Territoire de Belfort

Territoire de Belfort

Located in eastern France, the Territoire de Belfort is one of French departments with its rich cultural and natural heritage. Bordered by the Vosges and the Alsace plain, it offers a diversity of exceptional landscapes. Its history, marked by major military events, is reflected in its emblematic monuments.

The Territoire de Belfort, a department between nature and history

Although small in size, this territory is full of treasures to discover, whether in terms of tourist attractionsof local gastronomyor picturesque villages. If you want to explore a region full of charm the countryThis article will guide you through the must-sees of the Territoire de Belfort.

Must-see tourist sites in Belfort and surrounding area

The Citadel and the Lion of Belfort

Symbol of the department, the Lion is an imposing sculpture in pink sandstone by Frédéric Bartholdi in tribute to the town's heroic resistance during the siege of 1870-1871. Just above, the Citadellebuilt by Vauban, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

citadel Belfort territory
citadel Belfort territory

The Ballon d'Alsace

Visit BalloonAlsacethe highest point in the département at 1,247 metres, is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. In winter, it becomes a friendly winter sports resort, and in summer, it offers magnificent hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Vosges and the Black Forest.

L'étang des Forges

L'étang des Forges is a natural area ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Lined with footpaths, it is popular with walkers and cyclists. Its biodiversity also makes it an ideal site for birdwatching.

Le Malsaucy

This natural site is famous for its music festival Les Eurockéennesone of France's biggest rock festivals. Apart from this event, the Malsaucy is a great place for water sports, hiking and family picnics.

Landscapes and towns in the Territoire de Belfort

Landscapes between mountains and plains

The territory is characterized by a diversity of landscapes from the dense forests of the Vosges massif to the green plains of the Trouée de Belfort. The latter, located between the Vosges and Jura mountains, has played a major strategic role in the history of the region.

Belfort, a city steeped in history

Capital of the department, Belfort is a dynamic city where history and modernity meet. The city center, with its lively shops and terraces, is dominated by the old town cobbled streets and colorful facades.

The picturesque villages of the Territory

The department is home to charming villages such as Delleat the gateway to Switzerland, or Giromagnya former mining village in an unspoilt natural setting. These often little-known localities are well worth a visit for their heritage and authenticity.

The region and surrounding departments

Alsace and Haut-Rhin

To the east of the département, theAlsace and the Haut-Rhin offer wine-growing landscapes and typical villages such as Colmar or Riquewihr. This proximity makes it possible to combine a visit to Belfort with an escapade on the Alsace wine route.

Haute-Saône and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region

To the south and west, the Haute-Saône is renowned for its forests and peaceful valleys. Part of the Burgundy-Franche-ComtéTerritoire de Belfort shares a cultural and gastronomic influence with neighbouring departments such as Doubs and the Jura.

Switzerland, just a few kilometers away

Thanks to its proximity to Switzerland, the Territoire de Belfort benefits from economic and cultural exchanges with cities such as Basel or Delémont. An asset for cross-border travel enthusiasts.

Gastronomy and specialities of the Territoire de Belfort

Traditional dishes

The cuisine of Territoire de Belfort is inspired by the culinary traditions of Franche-Comté andAlsace. Among the unmissable specialities are :

  • Fried carpa typical dish from the ponds of the Franche-Comté region.
  • The ropfküechea tarte flambée from Belfort.
  • La potée comtoisea hearty dish of cabbage, potatoes and Montbéliard sausages.

Cheese and charcuterie

Visit countythe mont d'or and the cancoillotte are very popular cheeses in the region. As for charcuterie Montbéliard sausage and the Morteau sausage are a must.

Sweet treats

Visit kouglofinherited from neighbouring Alsace, and the galettes de BelfortThese are just some of the local specialities to enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of Jura white wine.

Restaurant Territoire de Belfort - the best options

Visit Territoire de Belfort is full of a variety of restaurantsranging from traditional inns at gourmet diningthrough to world restaurants and friendly addresses. Here's a guide to the different options available in the department's towns and villages.

1. Gourmet restaurants

Ideal for high cuisine and refined flavours.

La Table (Belfort) - Inventive local cuisine using local produce.
Les Capucins (Belfort) - Semi-gastronomic restaurant with a fine wine list.
Au Caquelon (Offemont) - Fine cuisine with regional specialties.

2. Traditional cuisine and Franc-Comtois specialities

To enjoy typical dishes such as Montbéliard sausage, cancoillotte or the gratin franc-comtois.

L'Ancienne Poste (Belfort) - Warm atmosphere and traditional dishes.
Le Saint-Christophe (Belfort) - Local cuisine with local products.
Auberge du Mont-Jean (Rougemont-le-Château) - Ideal for a taste of Franche-Comté gastronomy in the heart of nature.

3. Friendly brasseries and restaurants

For a meal with friends or family in a relaxed atmosphere.

Le Pot au Feu (Belfort) - Generous cuisine and market dishes.
La Poudrière (Belfort) - Atypical restaurant in a former military powder magazine.
Le Paradis du Pêcheur (Châtenois-les-Forges) - Fish and seafood specialities.

4. Restaurants of the world

Travel through international flavors.

La Casa Di Marco (Belfort) - Delicious pizzas and Italian specialities.
Tokyo (Belfort) - Japanese restaurant renowned for its sushi and teppanyaki.
Jaipur Palace (Belfort) - Tasty Indian cuisine with a wide choice of vegetarian dishes.

5. Authentic country restaurants and inns

Perfect for a gourmet break in a bucolic setting.

Auberge du Lion d'Or (Belfort) - Country setting and regional cuisine.
Le Relais du Mont (Lepuix) - Ideal for a gourmet stopover after a hike in the Ballon d'Alsace.
Auberge du Salzbach (Giromagny) - Mountain specialities and homemade dishes.

Where to eat?

Restaurant typeBest addressesSpecialties
GastronomicLa Table, Les CapucinsRefined cuisine, local products
Traditional Franc-ComtoisL'Ancienne Poste, Saint-ChristopheMontbéliard sausage, cancoillotte
Brasserie & convivialLe Pot au Feu, La PoudrièreMarket cuisine, family dishes
World cuisineTokyo, Jaipur Palace, Casa Di MarcoJapanese, Indian, Italian
Inns and countrysideAuberge du Lion d'Or, Relais du MontRustic setting, home cooking

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a gourmet meal, featuring a typical Franche-Comté dish or cuisine from other parts of the world, the Territory offers a wide choice of restaurants to suit all tastes. Bon appétit! 😋

Visit L'Est Républicain newspaper is the leading daily newspaper covering Territoire de Belfort and eastern France. Founded in 1889he is a member of the EBRA (East Burgundy Rhône Alpes) and offers local, regional, national and international information.

Libre Mémoria Territoire de Belfort - Place of Remembrance and Tribute

Libre Mémoria is a space dedicated to memory and remembrance. This is a commemorative site allowing families and loved ones to pay tribute to the deceased in a respectful and soothing setting.

 Location and concept

Location Territoire de Belfort (precise location to be verified according to the communes concerned)
Function A place of remembrance open to all
Philosophy : A personalized, free-spirited tribute outside the traditional framework

Features and services

Place of remembrance A symbolic space to honor the memory of the deceased
Alternatives to traditional cemeteries : Designed for those who want a freer tribute
Personalized memorial : Possibility of inscriptions, objects of remembrance or adapted ceremonies
Open to all beliefs and philosophies

This type of space allows everyone to reflect according to its own valueswithout the constraints of conventional burial sites.

Further information

Contact and information : Contact the communes of the Territory or local funeral services.
Official website or references To be verified, depending on the existence of a dedicated platform.

If you're looking for a a free and accessible place of remembrance, Libre Mémoria can be a respectful and soothing way to honor your loved ones.

Map and description of Territoire de Belfort (90)

Visit Territoire de Belfort is a department of the Burgundy-Franche-Comtélocated at the extreme northeastern France. It is the smallest French department after Paris in terms of surface area (610 km²), but has a large high urban density around Belfort, its prefecture.

Location and borders

To the north Department of Haut-Rhin (Alsace)
To the east Switzerland, canton of Jura (about 30 km away)
West and south Doubs department

Central point The city of Belforta strategic crossroads between Alsace and Franche-Comté.

Geography of the Territory

Relief :

  • West : Allan plain (agricultural and industrial zone)
  • East : Ballon d'Alsace and Southern Vosges (mountains and forests)
  • To the south : Savoureuse Valley and its hills

Main rivers :

  • La Savoureusewhich passes through Belfort
  • The Allantributary of the Doubs

Remarkable natural areas :

  • The Ballon d'Alsace (highest point at 1,247 m)
  • The Thousand Ponds Plateau (unspoilt nature and hiking)

Main towns and villages

CityPopulationNote
BelfortPopulation: 46,000Capital and economic center
DanjoutinPopulation: 3,500Residential town near Belfort
BeaucourtPopulation: 4,500Former industrial hub
Valdoie5,000 inhabitantsClose to the Vosges
Giromagny3,000 inhabitantsDirect access to Ballon d'Alsace
Grandvillars3,200 inhabitantsTown at the gateway to the Doubs

Transport and accessibility

  • Freeways A36 (Besançon - Mulhouse axis)
  • Belfort-Montbéliard TGV station Fast link to Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg
  • Close to Basel-Mulhouse airport (50 km away)

Heritage and culture

  • The Lion of Belfortemblem sculpted by Bartholdi
  • The Citadel of BelfortVauban's fortifications
  • Les EurockéennesFrance's leading music festival
  • The Forts of Upper Belfort19th-century military remains

Map of Territoire de Belfort

You can view a detailed map of the department at Google Maps or on official websites such asIGN or Geoportal.

🔗 Example of an online map : Geoportal

Visit Territoire de Belfort is a department rich in history, nature and economic dynamisma crossroads between Alsace, Jura and Franche-Comté !

Weather Territoire de Belfort 

The department of Belfort benefits from semi-continental climateinfluenced by its proximity to the Southern Vosges and the Alsace plain. Winters are often cold and wet, while summers are temperate with periods of heat.

Average annual temperatures

SeasonAverage temperature (°C)Min / Max (°C)
Winter (December - February)0 to 5°C-5°C to 10°C
Spring (March - May)8 to 15°C0°C to 20°C
Summer (June - August)18 to 25°C12°C to 35°C
Autumn (September - November)10 to 16°C3°C to 20°C

Summer : Pleasant temperatures with a few heat waves.
Winter : Chance of snow, especially at higher altitudes around Ballon d'Alsace.

Precipitation and humidity

  • Visit Territoire de Belfortis one of the world's most wetlands of Francewith an average of 1,200 to 1,400 mm of rain per year.
  • Frequent rainfall in autumn and winter, with thundery showers in summer.
  • Snow in winterparticularly on the higher ground (Ballon d'Alsace, Vosges).

Wind and weather phenomena

  • Prevailing wind West / Southwest
  • Frequent squalls in winter and autumn
  • Risk of fog in winter and early spring
  • Possible thunderstorms in summer, especially at the end of the day

Real-time weather

To check the weather in Belfort and the surrounding area :
Météo France 

With its cold wintersits mild summers and its high rainfallthe Belfort climate is marked by significant variations throughout the year.

Belfort, the prefecture of the Territoire de Belfort

Belfortthe capital of Territoire de Belfort (90)is a dynamic city located between Alsace and Franche-Comté. With around 46,000 inhabitantsIt plays a key role in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, in terms of administration, economy and culture. Its history is marked by a strong military identity, as evidenced by its fortifications designed by Vauban and its famous Lionby Auguste Bartholdi, a symbol of resistance to the Prussian sieges of 1870-1871.

The city is also an important economic center, historically linked to industry. The city is well known for its energy and transportation industries, with companies such as Alstomwhich manufactures locomotives and turbines. Its university, part of theUniversity of Franche-Comtéand its engineering schools contribute to training and innovation in the region. The region's proximity to the A36 freeway and TGV high-speed train station further enhances its appeal, facilitating exchanges with Paris, Lyon and Germany.

When it comes to culture and events, the city is famous for hosting the Eurockéennesone of France's biggest music festivals, held on the Malsaucy peninsula. The town also boasts a rich heritage, with its Old townthe Citadelle and numerous museums. Its green setting, between the southern Vosges mountains and the Jura massif, makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers.

Visit prefecture is theadministration representing the State in this department of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It manages administrative affairs, security and regional development.

Essential information

Address 1 Rue Bartholdi, 90000 Belfort, France
Phone : 03 84 57 11 00
Website : www.territoire-de-belfort.gouv.fr

L'Est Républicain in Territoire de Belfort

Visit L'Est Républicain newspaper is the leading daily newspaper covering Territory of Belfort and eastern France. Founded in 1889he is a member of the EBRA (East Burgundy Rhône Alpes) and offers local, regional, national and international information.

Local news news, politics, economy, sport and community life
Sports monitoring of local clubs such asASM Belfort (soccer), the Belfort Hockey Club or the Alsace Tower (cycling)
Economy and employment Focus on local companies, the automotive industry (PSA) and job opportunities in the region
Culture and events : calendar of concerts, festivals and exhibitions, including Eurockéennes de Belfort
Daily life weather, traffic, practical information

How to read L'Est Républicain

Print version Available on newsstands every day
Website : www.estrepublicain.fr
Newsletter and mobile application Access to online articles and real-time news notifications

Thanks to its local roots, L'Est Républicain is an essential source of information for local residents.

est republicain territoire de belfort
est republicain territoire de belfort

District Doubs Territoire de Belfort - Roles and missions

Visit District Doubs - Territoire de Belfort is a sports association grouping together soccer clubs from the départements of Doubs (25) and the Belfort region.. It is attached to the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Football League and manages the organization of local competitions, the training of players and referees, and the development of amateur soccer in these two departments.

Organizing local competitions

  • Senior, youth and women's departmental championships
  • Local cups (e.g. District Cup)

Training and support

  • Developing young talent
  • Training courses for coaches and referees

Development of amateur soccer

  • Promoting leisure soccer and indoor soccer
  • Supporting local clubs in their development

Clubs and major competitions

The district oversees a number of amateur and semi-professional clubs, including some historic ones such as :
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard (emblematic club, playing in the National League)
ASM Belfort (the region's leading club in the National 3 division)

The championships are divided into several departmental divisions, ranging from D1 to D4 for seniors.

Practical information

Address Head office in Besançon (Doubs)
Official website Available through the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté League

This district is a key player in the amateur soccer in eastern France, promoting practice and training at all levels!

district doubs territoire de belfort
district doubs territoire de belfort

Postal code Territoire de Belfort (90)

Visit Territory is a department of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté with 101 municipalities. Here is the list of postal codes sorted by town and village.

Postal codes for the main towns in the Territory

CityPostal code
Belfort90000
Danjoutin90400
Beaucourt90500
Bavilliers90800
Valdoie90300
Offemont90300
Giromagny90200
Grandvillars90600
Cravanche90300
Châtenois-les-Forges90700

Postal codes for villages in Territoire de Belfort

VillagePostal code
Andelnans90400
Anjoutey90170
Banvillars90800
Bessoncourt90160
Bourogne90140
Charmois90140
Lime90330
Essert90850
Lachapelle-sous-Rougemont90360
Lepuix90200
Méziré90120
Morvillars90120
Rougegoutte90200
Sermamagny90300
Sevenans90400

 Further information

Prefecture Belfort (90000)
Sub-prefecture : None

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Territoire de Belfort

What is the history of the department?

The department was created after the 1870 war, when Alsace-Moselle was annexed by Germany, but Belfort remained French.

What natural sites are worth visiting in the Territoire de Belfort?

Among the most beautiful sites are the Ballon d'Alsace, l'étang des Forges and the Malsaucy.

What are the typical dishes of the Territoire de Belfort?

Specialties include potée comtoisethe fried carp and Montbéliard sausages and Morteau.

When is the best time to visit the département?

Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and festivals, while winter attracts ski enthusiasts to Ballon d'Alsace.

Is the Territoire de Belfort close to Alsace?

Yes, it is located on the border with Haut-Rhin and shares a cultural influence with Alsace.

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