Haute-Saône is a department located in the
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. It was named after the picturesque Saône River that winds through its landscapes. Established during the
French Revolution in 1789, Haute-Saône was created from the former province of Franche-Comté, blending rich history with natural beauty. Vesoul, the department's capital, is a charming city that serves as the cultural and administrative heart of Haute-Saône. Lure, another significant town and the sole sub-prefecture, boasts a rich historic past and many architectural gems. Haute-Saône's past is deeply rooted in mining and industry, with a legacy that includes coal, salt, iron, lead-silver-copper mines, bituminous shale, stationery, spinning, weaving, forges, foundries, tileries, and mechanical factories. This industrial heritage has shaped the department's character and continues to influence its development.
Explore the Haute Saône & Properties in the Area
Haute-Saône is a department located in the
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. It was named after the picturesque Saône River that winds through its landscapes. Established during the
French Revolution in 1789, Haute-Saône was created from the former province of Franche-Comté, blending rich history with natural beauty. Vesoul, the department's capital, is a charming city that serves as the cultural and administrative heart of Haute-Saône. Lure, another significant town and the sole sub-prefecture, boasts a rich historic past and many architectural gems. Haute-Saône's past is deeply rooted in mining and industry, with a legacy that includes coal, salt, iron, lead-silver-copper mines, bituminous shale, stationery, spinning, weaving, forges, foundries, tileries, and mechanical factories. This industrial heritage has shaped the department's character and continues to influence its development.
The Thriving Banana Zone
Geographically, Haute-Saône is situated between several departments, including
Côte-d'Or to the west, Haute-Marne to the northwest, Vosges to the north, Territoire de Belfort to the east,
Doubs to the south and east, and Jura to the south. This strategic location positions Haute-Saône as a transitional territory, linking the more economically challenged departments of eastern France with the thriving
Blue Banana zone, an area marked by robust economic growth in recent decades.
History and Industrial Heritage
Haute-Saône's unique combination of history, natural beauty and industrial heritage, coupled with its advantageous location, makes it a fascinating and dynamic department to explore and experience.
Burgundy is popular with
German and
Dutch buyers, being easily reached by car and not too far from Paris, Macon and Lyon.
Key Information about Haute-Saône (70)
- Main City/Prefecture: Vesoul
- Nearest Airport: Dole-Jura Airport or EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
- Population: Around 229,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,360 sq. kilometres and 2,070 sq. miles
- Landmark: Plateau des Mille Étangs (Plateau of a Thousand Ponds), a unique area of small lakes and wetlands.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 700,000, drawn by its peaceful landscapes, hiking trails and thermal spas.
Average Property Prices in Haute-Saone in 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,214 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €1,046 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
- Price trends: -1% over the last 12 months, +19% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
(source:
Le Figaro - October 2025)
To
learn more about France, explore our "at a glance" guide and infographic, which are filled with insightful facts and figures.
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