Hotels in Franche-Comte

Considered one of the most laid-back destinations in France, Franche-Comte or Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a picturesque French rural area. It might not be on top of the list for tourists to visit, but it offers more nature-loving activities than other parts of France. The small population is known for its domestic and agricultural jobs such as producing cheese and raising cows. This countryside is best for families who want to unwind and experience the hustle and bustle-free France. Solo travellers are also welcome as they offer great views and peaceful locations for everyone.

How to Get There

For those who are flying in, you may go through Dole-Jura Airport, more locally known as Franche-Comté Regional Airport. The airport has a carpark with 1300 slots that are all free for anyone who intends to use it. From the airport to the town proper, you can either take the train or bus.

Getting Around

The region is packed with cities you can go to, but it also remains to be a quiet area for those looking for solace. The most preferred way to travel to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is through train if you are coming in from neighboring cities or regions. Tickets can be pre-booked online for a more convenient way of travelling. Another option, especially for those with bigger luggage can use car rentals. Booking cars with drivers are available online as well as renting a car and driving on your own.

However, going into smaller cities inside the region can be quite tricky. Some of the trains have limited presence in some areas and the best way to travel within the region is by bus lines.

Top Things to Do

One of the must-visit landmark attractions in Franche Comté is the Citadelle de Besançon. It has been recognized as a UNESCO site since 2008 and tourists flock to this area to see the beautiful view of the Doubs river over its walls. For those travelling with kids, a museum about the French resistance and live enclosures will definitely be a hit.

Fort De Joux is also worth a visit to see decades of history. It has a museum with over 600 antique weaponry and showcases the story of how the castle came to be and the changes done to it over time. Aside from its rich history, the view and scenic castle will also convince you to go here.

Most Franche-Comte itineraries also include the Cirques. These are amphitheater shaped glaciers. They were formed during the last Ice Age through glacial erosion and are a sight to see. At the end of these glaciers are usually a small river that is a testament to how nature has evolved since the Ice Age.

Since Franche-Comte is all about nature, the cascades are also worth seeing. One popular cascade is Les Cascades du Hérisson. It looks like it was handpicked from a fairytale and plopped into the middle of a gorgeous sprawl of greenery. It can be dry at some parts of the year and frozen during winter but the rest of the summer, it provides a wonderful light temperature to people coming from a long walk or hike.

To get a glimpse of the historic cobblestones and houses in Franche-Comte’s yesteryears, you may also visit the Lods. It is located right next to River Loue and has a charming little bridge that is perfect for those looking for a nice little selfie. The village is composed of stone houses and it is believed that most of the houses used to belong to winegrowers. The village also has the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin that showcases the agricultural history of the town.

What to Eat

The region prides itself on dishes that are perfected in almost all of its shops and restaurants. The top dish in the region: cheeses. It is easy to find them in the nooks and crannies of the cities. Indeed, tourists have a hard time deciding on which cheese to eat. Top picks will always be Mont d’Or and Morbier. Mont d’Or was eaten by Louis XV himself. It is made of Montbéliarde cows’ milk and aged in the cellar for three weeks. It is a soft cheese that is heated and melted and served with boiled potatoes.

Morbier, on the other hand, has a black ashy streak in the middle. It is made out of cow’s raw milk and the black streak in the middle is a thin vegetal layer that is natural to it. It is best paired with wines. Another option of cheese is the Comte. It is an unpasteurized milk cheese that has a sweet and nutty flavor. It is usually aged for 12-18 months and is great for fondues.

Aside from cheeses, Franche-Comte also prides itself on their sausages. The most popular sausage in the region is the Saucisse de Morteau. It is the oldest known sausage recipe in France. It is a smoked pork sausage and is typically included in other local dishes in the region. It is usually served with potato gratin or lentils.

Nightlife

Drinks are also excellent in this region. Wines are usually more locally appreciated than it is internationally. Absinth is also the more popular drink here as the Jura mountains within the region is the birthplace of this drink. There is still no distillery dedicated to its production in the area, but it continues to be made locally.

One of the best restaurants you can visit is L'eolienne, located on top of Cascades Du Herisson. It is not a casual restaurant so best to put your best outfit forward when visiting. For a more laid-back dining experience, visit Les Lazards. They have theme nights and the occasional concert weekend.

Where to Stay

Depending on your budget and your itinerary, there are hotels that cater to various needs. Unlike other places in France, Franche-Comte is very much filled with nature-inclined activities and camping is not frowned upon. Some areas have camper parking and tourists can bring their own tents and set up as long as there is a discretion to the locals around the area.

Travel Tips