Franche-Comté

A region of virgin pine forests, fir clad mountain ridges and water, making up every type of waterworld imaginable: from lakes and streams to grottoes and dramatic waterfalls.

Franche Comté is strong on outdoor activities, and although big cities are in short supply - fresh air is most certainly not. It will appeal particularly to anyone who wants to avoid crowds and enjoy alpine countryside with a French twist.

But don’t get the wrong idea, the region does have plenty of villages and towns with definite character. Gray has fine renaissance architecture while Le Corbusier’s chapel Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp is definitely 20th century.

The strategically important Belfort has stunning views over its surroundings and the regional capital of Besançon with its citadel was France’s capital of watch and clock making for centuries.

Wine lovers have the delights of the Jura's vin jaune to discover which is bottled after six years in barrels – some prefer it to sherry.

History lovers on the other hand should head for Dole - the medieval capital of the region.