FRANCHE-COMTÉ INFORMATION
FRANCHE-COMTÉ Topography
The region of Franche-Comté composes the eastern French départements of Jura, Doubs, Haute-Saône, and the Territoire de Belfort. The capital is Besançon. The region is bounded on the east by Switzerland; the region of Rhône-Alpes to the south, the region of Burgundy [Bourgogne] to the west, the region of Lorraine and the region of Alsace to the north. Franche-Comté is dominated by the Jura Mountains. The basin of the upper Saône River extends into Jura. Annual precipitation is high, and forests cover much of Franche-Comté.Franche-Comté terrain, elevation and climate provide the ideal conditions for cross-country skiing. There are more than 2,000 km (1,245 miles) of clearly signposted and well-maintained ski tracks, going through gorgeous natural areas, along lakes or on wide plateaus with views of the Alps Mountains. Downhill or cross-country skiing are available in the recognized wintersport resorts such as Les Rousses, Metabief-Mont d'Or or in any other picturesque resorts. The "Grande Traversée du Jura" (GTJ) is a 400 km (250 miles) cross-country trail across the Jura mountains, from north to south.
FRANCHE-COMTE History
The name Franche-Comté (English: Free County of Burgundy, or literally "Free County") did not officially appear until 1366. It had been a territory of the County of Burgundy from 888, the province becoming subject to the Holy Roman Empire in 1034. It was definitively separated from the neighboring Duchy of Burgundy upon the latter's incorporation into France in 1477. That year at the Battle of Nancy during the Burgundian Wars the last duke Charles the Bold was killed in battle. It was transferred to Austria in 1481 and to Spain in 1556. Franche-Comté was captured by France in 1668 but returned under the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. It was conquered a second time in 1674, and was finally ceded to France in the Treaty of Nijmegen (1678).
The region's population fell by a fifth from 1851 to 1946, reflecting low French natural growth and migration to more urbanized parts of the country. Most of the decline occurred in Haute-Saône and Jura, which remain among the country's more agriculture-dependent areas.
FRANCHE-COMTÉ Climate
The climate varies greatly by elevation. The lower valleys are temperate and pleasant, but the high mountain valleys have bitterly cold winters, with a lot of snow. Summers are hot with few welcome showers.
FRANCHE-COMTÉ Demographics
Population of 1.143 000 (2005 estimate) an a density of 70 people per km² (France: 110)
Franche-Comté has experienced continuous population growth since 1945 and has a population which is slightly younger than the average for France as a whole.
FRANCHE-COMTÉ Main cities
Arbois, Belfort, Besançon, Dole, Gray, Lons-le-Saunier, Montbéliard, Salins-les-Bains.
FRANCHE-COMTÉ Wine
FRANCHE-COMTE HOLIDAY RENTALS in Region of FRANCE
MORE THAN 10.000 B&B in all France
MORE THAN 10.000 Gîtes in all France
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