Find the best villas, holiday homes and apartments in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté – the heart of “Slow France”

Formed in 2016 by the merger of Burgundy and Franche-Comté, the region is a region where history is as deep as the wine cellars and nature is as wild as the Jura Mountains.

History

This region is a tapestry of powerful dukes and religious fervor. In the Middle Ages, the Dukes of Burgundy were so influential that they rivaled the kings of France. Meanwhile, Franche-Comté (meaning “Land of the Free”) spent centuries under Spanish Habsburg rule before becoming French in 1678. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture: from the Romanesque splendor of Cluny Abbey to the sturdy, star-shaped citadels of Vauban.

Description

Imagine a landscape where rolling vineyards meet rugged limestone plateaus. It is the ultimate retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you are on a weekend getaway or a long-awaited holiday, you will find the atmosphere relaxed. The landscape varies from the golden hills of the Côte d'Or to the emerald forests and crystal clear lakes of the Jura. It is simply a picturesque paradise for any traveler looking for an authentic getaway.

Typical foods

This is the "belly of France". If you are not wearing your stretch pants, you are doing it wrong:

Boeuf Bourguignon: Beef slowly cooked in rich red wine.

Comté cheese: A nutty, versatile cheese from the Jura mountains.

Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails baked in garlic and parsley butter.

Pain d'Épices: Dijon's famous spicy gingerbread.

Coq au Vin: Chicken braised with wine, mushrooms and bacon.

Moutarde de Dijon: The world-famous spicy mustard.

Activities and nature

The nature here is diverse and ranges from the gentle to the dramatic:

The Wine Route: Cycle or drive the Route des Grands Crus to sample some of the world's most expensive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Morvan Regional Nature Park: A granite massif perfect for hiking, rafting and birdwatching.

Jura Mountains: In winter, it's a mecca for cross-country skiing; in summer, it's all about the "Land of the Lakes".

Canal boat: Hire a barge and sail down the Canal de Bourgogne for a truly zen experience.

Festivals

The region knows how to throw a party, usually centered around a harvest or a glass of wine.

Hospices de BeauneBeaune

World-famous charity wine auction in November.

Percée du Vin JauneJuraCelebration of the "yellow wine" when the barrels are tapped.

Les EurockéennesBelfort One of France's largest rock music festivals.

Beaune Baroque Music FestivalOperas in stunning historical surroundings.

Natural highlights

Saut du Doubs: A spectacular 27-meter waterfall on the border with Switzerland.

Osselle Caves: One of the oldest known professional tourist caves in the world, famous for its prehistoric bear skeletons.

"Reculées": Unique blind valleys in the Jura, like the one at Baume-les-Messieurs, which look like a giant who has taken a bite out of the ground.

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