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Situated on the eastern side of France with Alsace to the north, the Swiss border on its east side and the Rhone Alps to the south, the Franche-Comté and Burgundy regions are rich in history and culture and one characterised by scenic nature, classic architecture, fine wine and excellent cuisine.
The centre for wine making in Burgundy is the medieval town of Beaune with distinctive Flemish polychrome roofs. Each November, the Trois Glorieuses charity wine auction sets prices for the year's vintage.
The town of Chablis in the north west of the region is one of many towns where Burgundy whites are the raison d'être.
The city of Besançon begs a visit with its fine selection of architectural treasures, among which is the Besançon Citadel. This impressive structure was built between 1668 and 1711 and stands over 100 metres above the city, while also covering a total area of 11 hectares. Other sights of interest include the birthplace of Victor Hugo, L'Hôtel de Ville, Church of Saint-Pierre and Château et Le Lion de Belfort.
Avignon is equally historically interesting if not more so than Besançon, with the famous Palais des Papes serving as its most popular draw card. Otherwise known as the Palace of Popes, this fine building hails from the time when Avignon replaced Rome as the seat of the Papacy following a controversial rebellion. Other buildings of interest include the Notre-Dame des Doms Cathedral, Chartreuse du Val-de-Bénédiction and La Fondation Angladon-Dubrujeaud.
Franche-Comté is renowned for its fine skiing opportunities, with the resort at Les Rousses being one of best winter sport centres in the region. Here, ski and snowboard enthusiasts will find around 220kms of ski slopes including a 76km-long run through the forests of Lamoura-Mouthe.
In the summer, the region lends itself well to outdoor pursuits such as hiking and mountain biking as well as more specialist activities such as rock climbing and canoeing. The region’s many lakes are also well suited to kayaking and windsurfing.
Being so close to Switzerland, the region benefits from Swiss influences in its cuisine and hence dishes such as Swiss fondue make it onto the restaurant menus alongside regional specialties such as bresi (dried and smoked meat) and cheeses such as Comté and the deliciously creamy Vacherin.
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