Franche Comté

The Franche-Comté is bordered by Switzerland and has the Vosges Mountains to the north and to the south there are the Jura mountains. This is a forested area (43% of the area is wooded) with many lakes and rivers plus gorges in the more mountainous areas. There are also vineyards. Originally part of Burgundy in 1127 Raynald III who was a count in the area refused to offer homage to King Lothair II who was a German King and he eventually succeeded in his rebellion and therefore was known as the Franc-Comté which means Free Count and thus the name of the region: Franche-Comté which means "Free Country". Close to Switzerland, the region has many watchmakers and 85% of French watches are produced in this region.

Departments and Main Towns

Departments are Doubs [25], Jura [39], Haute-Saone [70] and Territoire de Belfort [90].

Cities and towns: Vesoul, Besançon, Belfort, Lons-le-Saunier, Bourg-en-Bresse, Privas, Valence, Grenoble, Saint Etienne, Lyon, Chambéry,

Wines

Chardonay, Savagnin - which are white wines

Poulsard, Rosé d'Arbois, Trousseau, which are Rosé

Vine de Paille (Straw Wine) is regarded as a more prestigious wine

Vin Jaune is a light aperitif wine somewhat like a "fino" sherry

Liqueur de Sapin is a pine based liqueur

Cheese

Bleu de Gex, Comté, Concoilotte, Emmental, Morbier,Raclette, Vacherin

Specialities

Biscuits Griottes Bisontines, Minutes de Besançon and Galets du Doubs.

Luxeuil Ham

Morteau and Montbeliard sausages

Pauchouse which is a kind of bouillabaisse (fish stew) made from fresh water fish.