Franche-Comté

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But don’t get the wrong idea, the region does have plenty of villages and towns with definite character. Gray has fine renaissance architecture while Le Corbusier’s chapel Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp is definitely 20th century.

The strategically important Belfort has stunning views over its surroundings and the regional capital of Besançon with its citadel was France’s capital of watch and clock making for centuries.

Wine lovers have the delights of the Jura's vin jaune to discover which is bottled after six years in barrels – some prefer it to sherry.

History lovers on the other hand should head for Dole - the medieval capital of the region.

Doubs

Birthplace of Victor Hugo, Besançon is the region’s capital with fine museums The village of Ornans on the river Loue is renowned for its prettiness The Grotte de la Glacière near Baume les Dames has a glacier inside in winter and summer

Haute-Saône

Spa town Luxeuil-les-Bains is a major treatment centre and close to the centre of kirsch production Le Corbusier’s famous chapel Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp is either loved or hated Gray has renaissance architecture and the national museum of Esperanto

Jura

Locally produced vin jaune is famous all over the world – and only bottled at seven years Dole was the medieval capital of the region and has fine architecture Waterfalls and caves in abundance and the spa town of Lons le Saunier

Territoire-de-Belfort

The smallest département in France resisted being annexed by Prussia in 1870 The 11 metre high sandstone lion is a symbol of the town’s strong will Views across the valleys of the Rhine and Rhône from the fortifications are stunning

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