Best Landmarks in Franche-Comté
Planning a trip to Franche-Comté? Discover the best landmarks in Franche-Comté with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Franche-Comté
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
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27 landmarks
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Cultural landmark4.7★16,941 reviews
Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
The Hôtel-Dieu Museum, also known as the Hospices de Beaune, is a former charitable almshouse founded in 1443 in Beaune, France. Its stunning flamboyant Gothic architecture, especially the colorful glazed tile roofs, makes it a must-see landmark in Burgundy. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing the history of medicine and Burgundian art.
Daily 9:00–19:30
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Tourist attraction4.4★8,061 reviews
Besançon Citadel
Perched high above the city, the Besançon Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of history. Explore its fascinating museums, beautiful gardens, and enjoy a day full of discovery and adventure.
Daily 9:00–19:00
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Tourist attraction4.6★6,456 reviews
Cascade des tufs
The Cascade des Tufs, also known as Cascade de Baume-les-Messieurs, is a stunning waterfall located near the village of Baume-les-Messieurs in the Jura region of France. Fed by the underground river Dard, the waterfall is known for its unique tufa formations, created by the deposition of limestone over moss-covered rocks. The cascade offers a picturesque scene that changes with the seasons, making it a worthwhile visit year-round.
Open 24 hours
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Tourist attraction4.3★5,873 reviews
Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans
The Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of industrial architecture designed by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux in the late 18th century. Commissioned by Louis XV, this former salt factory embodies Enlightenment ideals and offers a glimpse into the history of salt production.
Daily 9:00–19:00
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Castle4.6★3,100 reviews
Château de Joux
Perched dramatically on a clifftop in La Cluse-et-Mijoux, the Château de Joux, also known as Fort de Joux, is a formidable castle with a history spanning over a thousand years. Overlooking a strategic passage through the Jura Mountains, it has served as a fortress, a logistical base, and a state prison, witnessing countless European conflicts. Today, it stands as a historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich and complex past.
Daily 10:00–18:00
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Tourist attraction4.7★2,872 reviews
Source du Lison
The Source du Lison is a spectacular natural spring and waterfall cascading from a cave at the foot of limestone cliffs near Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, France. This impressive site marks the resurgence of the Lison River and is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
Open 24 hours
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Museum4.5★2,543 reviews
Chateau de Savigny-les-Beaune
The Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune is a 14th-century castle housing an eclectic mix of museums, including collections of aircraft, racing cars, motorcycles, and wine-making equipment. Located in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, it offers a unique blend of history and unusual displays.
Daily 9:00–18:30
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Museum4.2★2,835 reviews
La Maison De La Vache Qui Rit
Discover the history of the iconic Laughing Cow cheese at La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit in Lons-le-Saunier, France. This museum offers a fun and interactive experience for all ages, exploring the brand's origins, advertising history, and cultural impact.
Daily 10:00–19:00
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Tourist attraction4.7★1,784 reviews
Source de la Loue
The Source de la Loue is a resurgence of the Doubs River, emerging from a cave at the foot of a towering cliff near Ouhans, France. This natural wonder marks the start of the Loue River and offers a stunning display of nature's power.
Open 24 hours
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Historical landmark4.6★1,562 reviews
Belfort Citadel
The Belfort Citadel, a historical landmark in Belfort, France, has evolved through centuries of architectural modifications. Originally a medieval castle, it was transformed by renowned military engineers like Vauban in the 17th century and Haxo in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's strategic importance and resilience, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich military past and stunning panoramic views.
Daily 8:00–20:00
La Maison du Comté
La Maison du Comté in Poligny is a museum dedicated to Comté cheese, a cornerstone of French gastronomy with a history dating back to the 12th century. The museum offers an immersive experience into the world of Comté, from its production to its cultural significance.
Daily 9:30–19:00
William Gate
The William Gate (Porte Guillaume) is a triumphal arch and historical landmark in Dijon, France. Built in the late 18th century, this neoclassical monument stands on Place Darcy, marking the entrance to the city's pedestrian center and offering a glimpse into Dijon's rich past.
Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole
The Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole, a basilica in Dole, France, showcases a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Constructed between 1509 and 1596, it stands as a symbol of the city's recovery after being pillaged in the late 15th century. Its towering bell tower dominates the skyline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Les Portes du Soleil
Les Portes du Soleil is a vast, interconnected ski area spanning France and Switzerland, offering over 600km of pistes and stunning alpine scenery. It's a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with charming villages and diverse terrain to explore.
Château d'Oricourt
Château d'Oricourt, located in the Haute-Saône department of France, is a remarkably well-preserved medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. With its double-walled structure, imposing towers, and intriguing history, it offers a captivating glimpse into the past.
Wed–Sun 14:00–18:00
Bregille Fort
Fort de Bregille, constructed between 1820 and 1832, stands atop Bregille hill, offering panoramic views of Besançon. This military structure, built to defend the city, now provides a scenic spot for walks and exploration of local history.
Lac des Plagnes
Lac des Plagnes, the largest lake in the Abondance Valley, is a picturesque destination perfect for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. This man-made lake, nestled in a stunning mountain setting, offers a refreshing escape with its clear waters and scenic walking trails.
Château d'Arlay
Château d'Arlay, a historical landmark and vineyard in the Jura region of France, has been in the Laguiche family since the 12th century. With origins dating back to the 9th century, it was once owned by kings of France, Spain, and England. Today, visitors can explore the chateau's architecture, tour the wine cellars, and taste the estate's distinctive Jura wines.
Mon–Sat 10:00–12:00, 14:00–18:00
Frac Franche-Comté
The Frac Franche-Comté, located in Besançon's Cité des Arts, is a beacon of contemporary art. Housed in a striking modern building designed by Kengo Kuma, it offers a dynamic space for artistic expression, showcasing diverse works by established and emerging artists.
Wed–Fri 14:00–18:00 · Sat–Sun 14:00–19:00
Astronomical clock
Housed within the Besançon Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock is a remarkable horological device created by Auguste-Lucien Vérité in the late 19th century. This intricate clock features 30,000 parts and 122 indications, displaying a wealth of information, including calendars, planetary movements, eclipses, and tide times.
Tue–Sun 10:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00
Griffin Fort
Griffin Fort, or Fort Griffon, is a 17th-century fortress in Besançon, France, offering panoramic views of the city and the Doubs River. Designed by the renowned military architect Vauban, it stands as a testament to the city's strategic importance and rich military heritage.
Beauregard Fort
Fort Beauregard, constructed between 1791 and 1870, stands atop one of the hills of Besançon, offering panoramic views of the city. Originally built for strategic military defense, it's now a public square where visitors can enjoy the scenery and explore a piece of Besançon's history.
Daily 16:52–11:18
Statue du Marquis Jouffroy d'Abbans
The Statue of Marquis Jouffroy d'Abbans, a bronze sculpture by Pascal Coupot, stands on the Pont Battant in Besançon, France, commemorating Claude François Dorothée, Marquis de Jouffroy d'Abbans, a pioneer of steam navigation. Erected in 1998, the life-size statue depicts the inventor in a contemplative pose, honoring his experiments with steamboats on the Doubs River in 1776.
Open 24 hours
Statue de Rouget de Lisle
The Statue of Rouget de Lisle in Lons-le-Saunier is a remarkable tribute to the composer of the French national anthem, offering visitors a glimpse into France's rich cultural heritage. This impressive sculpture stands as a beacon of history, art, and patriotism, making it a must-visit for tourists exploring the region.
Cordeliers Tower
The Cordeliers Tower, a 17th-century fortification in Besançon, stands as a testament to the city's strategic importance and Vauban's military genius. Once part of a larger defensive system along the Doubs River, it offers a glimpse into Besançon's rich military history.
Avenue Edgar Faure Ravelin
Avenue Edgar Faure Ravelin in Besançon is a historical landmark showcasing French architectural elegance and cultural heritage. This picturesque avenue invites visitors to stroll and admire its stunning facades and charming street scenes, evoking a sense of nostalgia and offering countless opportunities for photography.
Open 24 hours
Bregille Bastion
The Bregille Bastion, or Tour de Bregille, is a 17th-century fortified tower that once formed part of Besançon's city defenses. Constructed between 1687 and 1689, this stout stone structure offers panoramic views of the city and the Doubs River valley. Today, it houses a modern music venue, blending history with contemporary culture.
Open 24 hours
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