Burgundy Franche Comté
Looking for a getaway in France that combines nature, culture and culinary delights? Why not explore the Burgundy Franche Comtéa magnificent region of the merger between Burgundy and Franche-Comté in 2016?
Burgundy-Franche-Comté spans a diverse landscape, ranging from the vast plains of the Saône to the peaks of the Jura, encompassing the famous vineyards of the Côte-d’Or and the forested expanses of the Doubs. This region is also a cradle of history, having given rise to eminent figures such as Gustave Courbet, Victor Hugo, and Louis Pasteur. It is home to many heritage gems, including the Hospices de Beaune, the Citadel of Besançon, and the Basilica of Vézelay.
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is also a land of culinary delights, promising to tantalize your taste buds with local specialties such as beef bourguignon, Comté cheese, Burgundy snails, and Dijon mustard. It is also famous for its exceptional wines, which are the pride of its winemakers.
This practical guide invites you to discover Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, with its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and culinary treasures. Here you’ll find tips for planning your trip, suggestions for must-do activities, and must-visit spots. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Follow the guide!
Explore the region's natural and geographical riches
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is known for its incredible variety of landscapes. Whether you’re passionate about vineyards, mountains, or bodies of water, this region has a lot to offer.
Diverse Landscapes: From Vineyards to Mountains to Bodies of Water
Burgundy is renowned for its prestigious vineyards, which stretch across the Côte-d’Or, the Côte Chalonnaise, the Mâconnais, and the Chablis region. These areas are dotted with lush hillsides, charming villages, and historic castles.
Wine lovers can enjoy famous crus such as Pommard, Meursault and Chablis.
The Franche-Comté region, for its part, is famous for the Jura Mountains. Its mountains offer varied landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and rock climbing.
The lakes of the Morvan, the ponds of the Bresse, the Hérisson waterfalls, and the headwaters of the Loue are just a few of the region’s many bodies of water, perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water.
Regional nature parks: protected areas to visit
The region is home to four regional nature parks, veritable sanctuaries where nature and culture are preserved. These areas offer the chance to discover a rich fauna and flora, as well as local heritage and traditions.
The Morvan Regional Nature Park, in the heart of Burgundy, is a mid-mountain area home to lynx, deer and otters. Historic sites such as Mont Beuvray and the Musée du Septennat are also worth a visit.
The Ballons des Vosges regional nature park offers breathtaking panoramas and a rich cultural heritage, with its farm inns, Romanesque churches and half-timbered houses.
The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park is distinguished by its karst landscape and exceptional natural sites, while also showcasing local expertise in watchmaking, eyewear, and cheese-making.
The Forêts de Champagne et Bourgogne regional nature park, on the border of these two regions, offers a low mountain landscape dominated by forests, meadows and vineyards, and is home to some remarkable historic monuments.
Outdoor activities: hiking, biking and other nature-based leisure activities
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse natural setting for hiking, biking, and many other recreational activities.
The region is criss-crossed by over 10,000 km of marked trails, ideal for hiking, and over 2,000 km of cycle paths, perfect for cycling enthusiasts. These routes run alongside magnificent landscapes such as vineyards, forests and ponds.
In addition to hiking and biking, the region offers a wide variety of other outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, golf, paragliding, canoeing, fishing, tree-top adventure courses, caving, skiing, and much more, promising memorable experiences in the heart of nature.
Discover our cultural and historical heritage
Explore Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a region rich in remarkable cultural and historical heritage that reflects a prestigious past and unique diversity. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or foodie, this region is sure to pique your curiosity and delight your taste buds.
Must-see historic sites and monuments
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is home to numerous historic sites and monuments that bear witness to its rich history and cultural influence. Among them, discover Cluny Abbey, the heart of the monastic reform in the Middle Ages, and Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire remarkable castles such as Bussy-Rabutin, famous for the Count of Bussy’s satirical portraits, or Cormatin, with its exceptional Baroque decor. Explore iconic cities such as Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy with its rich heritage, or Besançon, the city of Vauban, dominated by its majestic fortified citadel.
Local gastronomy: a unique culinary voyage
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a region renowned for its fine cuisine, invites you to discover its culinary specialties, the fruits of its land and its time-honored traditions. Savor traditional dishes such as beef bourguignon, coq au vin, Morteau sausage, or cancoillotte. Sample renowned cheeses such as Comté, Morbier, Époisses, or Chaource. Enjoy the region’s prestigious wines, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Crémant, or Vin Jaune. And to finish, treat yourself to traditional desserts, such as gâteau de ménage, galette comtoise, anis de Flavigny, or nonnettes.
Regional Traditions and Crafts: A Treasure Trove to Explore
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, proud of its traditions and crafts, offers a living testament to its identity and creativity. Discover time-honored crafts such as watchmaking, eyewear manufacturing, earthenware production, and cutlery making. Admire original works such as the tapestries from the Manufacture des Gobelins, the sculptures of Gustave Courbet, or the paintings of Jules Adler. You can also take part in local festivals, such as the Percée du vin jaune, the Saint-Vincent tournante, the Fête de la musique, or the International Music and Dance Festival.
Practical tips for a successful stay
Exploring Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a rewarding experience, especially with the right preparation. Here are some essential tips for organizing your stay, choosing suitable accommodation and selecting the best time to go.
Getting around the region: the best options
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté has an efficient highway network, including the A6, A31, A36, and A39, which provides easy access to major cities. Carpooling is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative.
The rail network is also well-developed, with TGV high-speed trains linking the region to Paris, Lyon or Strasbourg in less than two hours. TER (regional express trains) allow you to discover local towns and villages.
For urban travel, there are buses and streetcars in major cities such as Dijon, Besançon and Belfort. Renting a bike or VAE is a practical option for exploring at your own pace.
Accommodation: tips for finding your ideal place to stay
The region offers a wide range of lodging options, from hotels to treehouses, to suit all preferences and budgets. Check out specialized websites such as [Bourgogne Tourisme], [Franche-Comté Tourisme], or [France Voyage] for a variety of options. Local tourist offices are also great resources.
Choose accommodations near points of interest that are comfortable and meet your criteria. Opt for establishments with a quality seal or certification to ensure quality.
The best times to visit and not-to-be-missed events
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a great place to visit year-round, though certain times of year may be more appealing depending on your interests. Spring and fall are perfect for nature lovers, offering spectacular scenery and blooms.
Wine and food lovers will be delighted in summer or winter, ideal times to savour local produce and take part in major culinary events.
Art and history enthusiasts will be delighted all year round thanks to a rich cultural heritage, fascinating museums, and vibrant festivals.
Burgundy Franche Comté - Conclusion
Burgundy-Franche-Comté, with its varied landscapeswith its exceptional heritage, tasty specialties and lively traditions, promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're passionate about nature, culture or gastronomy, this region has something to charm you.
To make the most of your trip, be sure to follow our practical tips on transportation, lodging, and the best time to visit. In addition, local websites and tourist offices are excellent resources for finding more information and getting inspiration for enriching itineraries.
It's time to plan your adventure in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Book your trip now and get ready to explore a region rich in discovery and emotion. One thing's for sure: you'll come back enchanted!
Burgundy Franche Comté - FAQ
What are the main tourist attractions in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region?
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region offers a wealth of tourist attractions to explore. Among them, the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay, a jewel of Romanesque art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands majestically above the Cure Valley, offering a breathtaking view of the Morvan. The Hospices de Beaune, notable for their flamboyant Gothic architecture and colorful roofs, house a priceless collection of works of art, including the famous Last Judgment altarpiece. The medieval construction site at Guédelon offers a unique experience, where a 13th-century castle comes to life before visitors’ astonished eyes thanks to period techniques and materials. The Hérisson Waterfalls enchant visitors with their succession of spectacular waterfalls stretching nearly 3 km—a natural spectacle to admire along a marked trail. The Route des Grands Crus invites you on a journey through Burgundy’s most prestigious vineyards, offering UNESCO-listed landscapes, picturesque villages, and memorable wine tastings.
What local produce and culinary specialities are typical of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region?
The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region is famous for its local products and culinary specialties, which are rich in flavor. Beef bourguignon, chicken with vin jaune and morel mushrooms, Burgundy snails, parsley ham, and cheeses such as Comté, Morbier, and Cancoillotte are among the must-try dishes. Wine lovers will be captivated by the Jura vineyards and the great wines of Burgundy. Dijon mustard, Flavigny anise, gingerbread, and Dijon nonnette round out this array of authentic flavors.
How do I get around Burgundy Franche Comté?
To explore Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, several modes of transportation are available to you. The Mobigo service brings together public transportation options (train, coach, bus, tram, carpooling, car-sharing, biking, and walking), making it easier for you to get around. The roads and highways of the APRR network provide easy access to major cities by car or RV. For a different kind of experience, opt for slow travel: river tours, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
When are the best times of year to visit the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region?
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, thanks to their mild temperatures and colorful landscapes. In the spring, enjoy the historic sites, vineyards, and nature parks in all their splendor. Fall, on the other hand, is perfect for savoring local specialties, hiking, and exploring castles.
