Find the perfect holiday home in Haute-Saône: Villas, holiday homes and apartments for your next trip

Haute-Saône: Green France

Haute-Saône is often called “Green France.” Tucked away in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, it’s a destination for those looking to swap tourist traps for rolling hills, ancient forests, and a slow, rhythmic pace of life.

A layered history

Haute-Saône’s history is a blend of industrial spirit and aristocratic elegance.

Duchy of Burgundy: Historically linked to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and later the Spanish Habsburgs before becoming part of France in 1678.

Industrial heritage: The region was once a powerhouse for coal mining (Ronchamp) and ironworking.

Modern wonders: It’s home to the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Haut, designed by Le Corbusier. This 1955 masterpiece in Ronchamp is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage for architecture lovers.

Description: The perfect getaway

If you’re looking for a getaway that feels like a hidden gem, this is it. The landscape is a lush patchwork of river valleys and dense woodlands. It’s the kind of place where you can relax in a stone cottage or spend a stay exploring “small towns of character” (Petites Cités de Caractère) like Pesmes or Champlitte. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or a long holiday, the atmosphere is one of profound “douceur de vivre” (sweetness of life).

Typical foods: A taste of the terroir

The local diet is hearty, unpretentious and deeply satisfying.

Cancoillotte: A runny, garlic-filled cheese that’s surprisingly low in fat but rich in flavour.

Kirsch de Fougerolles: A famous cherry brandy with its own AOC status.

Smoked meats: Look for Jésus de Morteau or Saucisse de Montbéliard, often served with local lentils or potatoes.

Biscuits de Montbozon: Legend has it that the recipe was brought here by the pastry chef Louis XVI.

Activities and nature

Nature is not just a backdrop here; it is the main event.

"Plateau des Mille Étangs": This plateau, often called "Little Finland", boasts over a thousand glacial lakes. It is a paradise for hiking, cycling and photography.

River tourism: The Saône River is one of the most beautiful in France for slow boating. You can rent a canal boat and sail past medieval villages.

Thermal relaxation: Visit Luxeuil-les-Bains for its Roman-era thermal springs - perfect for a spa day.

Festivals and Culture

International Festival of Cinema of Asia (Vesoul): A surprisingly prestigious film festival held every February, attracting film lovers from all over Europe.

Les Foires de Printemps: Traditional spring markets celebrating local livestock and crafts.

Musique et Mémoire: A summer festival celebrating baroque music in the stunning acoustics of local churches.

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