FRANCHE-COMTÉ

Intertourism specialist in organizing trips in Franche-Comté since 1981

Intertourisme is a company specializing in the organization of trips in Franche-Comté. Our passion is to introduce our customers to the wonders of this unique and authentic region.

We are committed to offering unforgettable travel experiences by providing quality services so that each customer can enjoy a unique and personalized experience.

Our team works in close collaboration with local players to design circuits that meet the expectations and needs of our customers, while offering them the opportunity to discover the splendors of Alsace.

Whether you are looking for a family, couple or solo vacation, Intertourisme is the reference for tailor-made trips to Alsace.

Which places to visit in Franche-Comté?

Franche-Comté, located in the east of France, is a region rich in history, preserved nature and cultural heritage. Here are some of the places to visit in Franche-Comté:

1. Besançon:

1. Citadel of Besançon: A fortress listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area.
2. Time Museum: Located in the Palais Granvelle, this museum presents the history of time measurement.

2. Arc-et-Senans:

• Royal saltworks of Arc-et-Senans: A work of the architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, this saltworks is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

3. Dole:

• Canal des Tanneurs: A charming walk along the canals in the old town of Dole.

4. Salins-les-Bains:

• Salins-les-Bains salt pans: Ancient underground salt pans listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

5. Baume-les-Messieurs:

• Cirque de Baume: An impressive natural cirque, surrounded by cliffs, with the village of Baume-les-Messieurs in the background.

6. Pontarlier:

• Absinthe Museum: Discover the history of absinthe, a traditional drink of the region.

7. Ornans:

• Gustave Courbet Museum: The birthplace of painter Gustave Courbet is home to a museum dedicated to his work.

8. La Chaux-de-Fonds (partially in Franche-Comté):

• Villa Jeanneret-Perret: A major architectural achievement by Le Corbusier, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Lons-le-Saunier:

• Museum of Fine Arts: A museum that presents art collections ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

10. Osselle Caves:

• Osselle Caves: A set of caves with impressive geological formations.

11. Saint-Point Lake:

• Lac de Saint-Point: A large lake surrounded by mountains, offering water activities and hiking trails.

12. The Priest’s Rock:

• La Roche du Prêtre: A cliff offering a panoramic view of the Doubs valley.

Franche-Comté offers a variety of natural, cultural and historical sites that will delight lovers of history, nature and heritage. Whether exploring citadels, museums, caves or natural landscapes, the region has much to offer.

What monuments can we discover in Franche-Comté?

Franche-Comté is full of historic monuments, castles, churches and remarkable sites that bear witness to its rich heritage. Here are some of the monuments to discover in this region:

1. Citadel of Besançon:

• An imposing citadel built by Vauban, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It also houses the Museum of Resistance and Deportation.

2. Royal salt works of Arc-et-Senans:

• An architectural ensemble designed by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. These salt pans bear witness to the history of salt production.

3. Notre-Dame de Gray Basilica:

• A magnificent Gothic basilica built in the 13th century in Gray, with remarkable stained glass windows and sculptures.

4. Saint-Pierre Church of Luxeuil-les-Bains:

• A former Benedictine abbey church, representative of Romanesque architecture in Franche-Comté.

5. Château de Montbéliard:

• A medieval castle located in Montbéliard, offering panoramic views of the city.

6. Saint-Jean Cathedral of Besançon:

• A Gothic cathedral with Romanesque elements, located in the heart of Besançon.

7. Château de Joux:

• A medieval and renaissance fortress, located in La Cluse-et-Mijoux, which served as a prison for historical figures.

8. Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune (partially in Franche-Comté):

• A 15th century hôtel-dieu in Beaune, Burgundy, renowned for its polychrome roofs. Part of the historic Franche-Comté region is close to Burgundy.

9. Fort de la Miotte in Belfort:

• A fort built on the Miotte hill in Belfort, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Which villages to visit in Franche-Comté?

Franche-Comté has several picturesque villages, often nestled in the heart of green landscapes. Here are some of the villages to visit in this region:

1. Baume-les-Messieurs:

• A village nestled at the bottom of a natural cirque, surrounded by cliffs. It is renowned for its abbey and its peaceful setting.

2. Pemes:

• A medieval village with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and canals. It is classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”.

3. Lods:

• A charming village located on the banks of the Loue, characterized by its traditional stone houses and picturesque bridges.

4. Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne:

• A small village surrounded by forests, renowned for its caves, waterfalls and natural atmosphere.

5. Arc-et-Senans:

• A village close to the Royal Saltworks, it offers unique architecture due to the design of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux.

6. Ornans:

• The birthplace of Gustave Courbet, Ornans is a village with colorful houses on the banks of the Loue.

7. Mouthier-Haute-Pierre:

• A village perched on a cliff, offering a panoramic view of the Loue valley.

8. Lods:

• Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Lods is crossed by the Loue and is surrounded by green hills.

9. Nozeroy:

• A fortified medieval village, with well-preserved ramparts and narrow streets.

10 activities to discover Franche-Comté as a family

Franche-Comté offers many activities suitable for families, between preserved nature, rich history and cultural heritage. Here are 10 activities to discover this region as a family:

1. Visit to the Citadel of Besançon:
   • Explore the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ramparts, tunnels and zoo.
2. Hike to the Cirque de Baume:
   • Enjoy a family hike in the Cirque de Baume, surrounded by impressive cliffs and natural landscapes.
3. Bike ride along the Doubs:
   • Follow the cycle paths along the Doubs for a bike ride suitable for the whole family.
4. Day at the Polar Park, Chaux-Neuve:
   • Discover northern wildlife at the Chaux-Neuve Polar Park, with reindeer, wolves and other animals.
5. Visit to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans:
   • Explore the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn more about salt production.
6. Cruise on the Rhône-Rhine Canal:
   • Enjoy a family cruise on the Rhône-Rhine Canal to discover the river landscapes.
7. Getaway to Lac de Chalain:
   • Spend a day with the family on the shores of Lake Chalain, with water activities and beaches.
8. Discovery of the Osselle Caves:
   • Explore the Grottes d’Osselle, fascinating caves with unique geological formations.
9. Visit of the Toy Museum, Moirans-en-Montagne:
   • Immerse yourself in the history of toys at the Toy Museum in Moirans-en-Montagne, with interactive exhibitions.
10. Adventure at the Reserve House, Lever:
    • Discover nature in the Maison de la Réserve à Levier, a space dedicated to local fauna and flora.

These activities offer a mix of adventure, nature, history and fun so that the whole family can enjoy Franche-Comté in a fun and educational way.

The 10 “gems” of Franche-Comté

Franche-Comté is full of “gems”, natural, cultural and historical treasures that reflect the richness of this region. Here are 10 gems to discover in Franche-Comté:

1. The Citadel of Besançon:
   • A majestic fortress with a panoramic view of Besançon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans:
   • A unique architectural ensemble created by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Cirque de Baume:
   • A spectacular natural site surrounded by cliffs, offering opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
4. The Loue Valley:
   • A picturesque valley crossed by the Loue River, surrounded by cliffs, forests and charming villages.
5. The Priest’s Rock:
   • A belvedere offering a breathtaking view of the Doubs valley, accessible after a short hike.
6. Lake Saint-Point:
   • A large natural lake surrounded by hills, offering water activities and beaches for family relaxation.
7. The Château de Joux:
   • A historic fortress located on the Swiss border, having played a key role in the military history of the region.
8. The House of the Reserve, Lever:
   • A space dedicated to the discovery of nature, housing a nature reserve rich in biodiversity.
9. Lac des Rousses and Fort des Rousses:
   • A peaceful place with a lake surrounded by forests, and the Fort des Rousses, a historic site.
10. The Little Mountain:
    • A hilly region ideal for hiking, with preserved villages and bucolic landscapes.

Each of these nuggets contributes to the diversity and beauty of Franche-Comté, offering visitors a unique experience combining history, nature and culture.