Burgundy Franche Comté
In search of 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 boasts a diverse panorama, from the vast plains of the Saône to the peaks of the Jura, spanning 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 birth to such eminent figures as Gustave Courbet, Victor Hugo and Louis Pasteur. It is also home to a number of heritage gems, including the Hospices de Beaune, Besançon Citadel and Vézelay Basilica.
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is also a land of delicacies, promising to delight your taste buds with local specialties such as bœuf bourguignon, comté, Burgundy snails and Dijon mustard. It's also famous for its exceptional wines, the pride of its winemakers.
This practical guide invites you to discover Burgundy-Franche-Comté, with its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and gastronomic treasures. You'll find tips for planning your trip, suggestions for unmissable activities and must-see addresses. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Follow the guide!
Explore the region's natural and geographical riches
Burgundy-Franche-Comté boasts an incredible variety of landscapes. Whether your passion is for vineyards, mountains or bodies of water, this region has a lot to offer.
Landscape diversity: vineyards, mountains and lakes
Burgundy is renowned for its prestigious vineyards, which stretch across Côte-d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Chablisien. These areas are dotted with verdant hillsides, charming villages and historic châteaux.
Wine lovers can enjoy famous crus such as Pommard, Meursault and Chablis.
Franche-Comté, meanwhile, is famous for the Jura massif. Its mountains offer a variety of landscapes and opportunities for activities such as skiing, snowshoeing and climbing.
The Morvan lakes, the Bresse ponds, the Hérisson waterfalls and the Loue springs are just some of the many bodies of water in the region, 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 boasts a karst landscape and exceptional natural sites, while 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
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse natural setting for hiking, biking and many other leisure 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 host of other outdoor activities such as horseback riding, golf, paragliding, canoeing, fishing, accrobranche, caving, skiing and much more, promising memorable experiences in the heart of nature.
Discover our cultural and historical heritage
Explore Burgundy-Franche-Comté, a region with a remarkable cultural and historical heritage, reflecting a prestigious past and unique diversity. Whether you're a lover of art, history or gastronomy, this region will arouse your curiosity and delight your taste buds.
Must-see historic sites and monuments
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is home to numerous historic sites and monuments, testimony to its rich history and cultural influence. Among them, discover Cluny Abbey, the heart of monastic reform in the Middle Ages, and Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire remarkable castles such as Bussy-Rabutin, famous for the satirical portraits of the Count of Bussy, or Cormatin, with its exceptional Baroque décor. Explore emblematic cities such as Dijon, 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
Burgundy-Franche-Comté, a gourmet region, invites you to discover its culinary specialties, the fruit of its terroir and ancestral know-how. Savor typical dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, Morteau sausage and cancoillotte. Taste renowned cheeses such as comté, morbier, époisses and chaource. Enjoy the region's prestigious wines, such as pinot noir, chardonnay, crémant or vin jaune. Finally, treat yourself to traditional desserts such as gâteau de ménage, galette comtoise, anis de Flavigny or nonnettes.
Regional traditions and crafts: a wealth to explore
Burgundy-Franche-Comté, proud of its traditions and crafts, offers a living testimony to its identity and creativity. Discover ancestral trades such as watchmaking, eyewear, earthenware and metalwork. Admire original works such as tapestries from the Manufacture des Gobelins, sculptures by Gustave Courbet and paintings by Jules Adler. Take part in popular festivals such as Percée du Vin Jaune, Saint-Vincent Tournante, Fête de la Musique and the Festival International de Musique et de Danse.
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
Burgundy-Franche-Comté boasts an efficient road network, including the A6, A31, A36 and A39, providing easy access to major cities. Carpooling is an economical and ecological 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 vast choice of accommodation, from hotels to tree houses, to suit all preferences and budgets. Consult specialized sites such as [Bourgogne Tourisme], [Franche-Comté Tourisme] or [France Voyage] for a wide range of offers. Local tourist offices are also good advisors.
Choose accommodation that is close to places of interest, comfortable and meets your criteria. Give preference to establishments with quality labels or certifications.
The best times to visit and not-to-be-missed events
Burgundy-Franche-Comté can be visited all year round, with times to suit your interests. Spring and autumn are perfect for nature lovers, offering spectacular landscapes 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 can look forward to a rich cultural heritage, fascinating museums and vibrant festivals all year round.
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 maximize your experience, don't forget to follow our practical advice on transportation, accommodation and the best time to visit. What's more, local websites and tourist offices are excellent resources to supplement your information and inspire rewarding 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 Burgundy-Franche-Comté region offers a wealth of sights to discover. Among them, the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, a jewel of Romanesque art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises majestically above the Cure valley, offering a breathtaking view of the Morvan. The Hospices de Beaune, remarkable for its flamboyant Gothic architecture and colorful roofs, houses a precious collection of works of art, including the famous Last Judgment altarpiece. The medieval Chantier de Guédelon is a unique experience, where a 13th-century castle is brought to life before the astonished eyes of visitors, using period techniques and materials. The Cascades du Hérisson enchant with their succession of spectacular waterfalls over almost 3 km, a natural spectacle to be admired along a signposted 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 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 produce and culinary specialties, rich in flavor. Beef bourguignon, chicken with yellow wine and morel mushrooms, Burgundy snails, blue-veined ham and cheeses such as comté, morbier and cancoillotte are among the must-tries. Wine lovers will be enchanted by the Jura vineyards and the great wines of Burgundy. Dijon mustard, Flavigny aniseed, gingerbread and Dijon nonnette complete this palette of authentic flavors.
How do I get around Burgundy Franche Comté?
To explore Burgundy-Franche-Comté, there are several means of transport at your disposal. The Mobigo service brings together public transport options (train, coach, bus, streetcar, carpooling, carsharing, cycling, walking), making it easy to get around. The roads and freeways of the APRR network offer easy access to major cities by car or motorhome. For a different kind of experience, opt for gentle roaming: river tourism, hiking, biking or horseback riding.
What are the best times of year to visit the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region?
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to visit Burgundy-Franche-Comté, thanks to their mild temperatures and colorful landscapes. In spring, enjoy historic sites, vineyards and nature parks in all their splendor. Autumn, meanwhile, is perfect for savoring local produce, hiking and exploring châteaux.
