Holiday houses in the Franche Comte & holiday apartments in the Franche Comte

Take a break in a holiday home in Franche Comte

The birthplace of Louis Pasteur and Victor Hugo, Franche-Comté has been inhabited continuously since the Paleolithic Age. On the border of France and Switzerland, the region stretches from the Vosges Mountains in the north to the forests of the Jura Mountains in the south. The main cities are Besançon, Montbéliard, Belfort and Dole which offer a variety of holiday homes and holiday rentals to choose from.

The Swiss connection and culture

The local cheese, Mont d'or, the smoked mountain Morteau sausage and an aperitif wine called Vin Jaune are as good as their Swiss counterparts and much appreciated by those renting holiday houses and holiday apartments in the region. Given its proximity to Switzerland it is perhaps no surprise that Franche-Comté is France's unofficial watchmaking capital and is also known for optical glass and lens industry. The regional capital, Besancon, is home to one of Europe's oldest art galleries which features original work by Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir, Matisse and other European old masters. Important attractions in the region include the Fortifications of Vauban (a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the border), the Roman triumphal arch and the 18th century Palais Granvelle in Besançon. The city is also home to the Musée du Temps devoted to local archeologyand the Musée de la Résistance.

All things natural

Deep pine forests, mountains and cultivated fields characterise the region's landscape. The Jura mountain range, although not as mighty as the French Alps, is France's first cross-country skiing area. The summit affords extensive views over the Alps and across Lake Geneva. Hikers will find the well signposted trails gentle and easy which makes them a great option for families with children. There are numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking and watersports and in winter Nordic and downhill skiing are popular. With many holiday apartments and holiday houses to choose from, booking holiday homes or a holiday rental in Franche Comte is the perfect beginning for a family holiday.

Neighbouring holiday regions Franche Comte

• Canton of Vaud
• Haute-Saone
• Canton of Neuchâtel
• Lake Murten
• Jura Vaudois Nature Park
• Besançon and the surrounding area
• Saône
• Clos du Doubs
• Vallée des Ponts
• Vallée de Joux