Haute Saône department

Haute-Saône

Visit Haute-Saônelocated in the Burgundy-Franche-Comtéis a department rich in history, picturesque landscapes and culinary traditions. This authentic territory offers visitors a multitude of discoveries, from must-see tourist sites to tasty gastronomic specialities.

Haute-Saône Tourist Sites

Haute-Saône is packed with tourist attractions that bear witness to its rich cultural and natural heritage. Here is a selection of places not to be missed during your visit.

Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel in Ronchamp

An emblematic work by architect Le Corbusier, the Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel is perched on the Bourlémont hill in Ronchamp. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts many visitors every year to admire its unique architecture and panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Plateau des Mille Étangs

Nicknamed "Little Finland", the Mille Étangs plateau offers an enchanting landscape of forests, meadows and a multitude of ponds. It's the ideal place for hiking, photography and wilderness enthusiasts.

Château de Ray-sur-Saône

Overlooking the Saône valley, the Château de Ray-sur-Saône is an imposing edifice surrounded by an English-style park. It offers visitors an insight into the region's history and a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

Luxeuil-les-Bains

This spa town, renowned since Roman times, boasts Renaissance architecture, thermal baths and picturesque alleyways. Luxeuil-les-Bains is also the starting point for many excursions to the southern Vosges mountains.

Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert

Known as cherry country, Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert is classified as a "Site Remarquable du Goût". Visitors can discover cherry orchards, kirsch distilleries and the cherry museum, bearing witness to local know-how.

Landscapes and towns of Haute-Saône

The diversity of Haute-Saône's landscapes is one of its main assets, offering visitors a variety of natural and urban settings to explore.

Varied landscapes

From the fertile plains crossed by the Saône to the wooded hills of the southern Vosges, via the watery expanses of the Mille Étangs plateau, Haute-Saône offers a mosaic of landscapes ideal for relaxation and adventure. Forests cover a large part of the territory, making this département a veritable haven of greenery.

Vesoul

Prefecture of the Haute-Saône region, Vesoul is a dynamic city combining historical heritage and modernity. The old town center, with its half-timbered houses and private mansions, is an inviting place to stroll. The nearby Lac de Vesoul-Vaivre is a popular spot for water sports and nature walks.

Gray

Located on the banks of the Saône, Gray is a city with a rich historical past. Its cobbled streets, churches and Renaissance town hall make it a must-see for lovers of history and architecture.

Lure

At the foot of the Vosges Saônoises mountains, Lure is a welcoming town offering a pleasant living environment. Its traditional markets, festivals and proximity to nature make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Region and surrounding departments

Haute-Saône is surrounded by other départements with varied cultural and natural treasures, offering numerous opportunities for excursions and discoveries.

Doubs

To the southeast, the Doubs is famous for its Jura landscapes, dense forests and winding rivers. Besançon, the department's prefecture, is famous for its citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Territoire de Belfort

To the east, the Territoire de Belfort boasts a rich historical heritage, including the citadel of Belfort and its monumental lion. The Vosges mountains also offer great hiking opportunities.

Vosges

To the north, the des Vosges is known for its mountain ranges, lakes and spa resorts such as Vittel and Contrexéville. The forests of the Vosges are ideal for outdoor activities.

Haute-Marne

To the west, the Haute-Marne offers rolling landscapes, forests and historic towns like Langres, surrounded by impressive ramparts.

Jura

To the southwest, Jura is famous for its vineyards, cheeses and varied landscapes, from plateaus to lakes and mountains.

Haute-Saône culinary specialities: a gourmet journey to the heart of the land

Visit Haute-Saôneis a land of tradition and gastronomic expertise, offering generous, authentic cuisine. Stemming from a rich terroir, local gastronomy is influenced by the products of the forest, livestock and rivers. Here's an overview of the region's must-taste specialties.

1. Cured meats and meats: A heritage of the land

Jésus de Morteau and Montbéliard sausage

Although these specialties originated in the Doubs region, they are widely eaten in Haute-Saône and form part of the region's culinary heritage. These softwood smoked sausages are perfect with potatoes or lentils.

Country pâté and local terrines

Haute-Saône's artisan butchers are carrying on the tradition of home-made terrinesmade with local meats and aromatic herbs.

Luxeuil ham

An emblematic speciality of the region, the Luxeuil ham is a dry cured sausage seasoned with juniper berries and spices. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or in traditional dishes.

2. Cheese and dairy products in Haute Saône: between sweetness and character

Cancoillotte

Visit cancoillotte is undoubtedly Haute-Saône's most emblematic cheese. Made from skimmed milk and melted with butter and garlic, this melted cheese is light and flavorful. Enjoy it hot on potatoes, with meats or simply on bread.

The Munster

Produced in the nearby Vosges Munster is a soft, washed-rind cheese. It is appreciated for its powerful flavor and melting texture.

Comté and Morbier cheeses

Although more widespread in the Jura, these cheeses are widely consumed in Haute-Saône, particularly in traditional recipes such as the Franc-Comtoise fondue.

3. Traditional dishes: Tasty comfort food

La potée comtoise

Typical dish for harsh winters potée comtoise is a stew made of Morteau sausage, bacon, potatoes, carrots and cabbage. Long simmered, this specialty is served piping hot and soothing after a day in the great outdoors.

Franc-Comtois röstis

Inspired by Swiss röstis, these grated potato pancakesoften with bacon and cheese, are crispy on the outside and melt-in-the-mouth on the inside.

Coq au vin jaune with morel mushrooms

This tasty dish, often associated with the Jura, is also very popular in Haute-Saône. The rooster simmers in yellow wine for a long timea local wine with a unique aroma, accompanied by morelstypical mushrooms of the Franche-Comté forests.

Crozet gratin

Originally from the Savoie region but adopted by the Francs-Comtois, this dish based on buckwheat pasta au gratin with cheese is a delight, especially in winter.

4. Desserts and sweets in Haute Saône: authentic flavours

La galette de Goumois

This rustic pastry is made with a pastry base of flour, butter and sugar. Enjoy it with a hot drink for a gourmet break.

The griottines of Fougerolles

Haute-Saône is the birthplace of the griottinesthese cherries macerated in a mixture of alcohol and kirschThese are highly prized as desserts or digestives. This know-how is typical of Fougerollesknown as the capital of kirsch.

Cherry fritters

Inspired by Alsatian tradition, these crispy doughnuts with cherry filling are a local specialty to be enjoyed in summer.

The Montbozon cookie

Made for centuries, this light, crunchy cookie is a typical Haute-Saône delicacy. An ideal accompaniment to coffee or hot chocolate.

5. Drinks and spirits: a long-standing tradition

Fougerolles kirsch

Fougerolles is famous for its kirsch AOCA brandy obtained by distilling cherries. This spirit is used in cooking, desserts and as a digestive.

Yellow wine

Although originally from neighboring Jura, the yellow wine is often drunk in Haute-Saône. This powerful wine goes perfectly with dishes in sauce and mature cheeses.

Craft beers

Haute-Saône has several craft breweries producing local beers with a variety of flavors, often inspired by the Franc-Comtois region.

Conclusion

Visit Haute-Saône gastronomy reflects its generous terroir and age-old traditions. Between tasty charcuterie, melting cheeses, simmered dishes and fruity sweetsWhether you're just passing through or living in the area, this département is a must for food lovers. Whether you're just passing through or living in the region, sampling the local specialties is a gourmet experience not to be missed!

Haute Saône FAQ : All you need to know about the département

1. Where is Haute-Saône located?

Visit Haute-Saône is a department of the Burgundy-Franche-Comtélocated in eastern France. It is surrounded by the departments of Doubs, Territoire de Belfort, Vosges, Haute-Marne and Jura regions.

2. What are the must-see tourist attractions in Haute-Saône?

Among the most emblematic places to visit in Haute-Saônewe find :

  • Visit Notre-Dame-du-Haut chapel by Le Corbusier in Ronchamp, a UNESCO world heritage site
  • Visit Plateau des Mille Étangsnicknamed "Little Finland".
  • Visit Château de Ray-sur-Saône and its exceptional panorama
  • The spa town of Luxeuil-les-Bains and its historical vestiges
  • Fougerollesfamous for its kirsch production and cherry orchards

3. What are the main towns in Haute-Saône?

Visit Haute-Saône prefecture is VesoulA dynamic town known for its historic heritage and lake. Other major towns include :

  • Graya charming town on the banks of the Saône river
  • Luxeuil-les-Bainsfamous for its thermal baths and Renaissance architecture
  • Lurea shopping town at the foot of the Vosges saônoises mountains

4. When is the best time to visit Haute-Saône?

Haute-Saône is a pleasant place to visit all year round:

  • Spring and summer Ideal for exploring forests, rivers and the Plateau des Mille Étangs.
  • Autumn The perfect place to enjoy golden-colored landscapes and taste local specialties.
  • Winter Warm atmosphere with Christmas markets and heart-warming culinary specialities.

5. What are the gastronomic specialities of Haute-Saône?

Visit Haute-Saône cuisine is authentic and gourmet. Local specialities include :

  • Cancoillottean emblematic processed cheese
  • Luxeuil hamsalted and refined with spices
  • The griottines of Fougerollescherries macerated in alcohol
  • Fougerolles kirscha brandy made from local cherries
  • La potée comtoisea dish based on smoked meat and vegetables

6. What activities are available in Haute-Saône?

  • Hiking and nature walks in forests and ponds
  • Discover our historical heritagewith castles, abbeys and museums
  • Thermalism and well-being in Luxeuil-les-Bains
  • Tasting of local specialities at local markets and farms
  • Nautical activities on the Saône and Lac de Vesoul

7. Which departments border Haute-Saône?

Haute-Saône borders several departments:

  • Doubs (25) : Known for Besançon and its mountainous landscapes
  • Territoire de Belfort (90) With the city of Belfort and its famous lion
  • Vosges (88) Mountain scenery and spa resorts
  • Haute-Marne (52) : Renowned for its unspoilt nature and historic sites
  • Jura (39) Famous for its cheeses, vineyards and waterfalls

8. How to get to Haute-Saône

  • By car The department is criss-crossed by national and departmental roads linking Vesoul, Besançon and Dijon.
  • By train Stations at Vesoul, Lure and Luxeuil-les-Bains provide connections to major cities.
  • By plane The nearest airport is Basel-Mulhouse (about 1h30 drive).

9. What events and festivals are on in Haute-Saône?

Haute-Saône hosts several major events:

  • Les Pluralies de Luxeuil-les-Bainssummer cultural festival
  • The Cherry Doughnut Fair in Fougerollesfeaturing local specialities
  • Christmas markets in Vesoul and other towns in the département

10. Where to stay in Haute-Saône

The department offers a variety of accommodation options:

  • Gites and guest rooms in typical local homes
  • Hotels in Vesoul, Luxeuil-les-Bains and Gray
  • Unusual campsites and accommodations in the heart of nature, perfect for hiking enthusiasts
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