a journey time of about two and a half hours. Driving from Paris will take about three and a half hours using the excellent auto route system.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Franche-Comte
Doubs Holiday Guide
The department of Doubs is one of the four departments that make up the region of Franche-Comte, in the east of France. It occupies the central and eastern part of the region, and shares a border with Switzerland. Green and largely unspoilt, the countryside is often mountainous and has a wealth of lovely natural features such as rivers, waterfalls, lakes and caves.
Jura Holiday Guide
Jura, a secret treasure of France, is hidden away in the east of the country, to the south of the region of Franche-Comte. Jura is a land of deeply wooded mountains, shimmering lakes, sparkling waterfalls, towns and villages full of character and heritage and a rich gastronomy and culture.
Haute-Saône Holiday Guide
The department of Haute-Saône is part of the Franche-Comte region of eastern France. Little troubled by mass tourism, and therefore authentic and unspoilt, the department is peaceful and rural, a place of forests, lakes and farmland.
Territoire de Belfort Holiday Guide
The Territoire de Belfort may have an impressively long name, but it is the smallest department in France (excluding the Paris region). It sits in the north-east of the Franche-Comte region in eastern France.
