Known throughout France and further afield thanks to its wines and its gastronomy, but also because of its heritage and superb landscapes, as a result of the merger of two regions Burgundy-Franche-Comté has become an essential French destination. Comprising 8 departments*, the region becomes the 5th largest in France, home to 2.9 million inhabitants and covering a total surface area of 47,800km². With regards to tourism in particular, these two regions complement each other perfectly and their « union » has greatly enhanced the tourism offer available to visitors.

A region that is rich in history, heritage and monuments

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté can now boast 9 UNESCO sites that are spread right across the region: the history of salt is retold at the Saline Royale in Arc-et-Senans and the Salines at Salins-Les-Bains, there is the Citadelle de Besançon, the riverside towns of Chalain as well as all the religious heritage of Vézelay, Fontenay and La Charité-Sur-Loire listed within the framework of the Way of St James. There is also the Climats of the Burgundy wine region that have been classified since June 2015 and, finally, Notre-Dame du Haut by Le Corbusier in Ronchamp.

But there are also other unmissable sites, such as Dijon, Besançon, Beaune, the Lion de Belfort, the châteaux of Montbéliard, Joux, Guédelon or Ancy-le-Franc… there is something to suit every taste!

Mid-mountain areas that are perfect for walking, horse riding and to discover skiing in all its forms.

Whether it is the Jura (alt. 1700m), the Morvan (alt. 900m) or the Vosges (alt. 1250m) mountains, nature has truly blessed this region. Veritable green lungs, these special areas provide the ideal destinations for city-dwellers in search of wide-open spaces. In winter, the Jura and the Vosges play host to families that are looking for experiences off the beaten track. Once the fine weather returns, these snow-covered slopes transform into fantastic playgrounds that are enjoyed on foot, by bike or on horseback. Visitors can continue their adventure in the Morvan if they want a change of scene.

One of the most extensive networks of waterways in France…

Water is everywhere in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, with more than 1,330km of navigable canals and rivers. This substantial offer makes the region one of the leaders in river tourism. It is important to remember the many barge-hotels that continue to develop across Burgundy, along the Canal de Bourgogne or the Canal de Nivernais and which delight visitors from the United Kingdom, North America, South Africa or Australia.

THE MERGER OF BURGUNDY AND FRANCHE-COMTÉ: TWICE AS MANY OFFERS FOR VISITORS…

PRESS CONTACT:BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ TOURISME5, avenue Garibaldi - BP 20623 - 21006 Dijon cedexVéronique BEIGENGER • v.beigenger@crt-bourgogne-frTel. +33 (0)3 80 280 298

Photo credits: A. Doire (Bourgogne Tourisme) / CRT Franche-Comté

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…and a complementary network of cycling trails.

If you speak about canals and rivers, it is impossible not to mention the cycling trails that cover the region. From Nantes to Budapest, the EuroVelo 6 trail crosses this large region from Nevers to Montbéliard, covering more than 516km. For its part, the Charles the Bold trail links Macon to Ambievillers and stretches 320km. It is worth remembering also the Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo ® loop that extends over 800km. This is an extensive offer that is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts, whatever their level.

An ideal location in the heart of France

Last but not least, the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region also provides an important breathing space between two of the wealthiest and most densely populated regions of France; the Paris and Lyon basins. It sits directly beside other European countries, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland, whose people also love well-preserved open spaces. Burgundy-Franche-Comté can be proud of its undeniable attractiveness for visitors from further afield thanks to its many touristic advantages. Accessible by train, road and air, the whole region is a perfect destination for weekend breaks or longer holidays. In short, it is ideal for getting away from it all and recharging the batteries.

Major international projects are on the horizon for 2018

Future Center Parcs developments in Jura and Saône-et-Loire, projects for the wine and gastronomy towns in Dijon that will bolster the UNESCO classifications awarded for the Climats of the Burgundy wine region. These are just some of the many key elements that demonstrate the lofty touristic ambitions of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

PRESS CONTACT:BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ TOURISME5, avenue Garibaldi - BP 20623 - 21006 Dijon cedexVéronique BEIGENGER • v.beigenger@crt-bourgogne-frTel. +33 (0)3 80 280 298

Photo credits: A. Doire (Bourgogne Tourisme) / CRT Franche-Comté

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