Franche Comte is often overlooked by holidaymakers. Its location between in north-west France makes it ideal for visiting neighbouring Switzerland as well as the nearby regions of Burgundy and Auvergne. Franche Comte is one of the most spectacularly areas of natural beauty in France but there are plenty of reasons to visit besides the stunning scenery.
The Cuisine
The regional dishes heavily feature delicious local produce, making this the perfect destination for foodies. Renowned chef Raymond Blanc is from Franche Comte and his cooking is heavily influenced by the flavours and traditions of his home region. The area produces some of the best cheeses in France and they feature in many of the regional dishes. Cured meats are popular too and are widely produced in Franche Comte. Local markets are the best place to buy fresh produce at great prices.
Varied Accommodation
Franche Comte has a huge choice of accommodation. There are countless gites in Franche Comte, ranging from bijou rustic homes for two to grand farmhouses, suitable for large groups. Many are located deep in the beautiful countryside and have stunning views. As Franche Comte doesn't attract the same hordes of tourists other areas do, accommodation prices tend to be very reasonable, leaving you more to spend on holiday.
Rich Culture
Franche Comte is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and all are well worth a visit. The Citadel of Besannon attracts over 250,000 visitors annually and is one of the region's most important attractions. The citadel, located on Mount Saint-Etienne, is widely considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of the military architect Vauban. Built between 1668 and 1711, much of the citadel is intact today. The Royal Saltworks at Arc et Senans are located in the Forest of Chaux and was used for salt production in the 1800s. The final UNESCO site, Salins-les-Bains, is another historical saltworks.
Natural Beauty
Franche Comte is known for its incredible and varied natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by the Vosges and Jura mountain ranges. The mountains offer many options for walking with great photo opportunities. The region as a whole is a great destination for a walking holiday and there are plenty of gites in Franche Comte near popular walking trails. The areas around the mountains are particularly popular and have many streams, lakes and woodland areas to explore.
