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Franche-Comté is a green tourism destination with a generous natural environment where rivers, forests, lakes and mountains meet. Ideal for relaxing and spending time outdoors, it also invites you to discover a rich heritage and taste its many gourmet specialties.

During your stay in Franche-Comté, several cities are essential stops. In particular, go to Besançon, built around a meander of the Doubs and surrounded by steep hills. Walking through the historic centre, you will appreciate the Gothic Cathedral of St John, the astronomical clock and Victor Hugo's house. But under no circumstances should you miss the Vauban citadel, the illustrious symbol of the city. Then go to Belfort to admire the Saint-Christophe cathedral, the town hall and the citadel at the foot of which watches the superb Lion of Auguste Bartholdi. But also visit Lons-le-Saunier, the city of salt, Vesoul for its old quarter and Luxeuil-les-Bains, the thermal city of pink sandstone.

Then set off on the many tourist routes that criss-cross the Franche-Comté. For a getaway full of flavours, follow the roads of the County and visit the farms, the fruit orchards and the maturing cellars of the famous cheese. Then take the "route de l'absinthe", between Jura and Switzerland, or discover the many character cities of the region : Baume-les-Dames, Arbois, Poligny, Gray... Near Arc-et-Senans, discover the impressive Saline Royale which was built at the end of the 18th century and is part of UNESCO's world heritage. But also make a detour to Lods, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to the fort of Joux overlooking the cluse de Pontarlier and to the 12th century castle of Oricourt.

Discover also the superb natural environment of Franche-Comté. On foot, take the paths of the Vosges du Sud, the route of the Échappée Jurassienne or the sumptuous GR 5, 9 and 59. By bike, flirt with the border on the FrancoVéloSuisse, admire the Doubs valley on the Eurovélo 6 or ride your mountain bike along the Zed Jurassien. Also enjoy the many streams and lakes in the area for swimming or canyoning. In winter, enjoy the many alpine ski resorts and Nordic ski areas like Prémanon. Finally, treat yourself around a good table : Morteau sausages, Montbéliard sausages, fondue, morbiflette, cancoillotte, coq au vin jaune, griottines...

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Massif du Jura