Franche-Comté in camping
It is the most convenient and enjoyable way to visit the region. Camping offers you comfort, life in the middle of a luxuriant nature, the proximity of places to discover and the pleasure of seeing your children happy. That is why, at the Le Fayolan****campsite located in the Jura department on the edge of the natural lake of Clairvaux, you will benefit from top-of-the-range accommodation, a restaurant, a Spa, an indoor swimming pool, a water park with slides, all in a green setting in the heart of the lake region. Also in the Jura, the campsite La Pergola**** is located on the banks of the Chalain lake, where you can swim, but also have several pools, water slides, a restaurant, jacuzzi and entertainment for your children. Finally, the campsite Bois de Reveuge**** is located in the Doubs, in Huanne-Montmartin and has a water park with slides, where you can practice archery, canoeing, pedal boats... all on a site of 25 hectares of greenery, forest and water.
A heritage full of surprises
Baume-les-Messieurs is a village in the Jura, rated three stars, it has won the title of "most beautiful village in France". This already gives you at least two good reasons to visit it. The superb Saint-Pierre abbey, which houses one of the largest Flemish altarpieces of the 16th century, should give you a third.
Arbois in the Jura has been labelled a "cité comtoise de caractère", it is also the capital of Jura wines and is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant as well as other Meilleurs Ouvriers de France in the field of chocolate, cabinet-making and photography. After tasting the local gastronomy, we recommend a digestive stroll to the Saint-Just church, the Tour Gloriette or the Capucins bridge.
Considered one of the most beautiful citadels in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Besançon Citadel (in the Doubs) is a masterpiece of Vauban. It offers a magnificent panorama of the entire old town from its walkways. For a visit appreciated by all the family, the city has a small train to go to the citadel from the centre of Besançon.
Located in Haute-Saône, in the middle of a magnificent green landscape, the medieval castle of Oricourt was built in the 12th century and is one of the rare medieval military constructions in Franche-Comté. Currently being restored, it is a fortified castle with a double fortified wall. On site, a guide can tell you the history of this site.
Near Lons-le-Saunier, the castle of Arlay is classified as a historical monument since 1996.
In the Doubs, the Château de Joux overlooks and watches over the town of Pontarlier from the top of its rocky spur. It has also been a listed monument since 1996.
A witness to the Renaissance and Classicism, the town of Dole is located between Dijon and Besançon, crossed by the Rhine/Rhône canal which gives it a special character. It is also the birthplace of Louis Pasteur whose house can be visited.
Gastronomy being part of the regional culture, it is difficult to talk about Franche-Comté without talking about cheese... It is in Poligny in the Jura that you will find La Maison du Comté, where you can learn everything about Comté, from the meadow to the cheese platter, and in a playful way that will also appeal to children
A rich and diverse nature
The Langouette waterfalls and gorges are part of the Jura massif, in which the river Saine flows. It is one of the most picturesque sites in the Jura. It leads you to the river via a path, a playful and accessible walk for young and old.
A listed site since 1912, the Osselle cave is located 25 kilometres from Besançon. It served as a refuge for priests during the French Revolution and is also the largest cave bear necropolis, some of whose skeletons can be seen today. The cool temperature is also very pleasant in the middle of summer.
The lake of Bonlieu is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Jura, surrounded by a forest, it is perfect for hiking, resting or boating. The lake is 700 metres long and has plenty of fish for fishing enthusiasts. A picnic area will allow you to spend pleasant moments of family holidays but swimming is forbidden.
Near Pontarlier in the Doubs, the Saint-Point lake is one of the largest natural lakes in France. At an altitude of 850 metres, it is over 6 kilometres long. It offers two beautiful beaches as well as supervised swimming in summer. Note that 23 kilometres of hiking are possible around the lake.
The 1000 Ponds region is the result of melting glaciers that have formed a marshy area with lush vegetation as far as the eye can see. A perfect place for mountain biking, but also for walking or horse riding. To discover this magnificent natural site, it is possible to fly over it by plane or balloon.
Located in the Doubs, the Poudrey chasm is a huge cave, the largest in France. At a depth of more than 70 metres, you will discover astonishing silhouettes, formed by the limestone over time. You will enjoy a "sound and light" show that sublimates the grandiose architecture of the place.