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TOURING TOURISM MAGAZINE
& HERITAGE
BURGUNDY-FRANCHE-COMTÉ
DISCOVER I ADMIRE I FEEL
FAMOUS TRIPS OUT CITY WALKS
SIGNATURES INTO NATURE
CONTENTS
❙ 04
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
takes you on journeys
❙ 06
UNESCO, 8 properties listed
as World Heritage
❙ 11
Destination Dijon
18
"I feel at home in Belfort"
❙ 12
For city walks, follow the guide!
❙ 14 ❙ 44 ❙ 58
In the footsteps of Vauban 10 wonderful ideas for trips It’s child’s play
out into nature
❙ 15 in Burgundy-Franche-Comté ❙ 60
Rebellious and daring Besançon What if we went to the château…
❙ 47 on foot, on horseback, by bike or
Rebels & Resistance by boat?
❙ 16
Town bikes / Country bikes
❙ 48 ❙ 62
❙ 18 It’s made just for you! (Doing) Burgundy-Franche-Comté
«I feel at home in Belfort»
❙ 52 ❙ 63
❙ 20 Everybody outside! Travelling to Burgundy-Franche-
Famous Signatures Comté
❙ 30
The Haute-Saône, 3 destinations
❙ 33
The joy of boating
❙ 34
Heritage at the water’s edge
❙ 38
In the saddle with the wind
in your hair
❙ 40
A quest for spirituality
❙ 54
❙ 42 A workout for your muscles and
Cultivating wellbeing your mind
❙ 43 ❙ 56
Head out into nature One big open-air history book
I 2
16
For a weekend, a week or longer (it’s your choice), prepare your escapade
in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, a land on a human scale that really gets your
mind and body moving. In these pages, find inspiration for your break. And
Town if you are still torn between nature and culture, not to worry: everything
comes together here. More than perfect ;-)
bikes / A bit of advice if you want to get the measure of the destination: open
your eyes and put your senses on high alert. Sporty or contemplative,
Country here adventure is everywhere; at a monument, on a street, in a forest or
along a path.
bikes
All that remains is for you to pack your suitcase.
Some things you may need to pack in order to make the most of Burgundy-
Franche-Comté:
- Comfortable shoes, because whether in the city or out in nature, you
often see the best things whilst on foot.
- A camera or smartphone to take pictures and share them. But remember
that the most important thing is to enjoy the moment without the filter of
a screen. So make sure to feast your eyes.
- A travelling companion; this could be a lover, a few kids, your parents,
a brother or sister, one or more friends that are particularly dear to you.
The most important thing about any journey is sharing it with someone
you love.
- A notebook and pencils to jot down, sketch, collect and remember in a
different way.
- Sunglasses and clothing that is appropriate to the season and to
your needs. Whether skiing, snow-shoeing, walking, biking, sailing,
touring, attending concerts, visiting markets or museums, lounging
around, partying, shopping, discovering, trekking, jogging, recharging
the batteries, finding yourself, exploring, horse riding, tasting, travelling
through time, enjoying the very latest trends…
30
In summary, pack a suitcase that reflects you and us. But don’t panic:
anything you may have forgotten, we are sure to have it here.
The Haute-Saône, So, ready to go?
3 destinations
MORE INFORMATION:
heritage.bourgognefranchecomte.com
en.bourgognefranchecomte.com/touring-holidays/
Magazine published by Burgundy-Franche-Comté Tourism • en.bourgognefranchecomte.com • With the financial support of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Regional Council • Publishing Editor: Loïc
Niepceron • Concept and design: Burgundy-Franche-Comté Tourism • Editor: Anne Chauveau - Carine Dufay • Printed by: Imprimerie Vincent (37) • ISSN : 2606-040 X • Photo credits: Alain Doire / Bourgogne-
Franche-Comté Tourisme - Montagnes du Jura - Montagnes du Jura / Benjamin Becker - Maxime Coquard et Elisa Detrey (Bestjobers) - Office de tourisme d’Ornans / Vincent Becque - Cristallerie La Rochère
- Michel Joly - Laurent Cheviet - Régis Antoine - Château d’Ancy-le-Franc - Les Canalous - MTCC / Yves Goux - Sandrine Baverel - Maison du Tourisme de Belfort / Philippe Mercier - Jean Becker - Maison du
Tourisme de Belfort / Philippe Martin - Les Eurockéennes de Belfort - Entrevues - Denis Bringard - Infra / Massif des Vosges - Office de tourisme Luxeuil-les-Bains - Guillaume Perret - Nath Michel / Communauté
de communes de la Station des Rousses - Vilac - Musée des Maisons Comtoises de Nancray - Fromageries Marcel Petite - Jura Tourisme / Audrey Dénégnan - Musée de la Lunette / Benjamin Becker - MTCC /
Ecomusée du Pays de la Cérise - Abbaye de Fontenay - Musée de l'Abbaye / Jean-Marc Baudet - ThermaSalina - David Lefrenc - Jean-Pierre Corneveau - Creusot Montceau Tourisme - Olivier Tisserand - Auréline
Ibanez - Guillaume Robert-Famy - Guédelon - DR.• Illustration on page 33 and 44 : Mélanie Masson • All information contained in this magazine were verified as of 15/12/2019, Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Tourism cannot be held responsible for any changes or modifications made to this information since that date..
I 3
GO WITH YOUR INSTINCT
THE JURA MOUNTAINS, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
THE VOSGES MASSIF
A THOUSAND AND ONE DISCOVERIES
I 4
BURGUNDY-
FRANCHE-COMTÉ
TAKES YOU ON
JOURNEYS
Enjoying wonderful encounters, being
astonished, discovering and creating
memories; that’s what so special about
journeys. No need to travel to the ends of
the Earth! Here’s the proof.
Along a raging river, on the shaded
esplanade of a Roman basilica or on
the quaysides of a lively town; atop a
mountainous summit, along a winding
woodland trail, in a wine producer’s cellar
or on a steep narrow street that climbs
to an impregnable citadel; seated at the
bar in a village bistro or at table in a chic
restaurant: Burgundy- Franche-Comté
provides countless places and moments of
pure emotion.
EVERYONE HAS A GOOD REASON TO VISIT BURGUNDY.
The emotion of the mountains, for instance,
BURGUNDY INVENTS A NEW TYPE OF WEEKENDS.
on the Vosges Massif or Jura Mountains,
two exceptional destinations for lovers of
nature, authenticity, fresh air, green spaces
and even a winter snowfall.
At their feet stretch lands of great diversity
that also combine all the elements that
make life so sweet. In Burgundy-Franche-
Comté, take time to enjoy the spirit of
the countryside to the full. Created in the
image of Burgundy is a concentration of
cultural, historic and natural heritage sites
that illuminate France. So much so that
a brand was established to define these
simple, generous and authentic pleasures:
Designed by Bourgogne.
Heritage jewels, wonderful encounters and
the good life are waiting to be enjoyed.
Your journeys start here.
www.burgundy-tourism.com
www.massif-des-vosges.com
www.montagnes-du-jura.fr/en/
I 5
UNESCO DISTINGUISHING THE ESSENTIEL
THE BASILICA AND HILL
OF VÉZELAY
UNESCO -
Established in the IX Century, the
Benedictine monastery acquired the relics
of Saint Mary Magdalen and became
a hotspot for pilgrims. Saint Bernard
preached the second crusade here in
1146, whilst Richard the Lionheart and
AS WORLD Philip II met here on the way to the third
crusade in 1190. Emerging from the verdant
HERITAGE
surrounding countryside, the basilica of
Sainte-Madeleine, a monastic church of
the XII Century, is a true masterpiece of
Burgundian Romanesque art. A building
of skilfully crafted blonde stone, it proudly
displays its glorious past.
Listed since 1979.
Heirs to a prestigious past and to the prodigious links between mankind and the
land, the 8 properties across Burgundy-Franche-Comté * that appear on UNESCO’s
World Heritage list constitute an exceptional cultural and natural heritage, one
that is irreplaceable and of universal value. Due to their historical significance
and inspirational qualities, these are truly extraordinary sites. Religious, industrial,
archaeological, wine producing, architectural; there are so many sites to see,
experience, discover, understand and admire so that we may better preserve them
and safeguard them for future generations.
* In 2019, France boasted 44 properties on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including 8 in Burgundy-Franche-
Comté.
I 6
THE GREAT SALTWORKS OF SALINS-LES-BAINS
AT THE ROYAL SALTWORKS OF ARC-ET-SENANS
THE GREAT SALTWORKS
OF SALINS-LES-BAINS
-
From below ground in the Jura there
emerged and flowed sources of salt water,
a precious treasure as, at that time, salt
(White Gold) was the only means of
preserving food. This fabulous resource was
born 1200 years ago at the Great Saltworks
of Salins-les-Bains. The extraction wells, the
underground gallery, the imposing machinery
for pumping brine that is still operational and
the last salt pans in France provide evidence
of intense industry from the Middle Ages
onwards. From 1775, a saumoduc canal
stretching for around twenty kilometres
pumped brine to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-
et-Senans built by Ledoux. The history of the
two sites was thus united.
Listed since 2009.
THE ROYAL SALTWORKS
OF ARC-ET-SENANS
-
Set on the banks of the River Loue and
flanked by the immense forest of Chaux,
this plant was devoted to boiling brine, salt
water that arrived on site via a Saumoduc
canal from the extraction site at Salins
around twenty kilometres away. The
building, spectacular and remarkable, is
evidence of industrial architecture during
the Age of Enlightenment. In 1774, Louis
XV commissioned Claude Nicolas Ledoux
to build a factory here on the principle of
a factory-palace: a semi-circular temple of
industry around which 11 other buildings
would be arranged: sites of work and of life
for the director, the workers and their entire
families. Listed since 1982.
I 7
UNESCO DISTINGUISHING THE ESSENTIEL
THE CITADEL AND
FORTIFICATIONS OF BESANÇON
-
Among the 12 exemplary fortified sites
erected by Sébastien Le Prestre de
Vauban (1633-1707) all along the French
border, there stands the citadel and the
fortifications of Besançon. The military
architect of Louis XIV built a defensive
system here that played a major role in
the military strategy of the square and
marked the identity of the entire town.
Perched 100m up overlooking the town
and stretching for nearly 12 hectares,
the Citadel currently houses 3 Musées de
France museums, including a zoological
park. Listed since 2008 in the context of
the major sites of Vauban.
THE PRIORY CHURCH OF
NOTRE-DAME IN
LA CHARITÉ-SUR-LOIRE
-
Founded in 1059, this priory was
modified in the XII Century and was
a dependency of the powerful Cluny
Abbey. The development of the order
and of the priory itself is evidenced
by the grandeur and richness of its
decor.
Listed since 1998 in the context of
the Ways of St James.
I 8
THE CISTERCIAN ABBEY
OF FONTENAY
-
Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard, Fontenay
Abbey displays sober and stripped back
architecture across an incredibly fine
ensemble of buildings including, among
others, a church, a cloister, a dormitory,
a capitular hall, a scriptorium, a boiler
room and a forge. This reflects an ideal
of self-sufficiency practiced by the first
communities of Cistercian monks. The
centuries may have passed but the site,
in the heart of nature and remarkably well-
preserved, still exudes an atmosphere of
serenity and plenitude. The gardens (listed
as Remarkable Gardens) add to the beauty
and magic of this timeless site.
Listed since 1981.
THE CLIMATS OF BURGUNDY
-
A veritable natural mosaic, the Climats
are vineyard plots that have been
precisely drawn out on the hillsides
of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Beaune.
They boast very specific natural
conditions (geology, exposure) and
were carved out by the people of the
Middle Ages in order to cultivate vines.
Every individual plot produces a wine
that presents highly identifiable and
particular organoleptic characteristics.
The cultural landscape determined by
the Climats of Burgundy is made up of
vineyard plots, wine-growing villages
and the town of Beaune on the side, and
the historic centre of Dijon on the other.
Listed since 2015.
I 9
UNESCO DISTINGUISHING THE ESSENTIEL
LE CORBUSIER :
THE CHAPEL OF
NOTRE-DAME-DU-HAUT
-
This is a strange white edifice crafted
from a single sheet of rough concrete
whose silhouette emerges out of the
Vosges du Sud, a majestic masterpiece
by Le Corbusier. The Chapel of Ronchamp
features a monument of religious
architecture that is among the most
illustrious in the world. The gatehouse and
the convent of the Poor Claires designed
by Renzo Piano further enhance its
architectural significance.
Listed since 2016.
THE PREHISTORIC PILE
DWELLINGS OF CHALAIN
AND CLAIRVAUX
-
These houses built on stilts
between 5000 and 500 B.C. around
the Jura lakes of Chalain and
Clairvaux are listed as part of the
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around
the Alps alongside 109 other sites
across Europe.
I 10DIJON SAVOUR YOUR CITY-BREAK
DESTINATION DIJON
The epicentre of Dijon, City of the Dukes of Burgundy, has become the capital
of the new region of Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It is therefore a capital
city, and not simply in the administrative sense, for Dijon is also capital of
gastronomy and good living.
Lift your gaze and look around: along every
street, in every square, behind every ornate
gateway, the city still bears the living traces of
its rich and fascinating past. Ducal palace, half-
timbered houses, mansion houses, delicate THE MUSEUM
façades, secret gardens, gargoyles and bell OF FINE-ARTS
towers, Dijon elegantly combines architectural
More than 50 rooms dedicated to the
wonders and discrete charms. This exceptional
permanent collection and to temporary
heritage forms the harmonious ensemble of a exhibitions, 1500 works from Antiquity to
city where life is both gentle and intense, a city the XXI Century...The modern-day version
that is perfectly in step with its time. of the Museum of Fine-Arts of Dijon, was
Here we stand on the threshold of one of the finally revealed: this exceptional project
was fully unveiled in May 2019 following
most prestigious wine regions in the world
ten years of major works. Fortunately,
and of the Climats of Burgundy that have
during its transformation, the museum
recently been granted World Heritage status by remained open to the public who were still
UNESCO. This wine producing and gastronomic able to come and admire the tombs of the
identity defines the entire city. Unpretentiously Dukes of Burgundy, the undisputed stars of
and joyfully, the streets and alleyways are lined with cute bistros, traditional brasseries, this collection. Housed within the Palace
original eateries and Michelin star restaurants. From the stalls of the covered market to the of the Dukes and the State of Burgundy,
counters of the wine bars, here we share the exquisite art of good living with one and all. The along with the Louvre it remains the only
full character of the prestigious neighbouring vineyards is expressed in every glass of wine. major art museum in France to be housed
At table, traditional eggs en meurette, parsley ham, escargots, Burgundy truffles, cheeses within a city palace, here in the heart
from Cîteaux, Epoisses or Soumaintrain and other delicacies of Burgundy featuring grain of a town centre that is well-preserved,
mustard or Marc de Bourgogne grapes sit confidently alongside ultra-contemporary cuisine. pedestrianised and constitutes one of the
This cuisine is often born from faraway inspirations that daring chefs combine with their own largest preservation areas in France.
Burgundian roots with perfect mastery. This gourmet and authentic ambiance stretches out
onto the terrace cafés of the well-preserved city centre and is subtly transmitted to passers-
by. Here we are overtaken by an irresistible urge to wander, so that we may drink in the decor
and the ambiance. Concerts, exhibitions, festivals, whether intimate or on a grand scale;
more than ever, Dijon is alive.
I 11WALK ALONG THE RIGHT PATH
For city walks,
follow the guide!
BESANÇON AND ITS CITADEL
Walking with senses
awakened, capturing
fragments of history as you
turn a corner, discovering Follow the cat!
a hidden garden: at their The one that Marcel Aymé features in his stories. He leads us through the streets and alleys
that surround the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Dole, via a circuit of 35 stages: the
heart or a stone’s throw from Chat Perché Trail. Just like him, we rediscover our wild instincts and head into the immense
the towns lies a different forest of Chaux on the doorstep of the town. Much to the annoyance of our feline friend
way to enjoy walking and who dislikes water, Dole is the meeting point of the Doubs and Loue rivers. The Île du Girard
discovering the intimate celebrates this union with a National Nature Reserve covering 135 ha. The site is home to
120 different types of bird and 400 plant species.
heritage of Burgundy-
Franche-Comté. On foot, you
can set the pace and define A green loop and beyond
your own points of view. Nestling in a meander of the River Doubs, Besançon boasts every shade of green. Gardens
that are secret or well-known, parks, promenades, tree-lined quaysides, walking trails (more
Wear comfortable shoes than 200km!), nature sites: the leading green city in France is also the French Capital of
and choose your décor and Biodiversity. Along 3 sign-posted trails you are guided along as you explore the city and
history as you follow quills, experience the streets of the Comtois capital from a different angle. A short hop from the
winged and four-legged centre you can explore the Saône Marsh, the amazing karst features of the Osselle Grotto
and Gouffre de Poudrey or even the open-air museum of Nancray, its biotopes and themed
signposts that often guide
gardens.
these urban walks.
Along the waterways and across the vineyards
The guiding thread that leads you on some wonderful walks, the River Saône stretches into
the very heart of Chalon-sur-Saône. The Town of Art and History can be explored via the
Orbandale Trail: towers, turrets, half-timbered houses, fortifications and the magnificent
Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The town and its suburbs fade away and the voyage continues
I 12along the waterway. Very well connected to the River Saône, 1200km of Burgundian
canals stretch out to the delight of pleasure boaters. Back on dry land, on foot or by
bike, you can wander along the towpaths. From there, the surrounding hills are carved
DOLE
out into lines of vineyards to provide other gourmet and wine discoveries. Top tip:
stumble upon a wine-producing village by looking out for the very handy Vignobles et
Découvertes label.
From the cat to Marcel
The notion of overlooking beauty is perfect for Joigny, the place where Marcel Aymé
was actually born. Between the banks of the Yonne and the extremely verdant Othe All roads lead to…
Plateau, the hillside vineyards of Joigny are sheltered from the north wind and nurtured
by a microclimate. In total, 55 ha of vineyards stretch across the chalky soil of the Nevers!
commune of Joigny, including 13 ha of the famous Côte-Saint-Jacques. Just a few
Sitting happily alongside the Loire,
steps take us from vineyard to forest and a complete change of scenery and ambiance.
Nevers, a Town of Art and History,
The limestone soil here is perfect for deciduous trees, forming a dense and rich forest
offers a multitude of options for
watered by the springs. Joigny stretches out along the River Yonne. Labelled «Town heritage enthusiasts on tour. A land
and Land of Art and History» and «Most Beautiful Detours of France», the town boasts of walkers on the Way of St James,
19 listed monuments. It is a rich natural and architectural heritage to explore via the a key stop along the Loire by Bike
« Petit Tour en Val d’Aubry », an 8km signposted trail. trail – the most westerly section
of Eurovelo6® – and the birthplace
of one of France’s most beautiful
An owl reveals Dijon! navigable waterways, Nevers is well
This trail starts at Dijon, capital of the (grand) Dukes and of the owl, in this case, a worth dropping in on.
very worn little owl that is sculpted on the west chapel of the church of Notre-Dame. Strolling around the streets and
It is said that visitors should touch it with their left hand and make a wish. As well as alleys, this discrete town reveals
bringing luck, this bird guides us on a 22 stage trail that travetravelling back through its hallmark: everywhere you go
time along the streets of the lavish city of the Dukes of Burgundy: Porte Guillaume, the refined art of pottery shows
the Palace of State and of the Dukes of Burgundy, Notre-Dame, the Hôtel de Vogüe, its true colours. Artisan boutiques
Saint-Bénigne and Saint-Philibert…It can be combined with other circuits, such as the in the old pottery quarter and the
museum ensure that art buffs will
Rousseau, Zola and Moïse loops. Deviating from the city centre, we will still need our
undoubtedly be bowled over by the
walking shoes: the wider Dijon area boasts 320km of signposted trails that are listed in
pretty traditional items and modern
a guide that details 34 peri-urban circuits. Another way to see the city! creations. Following the blue line
on the pavement you will discover
the superb Ducal Palace, a former
Giant ants with German accents residence of the Counts and Dukes
A different point of view is also what the Prés-la-Rose gardens in Montbéliard offers. of Nevers that is now home to the
In this 10 ha park between the canal and the river, giant insects are waiting to jump out archaeological museum. Our advice:
along the paths. It’s enough to pique your curiosity and encourage you to explore the take in the picturesque Montée des
park and the former town of the Dukes of Wurtemberg. This astonishing past has given Princes or Promenade des Remparts
trails to enjoy exceptional views of
Montbéliard its accent from across the Rhine, of which traces and wonderful stories
the town and its monuments.
remain. The trail following historic information signs in the Principality takes you on
a journey through time via 300 signs and 50 signposted circuits. Closer to home, The
Memory and Peace Trail calls to mind the great episodes of World War II on the Ecot
Plateau. From the Gland Valley to the cliffs of Lomont, the trail of information signs has
its very own border-crossing character and strong links with Switzerland. Flora, fauna,
temples, fountains and even literature inspire other short walking circuits across the
Pays de Montbéliard.
I 13VAUBAN FORTIFYING OUR TERRITORY
In the fo
footsteps of
T H E G E N I U S VA U B A N
It is in the villag
village of Saint-Léger-Vauban where he was born, in In total, 10 kilometres of walls punctuated by demi-bastions,
th Morvan, that our route begins at the Maison
the heart off the tenailles, sentry boxes, curtain walls, turrets and half-moons...
Vauban. Thiss sspace devoted to Vauban occupies one of the five The architecture of the Citadel and its natural and landscape
themed centres that make up the Morvan Eco-museum network. aspects make it one of Vauban’s masterpieces. Perched on an
Situated in the village square, at the foot of the statue of the anticline that overlooks the town from a height of more than
military engineer himself, the site invites us to explore one hundred metres, the fortress stretches across
the different facets of Vauban: three rooms present eleven hectares. Beyond the famous Citadel, the
him as the military engineer, the thinker and military strategist endowed the entire town
the reformer respectively, as well as offering with defensive structures. Considering the
the reflections of Vauban on his Morvan very particular configuration of the town,
homeland and his century. encircled as it is by a loop of the River
Doubs, Vauban constructed a perimeter
A few kilometres from there is Avallon. wall aimed at protecting the right bank
The town called upon the talent of of the river that was reinforced with
Bartholdi (creator of the Lion of six bastioned towers. He also erected
Belfort) to honour Vauban: a 3-metre the majestic Quai Vauban, as well as
memorial sculpted from a single block a second citadel on Battant Hill, Fort
of grey granite from his home village Griffon. In total, and in addition to the
of Saint-Léger and inaugurated with Citadel, 18 key sites currently exist
great fanfare in 1873. Then comes the that punctuate the fortifications and
château de Bazoches, which leads us into reinforce the astonishing architectural
the intimate life of Vauban. Here we are identity of the town.
at home with him. His home and his study.
Beneath the gilding and rich ornamentation, Also characteristic of the whole town are
in the shade of the park or in the lounges, Vauban the citadel and the fortifications of Belfort.
often drew inspiration from this sumptuous building, A strategic spot for the military defence of Eastern
owned by his descendants and now open to the general public. France, it benefited in 1687 from Vauban’s architectural genius.
The hand of Vauban is also evident in the Château de Joux, near
From his study we pass into the titanic realisation of the Pontarlier, and in the defensive walls of Fort Saint-André that is
ancestral fortifications, here at Besançon in the Doubs. perched on the heights of Salins-les-Bains.
Listed as World Heritage by UNESCO since 2008 alongside the
perimeter walls and Fort Griffon in Besançon, the Citadel of
Besançon is one of the most beautiful fortified citadels by Vauban.
I 14CHANGE YOUR POINT OF VIEW
BESANÇON
REBELLIOUS AND DARING
CITÉ DES ARTS
On the left bank of the Doubs the « Cité
A bend in the River Doubs extends a protective arm around the hill des Arts et de la Culture » is home to
FRAC Franche-Comté (the Regional
where the citadel built by Vauban more than 300 years ago perches. Contemporary Art Fund). This space is the
The town sprung up around this natural bend, bringing with it work of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma
countless inner courtyards and a clever maze of staircases. From and presents temporary and permanent
the Battant quarter to the buttresses of the citadel, the charm of exhibitions that are often guided by
themes that are important to the town.
this town with blue and golden façades still exudes. Bronze arrows The permanent collections include
point the way around the streets and mark out three circuits to draw over 500 works (paintings, photography,
inspiration from: Battant, the fortified town or the upper town. But sculpture, installations, graphic arts,
Besançon is also home to clock makers, making it the capital of textiles, audio-visual, etc.) by nearly 300
international artists: Marina Abramovic,
time, boasting exceptional mansion houses, secret courtyards and Robert Breer, Christian Boltanski,
gardens, the apothecary of the 17th century hospital, famous men Balthasard Burkhard, Gérard Gasiorowski,
and women (Hugo, Nodier, Proudhon, the Lumière Brothers, Colette…), Christian Marclay, Gregor Schneider,
the Museum of Fine-Arts and Archaeology and many themed visits Xavier Veilhan, Gérard Collin-Thiébaut…
It is an exhibition space, but also a place
offered by the tourist office. Then, of course, you have the citadel. of learning, with conferences, a library, a
This proud edifice and its fortifications provide the blueprint of the terrace café. A vibrant venue to visit and
town, revealing the envy and power games it has inspired since the experience.
beginning and the reason for its UNESCO World Heritage listing.
At the heart of the citadel, museums and a zoo make this a lively
place where events abound. In summer, the wild history of the site
is recounted by actors. Donning wig, make-up and costume, Vauban
strolls along the rampart walk and the corridors of time, taking us
with him.
THE GRANDES HEURES
NATURE FESTIVAL
Surrounded by woodland and seven
hills, crossed by a river boasting banks
that are home to 1,000km of walking
trails, Besançon seems to have been
created especially for outdoor and nature
activities. It’s quite natural then that the
leading festival exclusively devoted to
outdoor pursuits was born in Besançon.
Code name: « Grandes Heures Nature ».
Rendez-vous from 5th to 7th June 2020.
I 15PEDAL IN PERFECT FREEDOM
Do you prefer pedalling
through green spaces
with the wind in your
hair or with your
handlebars gripped
as you race along the
pretty cobbles? Bikes
are perfect for any
TOWN BIKES
DIJON
setting, and here are
a few ideas for urban
AND all-terrain trails COUNTRY BIKES
through Burgundy-
Franche-Comté.
Start pedalling in Belfort to enjoy an urban ride through the legs of A certain art de vivre is cultivated in smaller towns, such as Vesoul.
the lion. Half-timbered houses, narrow streets and squares of pink With the old town centre and the beautiful lake that stretches out at
sandstone, flower-filled quaysides and green spaces, from the old the threshold of the town, the Vesoul area provides some wonderful
town to the suburbs there are over 100km of cycling itineraries. ideas for days out combining town and countryside right up to the
Cyclists and citizens also enjoy a direct connection with the banks of the nearby River Saône.
major trails, greenways and EuroVelo6®. It’s perfect for riding to
neighbouring Montbéliard. This is an automotive town, but much This is a verdant ambiance shared by the Val de Vingeanne with, at
more besides. Montbéliard and its wider area provide an important its heart, the pretty villages of Fontaine-Française, Mirebeau-sur-
hub for cyclists, with 98km of dedicated paths across the town. Bèze, Arcelot and even Oisilly. The rivers, springs, château, Saint-
From the château of the Dukes of Wurtemberg to the scientific Pierre de Bèze Abbey: a land of beautiful stone and wild waters that
gardens of Prés-la-Rose, lift your gaze from the handlebars and we love riding through, just like Val de Gray that flanks the Saône.
change your point of view. The Temple Saint-Martin, pretty coloured
façades, the Aventure Peugeot Museum and even, just a short ride In Gray, park your bike on the quayside to fully enjoy the
away, the contemporary stained-glass windows of the church of architectural treasures of the town that has taken over the left bank:
Sacré Cœur d’Audincourt designed by Fernand Léger. Renaissance town hall and its roof of glazed tiles, the Saint-Pierre-
Fourier basilica and tower (15th century), the Tour du Parvis, last
A change of ambiance in Besançon, with the quays along the vestige of the fortified château of Gray, the pretty Italian theatre,
Doubs that were fortified by Vauban, the citadel, Granvelle Palace the Carmelite chapel, the château of the Count of Provence that
and square, the streets and alleys that surround La Boucle and the became the Musée Baron Martin. Because on a bike, it’s a pleasure
gentle valleys that enclose the town are a delight for all kinds of to take your time and explore the intimate side of a region.
cyclists. With the tramway, greenways and pedestrian streets, the
town loves cycling for leisure and for sport. Besançon is also a Continuing on this theme, head for Montbard, birthplace of the
stage of the EuroVelo6® trail. naturist Buffon. From the medieval château to the pretty park
that surrounds it, passing the former stables that now house a
From one capital to another, we move to Dijon and its wider area: museum, Montbard celebrates natural history and its fathers. This
« Le Grand Dijon à Vélo » presents its map! It’s another way to is a seductive stop along the TGV route from Paris to Burgundy-
explore the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy and the ambitious Franche-Comté and the departure point for a very beautiful stage
International City of Gastronomy that has made a place for softer of the Canal de Bourgogne by bike. From Montbard to Venarey-les-
modes of transport. The Palais des Ducs, the splendid Museum Laumes in the Auxois, a 13.3km circuit crosses pretty landscapes
of Fine-Arts, the picturesque Rue de la Chouette, the flavoursome and gentle countryside taking you back in time. Pedalling along the
market district: in town, half the fun of cycling is stopping off water’s edge, between the wooded hillsides and the green pastures,
somewhere to have a drink, visit, taste. you reach Mont-Auxois (Alésia) upon which a certain Vercingétorix
stands watch. It was here that the armies of Gaul surrendered their
arms to the Romans.
I 16COUNTRY BIKES
Striking out on a trail into the forests, between the vineyards
or up a mountain, in a leisurely or more sporty vein, all-terrain
or even aboard an electric bike, to ride across the landscape
THE SUMMIT OF MONT-D'OR and along all challenging trails, cycling offers another way
of seeing and experiencing the region. Wind in your hair, at
your own pace and according to your tastes, you can nibble
at or devour kilometres of trails. Because of this Burgundy-
Franche-Comté offers multiple dedicated trails and shared-
use routes, such as in the Tonnerrois. Vineyards, the Canal
de Bourgogne, springs, gardens, forests: from Tonnerre to
Ancy-le-Franc you bike will carry you into the fresh air and to
green spaces where you can really breathe!
Rise above it all and enjoy the Grande Traversée du Morvan
trail: GTM to its friends. From Avallon in the Yonne, to Autun
in Saône-et-Loire, the GTM shows mountain bikers the most
beautiful trails on the massif (314.2km). In total, 330km of
paths with climbs that match those of the famous Grande
Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC), part of nearly 1,400km
of trails that link Avallon and Cap d’Agde Stay at the summit
with the Grande Traversée du Jura trail. From Mandeure in the
Doubs, to Culoz in the Ain, the GTJ boasts 425km of trails that
are especially devoted to mountain bikers along the spine of
the Jura Massif. Here you will cross, most notably, the Jura
Monts Rivières area. With the Champagnole plateau, the
GREENWAY IN THE VINEYARD OF MEURSAULT
forest of Haute-Joux, the landscapes and rivers of Foncine,
the medieval heritage and pastures of Nozeroy, this provides
PLATEAU OF an astonishing concentration of what the massif has to offer.
A THOUSAND PONDS
Changing gear for guaranteed thrills takes us to Métabief.
At the foot of Mont-d’Or, this resort is a mountain biking hot-
spot: downhill, free-ride and endure trails. Spectacular!
Still with sporty cycling, but this time on the roads, we head
to the Ballons des Vosges. Servance and Alsace Ballons,
Belfahy and Planche-des-Belles-Filles: these are names
that are enough to give bike lovers goosebumps. These
mid-mountain hills are stages on the legendary Tour de
France that can be emulated. Staying on the Vosges du Sud
Massif we get our breath back. At an altitude of 600 metres
in the heights of Servance and as if by magic, the horizon
stretches out across the aptly named Plateau of a Thousand
Ponds. The dark waters of some of these countless ponds
provide a mysterious sparkle that punctuates a landscape
of moorland, birch trees, ferns, heather and pink sandstone.
This is a sumptuous, wild and enchanting environment, but
« Ville et Territoire one that is very fragile because of the habitats it contains.
Vélotouristique » label: Whether you travel through it on small country roads or along
Belfort, Vesoul and its wider area. the numerous trails through the undergrowth, it is essential
to respect the sign-posts.
I 17DISCOVER THE INTIMACY OF THE TOWN
Belfort from fort to fort,
and not just for sport ;-)
I enjoy jogging and there’s a route I really love.
It’s a (small) section of the Randonnée des
Forts. With the family, it also makes for a nice
walk and a great history lesson for the kids.
Apart from the scenery, it passes places that
remind us of the major events of “Resistance
in Belfort”. Defending against Prussia, Austria
and even France, Belfort has built numerous
forts and walls. From Belfort to Giromagny
there is Fort Dorsner, Bessoncourt and the Fort
Sénarmont, right up to Andelnans and Fort
Ordener in Vézelois. This itinerary takes you
back in time along 75km of landscape dotted
with the very first defensive forts in the Vosges.
It’s not just for sport ;-)
“I feel at home in Belfort”
Exciting: Escape Rooms, the Caroline is 42 and married with two children;
Victor (9) and Valentine (13). Originally from
key to the Bastion Lorraine, Belfort has been her adopted home
Being locked in a room and escaping to
complete a challenge in less than one hour: a for around ten years. They get along so well,
brilliant concept. Especially when you add the it’s hard to say who has adopted who.
history of the town and the the setting in which
this all unfolds. This is Tour 27. A bastioned With a few addresses, highlights and top tips,
tower on the ramparts of the old town! There Caroline guides us around her town, just as she
are two puzzles that must be solved as a
group. There is Vauban’s Office and Bartholdi’s
would her own friends and family.
Workshop. The first takes you on a journey to
the year of Our Lord 1700 and the second to
1880, when the famous Lion was inaugurated.
The sculptor has lost his speech notes. My
6 childhood friends and I must urgently find
them; within 57 min. Would you be up for the
challenge?
Maurice Jardot’s
surprising gift
At this ancient property belonging to the
family of poet Léon Deubel are 150 paintings,
sculptures and drawings from the 20th century:
Picasso, Braque, Léger, Gris, Laurens, Masson….
An easily accessible treasure trove of culture.
I 18Top table(s)! Greenery, old stone, shopping, lovely events:
Lunch or dinner at a restaurant in the old town, Belfort has everything to delight.
overlooked by the citadel and the Lion. The
Pot au Feu, the Nenni ma Foi, Les Capucins or Let yourself be surprised!
even La Fontaine des Saveurs all serve revisited
recipes from yesteryear based on fresh regional
products in season.
The King of the urban jungle
It is a true classic, but we love “climbing on the
lion”. This walk takes you between the (gigantic)
paws of the famous tawny beast that overlooks
the old town. Victor dreams of being big enough
to go even higher, among the whiskers of
the lion, and finally solve the puzzle: does he
actually have a tongue?
Adventure:
the citadel and freedom Virtual reality
Like a journey through time, this visit takes the Quite simply magical! With
form of a quiz in order to fully reveal the secrets reconstructions, films and 3D animation,
of a place that is always so impressive. Here, it the intrigues of the past and the ravages
feels like you are in the pages of a giant history of time come back to life and project
book: you rub shoulders with Bartholdi, Vauban, themselves onto our reality. The walls of
General Haxo, Denfert-Rochereau. And what an the Citadel come alive. Like this we can
extremely lively history book it is, thanks to the discover the original majesty of the great
son et lumière and 3D animations. Children are underground tunnels of the Citadel and
sure to go wild for this discovery trail exploring the Lion thanks to this superb augmented
quarries and bastions, right down to the Grand reality visitor trail. And the whole thing is
Souterrain caves at the heart of the citadel. available in three languages, by the way!
My diary dates;
believe me,
there is always
something happening
in Belfort!
Entrevues: budding talents The Eurockéennes Festival:
Short films and features by up- unmissable
coming directors compete during the Without doubt one of the greatest rock
international festival for creative young festivals in Europe! Since 1988, it has
cinematographers. End November, early brought together headliners, young
December. talent, pop, rock, rap, hip-hop, blues and
crowds! The Eurock’ were 30 years old in
It’s all white 2018. In a word; unmissable. From 3th to
The town dresses up as a mountain. 6th July at Malsaucy.
Skiing, luge, skating, chalets: it’s all here.
Go Christmas shopping in mittens. Unmissable:
Belfort Flea Market
Le FIMU world music The first Sunday of the month between
The whole world! The International Festival March and December, Belfort old
of University Music has ambiance and town becomes a paradise for antique
a change of scene. May or June, on hunters...and for me! Over 200
Pentecost weekend. professionals and lots of treasures.
I 19CHECK OUT THE REMARKABLE SITES
FAMOUS
SIGNATURES
Châteaux, fortresses, ruins, towns and villages, religious, civic, military and even
industrial heritage are all witness to the history of our lives and of our lands. Places
where these remarkable sites have put down roots to benefit from a waterway, a
promontory, a geographical location or specific natural resources and advantages.
Managed, extended and protected by the men and women of Burgundy-Franche-Comté,
this exceptional heritage has lasted through the ages until now. Each of these sites
boasts a precious heritage, and bears the signature of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
BIBRACTE Our journey begins with a prodigious leap into the past, right
back to the 1st century before Christ, to Mont Beuvray. A territory
located in between the current departments of Nièvre and Saône-
et-Loire, in the heart of the Morvan Forest, where the Gallo-Celtic
Aedui people established their capital: Bibracte. The 200 ha. town
surrounded by ramparts is one of the high spots of ancient history,
as it was here that Vercingétorix was named chief of the coalition of
Gauls. Fortifications, monumental doorways, public buildings, pool,
cellar, place of worship, homes and workshops updated thanks to
excavation works and, in the case of some, partially reconstructed
to take the visitor back to time immemorial and provide evidence of
the fascinating history of the site.
A remarkably well-preserved oppidum where Caesar personally
stayed following his victory at Alesia marks the spot where he
wrote his final Commentaries on the War of Gaul. An emotive and
precious reminder of the very distant past, Bibracte also offers us
its breathtaking natural heritage, that of a town hidden away in the
nook of a forest with an atmosphere all of its own (a ZNIEFF and
Natura 2000 listed site).
Still with our Gaul ancestors, we head to 52 B.C, the moment Julius
Caesar himself won the Battle of Alésia and, with it, the conquest
From Alésia to the Lion of Belfort, of Gaul. This is Côte-d’Or, beside Alise-Sainte-Reine, and we re-join
from Sens to Luxeuil-les-Bains, from Vercingétorix. It was here that the Arverne’s great chief surrendered
at the feet of the all-powerful Roman Emperor. Dominating the
Cluny to Saint-Claude, let’s take a Auxois Land of Art and History is his statue, commissioned by
journey. A journey through time Napoleon III, which overlooks the site. Its plinth reads “A united
and through the lands of Burgundy- Gaul, forming a single nation, animated by the same spirit, can defy
the universe”. The MuséoParc Alésia interpretation centre explores
Franche-Comté.
the point of view of the Gauls and of their great Roman enemies,
with an interactive and dynamic discovery of the famous battle and
its challenges. Also on the site, the ruins of a Gallo-Roman town
have been revealed by years of digs, evidence of an ancient city that
stood here until the V Century.
I 20BIBRACTE
MUSÉOPARC ALÉSIA
I 21CHECK OUT THE REMARKABLE SITES
A few decades after the War of the Gauls, the Aedui
deserted Bibracte in favour of a new capital in Autun.
The Romans founded Augustodunum. The destiny of the
town was changing. Autun still remains a treasure box
for archaeologists. Visitors can see ramparts, towers, the
Couhard Pyramid (a funerary monument built in the 1st
century A.D), the Saint-André and Arroux gates and even
the Temple of Janus, the two-faced god, a place of worship
of Gaulish origin that honours an unknown deity…a great
mystery. As for the town’s Gallo-Roman theatre, it was
dedicated to dramatic performances and could hold up to
20,000 spectators, making it the largest in the whole Western
Roman Empire, maintaining this title well into the Middle
Ages. Evidence of this period is found in the priory church
of Saint-Martin, a pagan temple that became an abbey in the
V Century, in the medieval quarter with its Ursulines Tower,
of course, in the Saint- Lazare Cathedral (XII Century). It is
topped off with a stone arrow erected in the XV Century and
AUTUN
displays beautiful sculptures, including the capitals that bear
the signature of Gislebertus. This is a masterpiece of Cluniac
art. Nearer to our time, the XIX Century heritage provides
other backdrops for our city strolls: the elegant Passage
Balthus, its neo-Renaissance decor and original skylights, the
200km north, Burgundy delicately brushes the Ile de France.
town hall and its reception rooms at ground level that host a
This is Sens. From the Middle Ages, there has been a powerful
market every Wednesday and Friday or even the municipal
archbishopric here whose influence has stretched over the
theatre. In terms of Autunois heritage, we should mention
bishoprics of Chartres, Auxerre, Meaux, Paris, Orléans, Nevers
the Rolin Museum, located in the birth house (XV Century) of
and Troyes. In 1130, Henri Sanglier, the archbishop of the
the Chancellor of the Dukes of Burgundy and founder of the
time, undertook the construction of a cathedral to match (or
Hospices de Beaune. This site offers a concentration of the
exceed) his own religious supremacy. The building boasted a
history of our land, from Antiquity to the XX Century.
revolutionary design: crossed ogives. This was the world’s first
Gothic cathedral, a monument whose slender architecture,
skylights, stained-glass windows and sculptures continue
to astound visitors. Alongside Saint-Etienne Cathedral, Sens
boasts other heritage features that guide us into the intimate
and historical aspects of this enchanting town: the Garnier des
Prés ramparts and postern, a vestige of Antiquity, the synodal
palace erected between 1230 and 1240 and later restored by
Viollet-le-Duc in the XIX Century, which nowadays houses the
exhibition spaces of the museums of Sens and brings together
exceptional collections featuring some of the finest treasures
from the cathedrals of France, the Maison d’Abraham, a XVI
Century house designed for use by the tanners, the splendid
Hôtel de Ville that was built during the III Republic, the Baltard
style halls of the covered market (surprisingly triangular!)
SAINT-ETIENNE CATHEDRAL ( SENS )
I 22THE MEDIEVAL WINDS BLOW
We stay in Burgundy but return to the purity of the Middle Ages to visit Cluny, a monastic hotbed
if ever there was one. Bathed by the waters of the Grosne, a tributary of the Saône, and flanked by
the Charolais dales, on this fertile land of southern Burgundy a Benedictine abbey was founded in
910 AD. A masterpiece of Roman art, the town retains monastic ruins and buildings. The abbey-
town leads us from the Portes d’Honneur to the spectacular Tour des Fromages, passing by the
Palais Jean de Bourbon (Home to the Museum of Art and Archaeology), vestiges of the great abbey
church, the cloister, the flour store and the monks’ pantry. By following the bronze nails on the
ground depicting the Pascal Lamb, we travel through the centuries into the medieval ambiance of
the town as it unfolds around the abbey itself. The Wells of the Penitent, the Hôtel de la Monnaie,
the Maison des Echevins, the Porte Saint-Odile; so many remarkable buildings that still remain
as evidence of religious power, the abbey influenced art and politics across the whole of Europe.
Until the construction of St Peter’s in Rome in the 16th century, the abbey church at Cluny was the
largest in Christendom! It is a remarkable journey back in time that can be extended with a visit
to the town centre’s Roman houses, as well as to the neighbouring villages filled with châteaux,
priories and chapels, such as Brancion, Berzé, Mazille or even Tournus.
I 23CHECK OUT THE REMARKABLE SITES
ABBEY OF SAINT-CLAUDE
Staying in the Middle Ages but heading to the Jura Mountains, within an enclosed valley
at the confluence of the Bienne and Tacon rivers, the town of Saint-Claude was built on
the foundations of a powerful Benedictine abbey. This pilgrimage hotspot from the 15 to
16th century was personally visited by King Louis XI in 1456 and 1482. A wood and horn
turning industry sprang up around the monastery, serving the needs of pilgrims. Through
the centuries, the artisans diversified their products: rosaries and prayer beads, as well
as pipes and toys. These skills, tools and attention to detail was then employed by the
people of Jura in the clock industry of its Swiss neighbours, making precious stones and
enamel clock faces. Around Saint- Claude and Morez, the Haut-Jura still boasts a proud
reputation and living evidence of this great savoir-faire can still be seen. Venues for
exhibitions or events, as well as museums like the ones focusing on pipes and diamonds,
or even the Wood-turning Museum and the astonishing Fraternelle Museum established
in 1870 by a worker’s cooperative, recount great artisanal or industrial stories. As for the
former abbey, nowadays it is home to a very fine museum of art and archaeology. The
original site has been enhanced by a daring contemporary structure and opened its doors
in 2008. This is a prodigious time machine that features precious vestiges of Antiquity
and of the monastic era, as well as much more contemporary works from the likes of
Bonnard, Valloton, Dufy or Vuillard, bequeathed by artists and collectors Guy Bardone
and René Genis. This provides a different and very singular vision of the Haut-Jura.
LUXEUIL-LES-BAINS
Switching massifs, we now go to the foot of the Vosges du Sud.
Christianity once again was responsible for the birth of Luxeuil-les-
Bains. It was here that a spring of hot water, already appreciated
by the Romans, was discovered. It was said to bring purity,
longevity and fertility. In 610, the Irish monk St Colomban set off
with 12 companions to evangelise Gaul and erected one of the first
monasteries in Europe around this source. Thanks to its religious
aura of the High Middle Ages and precious waters, the town of
pink sandstone prospered. Cloister, abbey, thermal baths, sculpted
façades, staircases, elegant arcades, towers and turrets, the old
town centre takes us back into history, from the Gothic to the Belle
SAINT-COLOMBAN - LUXEUIL-LES-BAINS Époque, and through the Renaissance. Delightful!
I 24BEAUTIFUL AND REBELIOUS
TOWNS
Just a few kilometres from the unique chapel of
Ronchamp lies the land of Belfort. This rebellious
land has always fought against occupation or
invasion, whether French, Prussian or Austrian;
Belfort is a lion that runs free, with a heart of (pink)
stone. Quarried in the neighbouring Vosges, its
façades are made of pink sandstone, as are the
château, citadel, fortifications and Bartholdi’s Lion
that overlooks the rooftops of the old town and a
maze of narrow streets and small squares where
visitors love to get lost. Crossing the bridges and
the Savoureuse, the town turns into residential
neighbourhoods that stretch up to the doorstep of
the great industrial sites that have taken Belfort and
its surrounding area to the forefront of mechanical BELFORT, ITS CITADEL AND THE LION OF BARTHOLDI
excellence. Picturesque, busy, industrial and still
very green: the ponds (Malsaucy and Des Forges)
and forests make the land of the lion rugged and
natural. It’s a question of balance.
This same balance of greenery, water and
stone defines Besançon. Nestling in a
meander of the Doubs beside green hills,
Besançon has bolstered its natural defences
with clever constructions. The fortifications
and famous citadel by Vauban have earned
this Comtois beauty UNESCO recognition.
This stone ring built more than 100m high
towers over the town and gives it an identity
and charm. The site can be visited and is
now home to museums and a zoo. In 1678,
after the signing of the Teaty of Nijmegen,
Besançon and its region finally became part
of France, and Louis XIV commissioned
his military architect Vauban to construct
the citadel. All at once, Besançon became
a cornerstone of the kingdom’s eastern
defences and the regional capital.
BESANÇON (GARE D'EAU )
I 25CHECK OUT THE REMARKABLE SITES
Until then it was Dole that boasted the title of capital and all
the benefits of its status. The nerve centre of Comté, then a
dependency of the Kingdom of Spain, Dole was regularly
subjected to assaults from the King of France’s troops. It was
here, in 1636, that the Prince of Condé, emissary of the King
of France, shouted to its proud resistance fighters the now
famous phrase “Comtois, rends-toi!” The indommitable Franc-
Comtois replied to their tormentor “Nenni, ma foi!” This historic
phrase has become a motto that represents the determination
and independent spirit of the Comtois people. Despite the blood
and fire of its enemies, this Jura town still shows evidence of a
prestigious past. The Hôtel-Dieu, collegiate church, parliament,
university, mansion houses and priories provide so many
pretexts for a beautiful stroll through the narrow streets and
gardens and along the charming Canal des Tanneurs. This is
a place that has been marked by the birth of a truly great man,
DOLE
the son of a tanner in fact; Louis Pasteur. The birth house of the
genius can be visited. Overlooking all of this is the silhouette
of the collegiate church of Notre-Dame. Constructed in the
XVI Century, it symbolises the revival of the town following
the ravages it suffered under Louis XI. It is the starting point
from which the city walking tours depart, like the “Chat Perché
Trail” or the “Dragonfly Trail” along the banks of the River Doubs
that flanks the town to the south. A canoe-kayaking trail for
visitors using a GPS built in to the boat provides another way
of exploring the formidable historic, architectural and natural
heritage of Dole.
DARING AND CREATIVITY
Rebellious, visionary, ingenious, creative: there are countless adjectives to describe the local people. Evidence of this strong
character is found in Pays de Montbéliard, which adds entrepreneurial and daring to the list of regional attributes.
Entrepreneurial like the automobile industry that was the beating heart of the town. Alongside the fairy tale château and the
surprising gardens of Près-la-Rose, a hymn to horticultural science and knowledge, you can hear the famous Peugeot lion
roar. Firstly, there are the manufacturing sites established in 1912, a veritable historic monument to industry that is expanded
upon further in the Aventure Peugeot Museum. A breathtaking site of over 10,000m² that recounts more than two centuries
of mechanics. It all began in 1810, at a former grain mill transformed into a foundry and forge hammer. Here, the Peugeot
brothers produced saw blades and clock faces, and later coffee grinders and tools. This diversification intensified with sewing
machines before turning towards the manufacture of bicycles. The Peugeot saga was in full flow! More than 3000 objects
bearing the famous lion and nearly 200 vehicles with two, three or four wheels are waiting to transport you. From the most
retro bikes to futuristic concept cars, from gleaming bodywork to racing cars that are still caked in the sand and asphalt of
great sporting challenges, the Aventure Peugeot Museum is a prodigious time machine that takes you on a full-throttle trip
around the world.
A boutique, brasserie, reception rooms, guided or audio-guided visits, the organisation of events, for young and old alike, all in
a fantastic Art Deco setting make this site an absolute must.
The story of this brand is intimately linked with that of the Pays de Montbéliard where countless suppliers flocked and
bolstered the density and the energy of this intense industrial activity in an area that is as verdant and bucolic as they come.
I 26THE AVENTURE PEUGEOT MUSEUM ( SOCHAUX )
DIJON IN CAPITALS
Capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, international city of
gastronomy and wine, gateway to the vineyards and
therefore the famous Climats of Burgundy that are
THE POLAR BEAR, DARCY PARK ( DIJON ) listed as World Heritage by UNESCO: Dijon boasts
a string of titles and beautiful reference points
and lives up to all its promises. From picturesque
wood-panelled houses and Corbel arches on the
rue Verrerie to the Gothic flamboyance of the Hôtel
Chambellan, from the Maison des Trois Pignons
to that of Les Cariatides on rue Chaudronnerie,
from the vertiginous Philip the Good Tower to the
Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne, from
parks to museums, from the covered market to
the restaurants, bistros and wine bars, let your
footsteps (and your taste buds) guide you through
this prodigious hotbed of heritage and history.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS ( DIJON )
I 27You can also read
