Burgundy-Franche-Comté, a land of contrasts and heritage, is a constant invitation to discover. Located at the heart of Europe and France, this region, where history and nature meet in perfect harmony, is a true treasure for lovers of heritage, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights. From the renowned vineyards of Burgundy to the green mountains of Franche-Comté, and historic towns such as Dijon or Besançon, every corner of this region has a story to tell and a beauty to reveal. During your stay at a luxury campsite, set out to discover the most beautiful things to see in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
The essential historic sites
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a privileged witness to the history of France. Every town, every village and every stone seems to hold an anecdote or a memory to share. Here is a selection of the monuments and historic sites that make this region famous, and which are worth visiting during your holiday at a luxury campsite in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
Dijon, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy
When people talk about Burgundy, Dijon is often the first city that comes to mind. A former capital of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is an architectural gem. A visit to Dijon is essential, even if you only have one day.
- The Palais des Ducs: This imposing building, which today houses the town hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, bears witness to the city’s former grandeur.
- Les Halles: Built by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, they are the beating heart of the city, a place where Burgundian flavours take centre stage.
- Rue des Forges: Strolling along this street transports you to another era thanks to its half-timbered houses and private mansions.
- Saint-Bénigne Cathedral: Majestic, it stands proudly in the middle of the city and is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture.
Besançon and its citadel
Besançon, nestled in a loop of the Doubs, is a city with exceptional heritage and a must-see in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. The city is encircled by the loop of the Saône, offering an idyllic river landscape for bike rides.
- The Citadelle de Vauban: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress offers an unrivalled panorama over the city. It also bears witness to the architectural genius of Vauban, the famous military engineer of King Louis XIV.
- The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation: Located inside the citadel, this museum is a poignant tribute to those who fought against oppression during the Second World War.
The Hospices de Beaune
At the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, Beaune is world-famous for its Hospices.
- Unique architecture: With its roof of multicoloured glazed tiles, the building is one of the most photographed in the region.
- Its history: Founded in the 15th century by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin, this former hospital is a precious witness to life at that time.
- The annual wine sale: Each year, this event draws wine lovers and professionals from around the world, making Beaune the centre of the wine world for a weekend.
Also not to be missed is the château de la Rochepot near Beaune, a testament to medieval architecture. Nearby, you can visit the Abbey of Cluny, a striking example of religious art. Beaune, with its ramparts and historic heritage, is also an essential stop.
Through these iconic sites, the whole soul of Burgundy-Franche-Comté is revealed, between grandeur, resilience and passion.
The natural beauty of the region
Beyond its rich architectural and historic heritage, Burgundy-Franche-Comté also stands out for the diversity and beauty of its natural landscapes. Between dense forests, hidden valleys, shimmering lakes and green mountains, the region offers a perfect setting for nature lovers.
The Morvan regional nature park
The green lung of Burgundy, the Morvan is a paradise for walkers and lovers of unspoiled nature.
- Lakes and forests: Whether it is the Lac des Settons or the Lac de Pannecière, the Morvan’s lakes are ideal for relaxing and water sports. The forests, meanwhile, offer shady and refreshing walks.
- Walking and water sports: With hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails, the Morvan is a top destination for walkers. Canoeing, sailing or fishing are also available on its lakes.
The royal saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
More than a natural site, the royal saltworks bear witness to a unique industrial and architectural history.
- The history of salt production: These saltworks, commissioned by King Louis XV, were designed to produce salt on a large scale, which was essential at the time.
- The neoclassical architecture of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux: With its circular buildings and innovative use of space, the site is an architectural masterpiece.
The Loue Valley
Stretching for several kilometres, this valley is one of the most picturesque in Franche-Comté and is a must-see during your stay in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
- The Osselle caves: These thousand-year-old caves, among the oldest in Europe, will amaze you with their rock formations and underground galleries.
- Waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints: The Loue Valley is dotted with spectacular waterfalls, offering breathtaking panoramas, notably from the Renédale viewpoint.
Exploring Burgundy-Franche-Comté reveals a generous, unspoiled nature in which every element of the landscape tells a story, whether geological, historical or cultural.
Culinary specialities to discover
Beyond its landscapes and heritage, Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a true invitation to a culinary journey. A land of good food, it offers a wealth of authentic flavours that delight even the most discerning palates. Immerse yourself in the culinary world of this region and discover its essential delicacies.
The wines of Burgundy
Burgundy is world-renowned for its vineyards and the exceptional quality of its wines.
- The grands crus: Chablis, Meursault, Pommard … Each name evokes specific flavours and terroirs. These wines, from the finest slopes, are the expression of ancestral know-how.
- The wine route: An enchanting itinerary through the vineyards, where you can meet winegrowers, visit cellars and taste the best vintages.
The cheeses of Franche-Comté
Franche-Comté is a cheese region par excellence, offering a variety of cheeses with strong character.
- Comté: This pressed, cooked cheese, matured in natural cellars, is a must. Its aromatic palette is as rich as the Jura landscapes it comes from.
- Morbier, Mont d’Or …: Each cheese has its own character, whether it is the central line of the Morbier or the creamy texture of the Mont d’Or in winter.
- Fruitières: These cooperatives, where the milk from the surrounding farms is turned into cheese, are open to visitors, offering a fascinating insight into traditional production.
Traditional dishes
Burgundy-Franche-Comté is also a generous, flavourful cuisine, reflecting its rich terroir.
- Bœuf bourguignon: This beef stew, slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, bacon and onions, is a timeless classic of Burgundian cuisine.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: prepared with a generous persillade, they are a staple of festive tables.
- Saucisse de Morteau: Smoked over resinous sawdust, this sausage from the Haut-Doubs is famous for its unique taste. It goes wonderfully with cancoillotte, another cheese speciality of the region.
Discovering Burgundy-Franche-Comté means immersing yourself in what makes France so beautiful and rich. Every step and every tasting is an invitation to return, to explore further and to let yourself be won over again and again by its countless treasures to see during your visit to Burgundy-Franche-Comté.
