This is a lovely region in Eastern France which shares its border with Switzerland. The Franche Comte is mainly rural but has lots to offer in terms of a rich cultural heritage, museums and historic sites. Add to this a beautiful natural landscape of gentle rolling hills, fertile valleys and pine forests; it really is a perfect destination for a self-catering holiday.
The medieval city of Besancon is the regions capital and was once the clock-making capital of France, the Musée du Temps celebrates this heritage. It is one of the hidden jewels of France nestling beneath its ancient citadel on a loop formed by the meandering river Doubs, unlike many French cities it remained mainly undamaged from the struggles of the 19th and 20th century. The town is the home of the oldest art gallery in France with a collection of masters so impressive it is nicknamed the ‘petit Louvre’. Add to this a world a UNESCO world heritage museum and lovely river cruises, you will delighted at what this city has to offer visitors.
The region is made up of 4 departments, in the east it is mostly agricultural with small towns and villages, low hills and valleys rising to the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. In the centre are the distinctive plateaus and hilly ridges called the Doubs rising from 200 metres to 1200 metres at the Swiss border. In the south is the wide flat Saone valley and Jura Mountains, so all in all a very interesting and mixed landscape to explore either in the car or better still on foot. There is a walking route to suit everyone who wants to experience real France where nature remains unspoilt.
The region is keen on promoting green tourism and is an all-year-round destination remaining green and full of flowers most of the year, in winter when the snow falls there are two ski resorts accommodating cross country and downhill skiers. Cycling is also popular on quiet roads as well as water sports on the crystal clear lakes and rivers. We can’t talk about anywhere in France without mentioning food and this is no exception. Most famous for its Comte cheese it is also famous for Morteau sausage and mountain ham. The area produces first class wines in particular the Arbois white and from the Jura comes a special aperitif Vin Jaune, the most famous of which is from Chateau Chalon one of the most attractive villages in Eastern France.
Don’t wait for everyone else to discover the Franche Comte, make sure you find it first! This is a lovely region in Eastern France which shares its border with Switzerland. The Franche Comte is mainly rural but has lots to offer in terms of a rich cultural heritage, museums and historic sites. Add to this a beautiful natural landscape of gentle rolling hills, fertile valleys and pine forests; it really is a perfect destination for a self-catering holiday.
The medieval city of Besancon is the regions capital and was once the clock-making capital of France, the Musée du Temps celebrates this heritage. It is one of the hidden jewels of France nestling beneath its ancient citadel on a loop formed by the meandering river Doubs, unlike many French cities it remained mainly undamaged from the struggles of the 19th and 20th century. The town is the home of the oldest art gallery in France with a collection of masters so impressive it is nicknamed the ‘petit Louvre’. Add to this a world a UNESCO world heritage museum and lovely river cruises, you will delighted at what this city has to offer visitors.
The region is made up of 4 departments, in the east it is mostly agricultural with small towns and villages, low hills and valleys rising to the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. In the centre are the distinctive plateaus and hilly ridges called the Doubs rising from 200 metres to 1200 metres at the Swiss border. In the south is the wide flat Saone valley and Jura Mountains, so all in all a very interesting and mixed landscape to explore either in the car or better still on foot. There is a walking route to suit everyone who wants to experience real France where nature remains unspoilt.
The region is keen on promoting green tourism and is an all-year-round destination remaining green and full of flowers most of the year, in winter when the snow falls there are two ski resorts accommodating cross country and downhill skiers. Cycling is also popular on quiet roads as well as water sports on the crystal clear lakes and rivers.
We can’t talk about anywhere in France without mentioning food and this is no exception. Most famous for its Comte cheese it is also famous for Morteau sausage and mountain ham. The area produces first class wines in particular the Arbois white and from the Jura comes a special aperitif Vin Jaune, the most famous of which is from Chateau Chalon one of the most attractive villages in Eastern France.Don’t wait for everyone else to discover the Franche Comte, make sure you find it first!
