Guide to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Indulge in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region consists of both former regions merged into a large region on the east side of the country, not too far from the French capital, Paris, and the mountains. The region is composed of the departments of Cote d'Or, Doubs, Jura, Nièvre, Saône et Loire, Haute Saône, Territoire de Belfort and Yonne.

Rich Historical Landscape

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté unfolds like a tapestry woven from history, nature and human endeavour. This vast territory, resulting from the fusion of Burgundy and Franche-Comté in 2016, stretches across fertile plains, rolling hills and mountains, offering a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the heart of French culture.

Vineyard Heritage of Burgundy

When you step into Burgundy, you enter a realm steeped in tradition. The vineyards cover the landscape, whispering tales of ancient viticulture and world-renowned wines. Here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes reach their ultimate expression, yielding classic AOC appellations like Chablis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Meursault. Wander through charming villages such as Beaune, with its medieval heart and famous Hospices de Beaune, or explore the opulent Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon, a testament to the region's illustrious past.

Historic Abbeys and Pilgrimage Sites

Beyond the vine-kissed hills, history unfolds in majestic abbeys like Fontenay and Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilic in Vézelay, each whispering stories of faith and pilgrimage. You can delve deeper into the region's soul at the Château de Sully, a formidable fortress that once housed Anne Boleyn, or retrace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, her childhood village.

Natural Wonders of Franche-Comté

As you cross the threshold into Franche-Comté, you'll find yourself in a different world, where lush valleys, dense forests, and the Jura Mountains create a postcard setting perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike through the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura, kayak on the Lac de Saint-Point, or ski down the slopes of the Métabief resort.

Industrial Heritage and Modernity

But Franche-Comté is not just a pretty face. Its industrial heritage is also a big part of its identity. Cities like Belfort, home to the iconic Peugeot car factory, and Besançon, where timepieces crafted with meticulous precision have echoed for centuries, pulsate with the energy of modern industry. You can explore the fascinating Musées des Beaux-Arts in Besançon or learn about the history of watchmaking at the Musée du Temps et de l'Horlogerie.

Burgundy Delights

Enjoy escargots à la Bourguignonne, plump snails cooked in garlic butter, the region's cheeses, like Époisses and Comté, offer bold flavours that pair perfectly with local wines, usually red. Explore the culinary delights of Franche-Comté, and you'll discover many classic dishes. Treat your taste buds to Saucisse de Morteau, a smoked sausage with a distinctive smoky-garlicky kick. Try the speciality Poulet au Vin Jaune, a chicken dish made with the region's renowned vin jaune, a complex white wine aged for years. Be sure to taste the iconic Comté cheese, produced using traditional methods for centuries.

Beyond Popular Routes

Although the attractions above are fascinating, the region invites you to venture beyond popular routes. You can explore the medieval town of Salins-les-Bains, famous for its salt production and thermal baths. Alternatively, you can meander through the picturesque villages along the Route des Vins du Jura, each showcasing unique architectural styles and local charm.

Seasonal Allure

The beauty of Bourgogne Franche-Comté lies in its year-round allure. Spring paints the vineyards in vibrant greens, summer invites outdoor adventures, autumn ignites the landscape with fiery colours, and winter transforms the region into a snow-laden wonderland. Each season offers its unique charm, ensuring your visit will be kept in your memory long after you have left.

Facts and Figures

Tourism Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approximately 5 million.
• The highest Peak: Crêt de la Neige (1,720 meters) in the Jura Mountains
• Average Sunshine Hours per Year: Around 1,900 hours
• Châteaux: Approximately 600–700 châteaux, notably the Château de Châteauneuf (Côte-d'Or), Château de Cormatin (Saône-et-Loire), and Château de Joux (Doubs).
• Most Famous Landmark: Hospices de Beaune
• Golf Courses in the Region: 35 golf courses

Getting to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The main cities are Dijon, Besançon, Belfort, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Nevers. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports

• Dijon Bourgogne Airport
• Dole-Jura Airport

Main Train Stations

• Dijon-Ville Station
• Besançon-Viotte Station
• Belfort-Montbéliard TGV Station
• Chalon-sur-Saône Station
• Nevers Station

Regional Tourist Hotspots

• Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilic in Vézelay
• Hospices de Beaune
• Dijon
• Besançon
• Chalon-sur-Saône
• Vézelay
• Cluny
• The Jura Mountains
• The Morvan Regional Natural Park

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional du Morvan
• Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura
• Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges (shared with other regions)

UNESCO Sites in the Region

• The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy
• The Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans
• Abbey of Fontenay
• Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (shared with other regions)

Economic Information

• Economic Strength: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is known for its strong agricultural and industrial sectors, particularly in wine production, manufacturing, and tourism.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx. €75 billion (2022), around 3% of France's total GDP.
• Economy: Services, approx. 65% (tourism, healthcare and education, and transport and logistics), industry 28% (manufacturing, wine production, aerospace and defense) and agriculture 7% (cattle farming, dairy production, cereal crops and forestry.
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Burgundy (Dijon), University of Franche-Comté (Besançon), University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, and AgroSup Dijon.
• Regional Specialities: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is famous for its wines, particularly Burgundy wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is also known for its cheeses, such as Époisses, Delice de Bourgogne and Comté, as well as its charcuterie, including jambon persillé and saucisson. Mustard from Dijon and the famous Kir (blackcurrant liqueur) are other notable specialities.

Welcome in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

So, whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a wine lover, a gastronome or simply seeking a captivating escape, Bourgogne Franche-Comté awaits with open arms. Come, unravel its tapestry of experiences, and discover the magic that lies within.

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