Our Guide to the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region

Explore Heritage, Nature, Fine Food & Wines in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté comprises the former regions of Bourgogne and Franche-Comté, merged into a large region on the east side of the country, near the French capital Paris, and the Alpine mountain range. The area comprises the departments of Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Jura, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Haute-Saône, Territoire de Belfort and Yonne.

Historic Towns and Scenic Landscapes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté feels like a tapestry woven from history, nature, and human effort. This large region, formed by merging Burgundy and Franche-Comté in 2016, features fertile plains, gentle hills, and mountains, providing a feast for the senses and a window into French culture.

Burgundy's Vineyards & World-Renowned Wines

When you step into Burgundy, you enter a realm steeped in tradition. The vineyards cover the landscape, whispering tales of ancient viticulture and world-renowned wines. Here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes reach their ultimate expression, yielding classic AOC appellations such as Chablis, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Meursault, among others. Wander through villages such as Beaune, with its medieval heart and famous Hospices de Beaune, or explore the opulent Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon, a testament to the region's past.

Romanesque Abbeys and Pilgrimage Routes

Beyond the vine-covered hills, history comes alive in grand abbeys like Fontenay and the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, both echoing tales of faith and pilgrimage. Explore further into the region's spirit at the Château de Sully, a fortress that once sheltered Anne Boleyn, or follow the trail of Joan of Arc in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, her childhood home.

The Wonders of Franche-Comté

As you cross the threshold into Franche-Comté, you'll find yourself in a different world, where lush valleys, dense forests, and the Jura Mountains create a postcard setting perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike through the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura, kayak on the Lac de Saint-Point, or ski down the slopes of the Métabief resort.

Industrial Heritage and Modern Innovation

But Franche-Comté offers more than just scenic beauty. Its industrial legacy is a key part of its character. Cities such as Belfort, renowned for the famous Peugeot car factory, and Besançon, known for centuries of precise watchmaking, are vibrant centers of modern industry. You can visit the captivating Musées des Beaux-Arts in Besançon or delve into the history of horology at the Musée du Temps et de l'Horlogerie.

Cuisine & Specialities

Enjoy escargots à la Bourguignonne, plump snails cooked in garlic butter; the region's cheeses, like Époisses and Comté, offer bold flavours that pair perfectly with local wines, usually red. Explore the culinary delights of Franche-Comté, and you'll discover many classic dishes.

Treat your taste buds to Saucisse de Morteau, a smoked sausage with a smoky-garlicky kick. Try the speciality Poulet au Vin Jaune, a chicken dish made with the region's renowned vin jaune, a complex white wine aged for years. Be sure to taste the iconic Comté cheese, produced using traditional methods for centuries, and enjoy pairing it with a wine of the region.

Hidden Villages Beyond Popular Routes

While the attractions mentioned are interesting, the region encourages exploring beyond the main paths. You might visit the medieval town of Salins-les-Bains, known for its salt industry and thermal baths. Alternatively, stroll through the charming villages along the Route des Vins du Jura, each featuring distinctive architecture and local flavour.

Seasonal Beauty & Year-Around Explorations

The beauty of Bourgogne Franche-Comté lies in its year-round allure. Spring paints the vineyards in vibrant greens, summer invites outdoor adventures, autumn ignites the landscape with fiery red colours, and winter transforms the region into a snow-laden wonderland.

Key Facts about Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Essential Tourist Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approximately 5 million.
• The highest Peak: Crêt de la Neige (1,720 meters) in the Jura Mountains
• Average Sunshine Hours per Year: Around 1,900 hours
• Châteaux: Approximately 600–700 châteaux, notably the Château de Châteauneuf (Côte-d'Or), Château de Cormatin (Saône-et-Loire), and Château de Joux (Doubs).
• Most Famous Landmark: Hospices de Beaune
• Golf Courses in the Region: 35 golf courses

How to Travel to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The main cities are Dijon, Besançon, Belfort, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Nevers. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving the Region

• Dijon Bourgogne Airport
• Dole-Jura Airport

Main Train Stations and TGV Links

• Dijon-Ville Station
• Besançon-Viotte Station
• Belfort-Montbéliard TGV Station
• Chalon-sur-Saône Station
• Nevers Station

Top Attractions in the Region

• Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica in Vézelay
• Hospices de Beaune
• Dijon
• Besançon
• Chalon-sur-Saône
• Vézelay
• Cluny
• The Jura Mountains
• The Morvan Regional Natural Park

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional du Morvan
• Parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura
• Parc naturel régional des Ballons des Vosges (shared with other regions)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• The Climats, terroirs of Burgundy
• The Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans
• Abbey of Fontenay
• Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (shared with other regions)

Economic Overview of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

• Economic Strength: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is known for its strong agricultural and industrial sectors, particularly in wine production, manufacturing, and tourism.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx. €75 billion (2022), equivalent to approximately 3% of France's GDP.
• Economy: Services, approx. 65% (tourism, healthcare and education, and transport and logistics), industry 28% (manufacturing, wine production, aerospace and defence) and agriculture 7% (cattle farming, dairy production, cereal crops and forestry.
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.5% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Burgundy (Dijon), University of Franche-Comté (Besançon), University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, and AgroSup Dijon.
• Regional Specialities: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is renowned for its wines, particularly those from Burgundy, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region is also renowned for its cheeses, including Époisses, Delice de Bourgogne, and Comté, as well as its charcuterie, such as jambon persillé and saucisson. Dijon mustard and the famous Kir (blackcurrant liqueur) are other notable specialities.

Property Prices in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in 2026

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €1,546 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €1,697 (source Fnaim - April 2026)
• Price trends - average property price change over the last 12 months: -1.6 % (April 2025 - 2026 - Fnaim)

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté at a Glance

So, whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a wine lover, a gastronome, or simply seeking a captivating escape, Bourgogne Franche-Comté awaits with open arms.

Come, unravel its many experiences, and discover the magic that lies here. You'll eat, drink and sleep like never before!

To learn more facts and numbers about this region, take a glance at our infographic below. Click on the links on this page to discover a specific department and browse our properties for sale in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.