Welcome to Franche Comté
A region known for its great respect for nature, it has incredible landscapes and monuments as well as a large number of industries. So, you know that if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, this is the one.
In the east of France, Franche-Comté is located between Switzerland and Burgundy and borders Alsace, Lorraine and Champagne-Ardenne and Rhône-Alpes. It is considered an administrative, historical and cultural region.
In fact, it was a territory that belonged to the former kingdom of Burgundy and was divided into three districts: Amont, Aval et Dôle. However, Franche-Comté was not ceded to France until the Peace Treaty of Nijmegen, led by Charles II of Spain.
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What to see
One of the most visited monuments is the Citadel of Besançon, a fortification classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Museum of Resistance and Deportation and the Comtois Museum, showing the ancient customs of Franche-Comté.
The Hérisson waterfalls are also an excellent option to discover the waterfalls and be amazed by the magic of this valley shaped by water. It is a Natural Site listed as "La Vallée du Hérisson - Plateau des 7 Lacs" as well as a Grand Site de France in the works.
The Place de la Révolution is the largest square in Besançon and has many restaurants and terrace bars as well as the usual shops in the centre. It is an eye-catching attraction for students and tourists alike.
What to eat
Potée comtoise is very popular, a recipe that is a variation of the traditional potée with a base elaborated with various types of meat accompanied by vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and cabbage among others.
Another well-known savoury dish is free-range chicken with morels, a recipe full of regional products such as Bresse chicken from Jura or its white wine, but with some vegetables such as carrots and onions on the side.
And for dessert, Galette comtoise. The secret of this recipe's success is its orange blossom flavour. This cake is another variation of the simpler Galette des Rois and its existence dates back to the 14th century. Ready to be tasted!
Nature
This region has many topographical and natural landscapes, and the eastern part is the most mountainous one. This is where most of the Jura Massif and a small part of the Vosges Massif are located. To the west, the relief forms two plateaus leading to the Doubs and Saône valleys.
The highest peaks of the Jura Massif are in Switzerland and the Ain. The three main ones are Crêt Pela at 1,495 metres in the Jura, Mont d'Or at 1,463 metres and Ballon d'Alsace at 1,247 metres.
The region has thousands of kilometres of waterways, where it is possible to fish. Among the main rivers in the region are the Saône, the Ain, the Doubs and the Lison. And there are an infinite number of lakes, such as the Lac des Rousses, the Lac de Chalain or the Lac de Saint-Point.
Our festivities
The Fête du sapin présidente in July with its unmissable evening dance, includes many activities such as inter-village games, the lame duck, carbine shooting or the pesée du jambon. A very active and fun atmosphere.
The Fêtes de Tarbes at the end of June, held in Bigorre, show the spirit of the Basque in the form of music, and the traditional parading of red and yellow polo shirts like bandanas, dressing the whole street and its shops and bars ready for the event!
And the Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de L'Oiseau take place every year for four days in Le Puy-En-Velay. The town and its inhabitants are transformed into 16th century characters and various activities and banquets take place.
