Holidays in Doubs, Franche-Comte, France
Doubs is a department in the region of Franche-Comte in eastern France, located near the historic area of Burgundy.
The area is home to the ancient towns of Besancon and Montbeliard, with their famous castles and churches while the region is dominated by the Jura Mountains and the activities that visitors can enjoy there in winter and summer.
Besancon The spectacular citadel at Besancon sits 118 metres above the River Doubs, offering a great view over the town and the surrounding countryside.
Not only can you explore the castle and its ramparts, but the grounds are also home to a zoo and an aquarium! Every September, Besancon hosts an International Music Festival with classical artists performing in venues throughout the town, including in the citadel itself.
Just south of Besancon is the Oselle Cavern, one of the many networks of caves and grottoes than can be found in the depths of the Jura Mountains.
The Oselle Cavern has an impressive history and was even used as a church during the Revolution.
Doubs River The river that the area takes its name from runs through the heart of the region and is also at the centre of many tourist activities.
You can hire canoes to explore the river from water level or ride a bicycle along the shore.
Fishing is permitted in the Doubs from March 1 every year.
The Falls of the Doubs, a 27-metre waterfall, has been dubbed "The French Niagara".
You can take a pleasure boat on a short cruise up river to the foot of the falls themselves or hike to the top of the attraction on foot.
Museums There are a number of interesting and diverse museums in the Doubs region, including many that will keep the family entertained.
Boys' young and old will enjoy the Peugeot Museum in Montbeliard, which details the history of the iconic French car and is even home to the first Popemobile.
Dino Park will appeal to younger tourists as a two-kilometre trail takes you through the park past life-size models of the prehistoric creatures.
The Open Air Museum at Nancray just east of Besancon allows visitors to step back in time to see how local people lived and farmed through the centuries.
Actors in costume demonstrate traditional farming and cooking techniques and even offer children the chance to join in and get their hands dirty.
Finally, Polar Park features animals more usually at home in the arctic, including a pack of sled dogs belonging to the owners of the park, and reindeer.
The area is home to the ancient towns of Besancon and Montbeliard, with their famous castles and churches while the region is dominated by the Jura Mountains and the activities that visitors can enjoy there in winter and summer.
Besancon The spectacular citadel at Besancon sits 118 metres above the River Doubs, offering a great view over the town and the surrounding countryside.
Not only can you explore the castle and its ramparts, but the grounds are also home to a zoo and an aquarium! Every September, Besancon hosts an International Music Festival with classical artists performing in venues throughout the town, including in the citadel itself.
Just south of Besancon is the Oselle Cavern, one of the many networks of caves and grottoes than can be found in the depths of the Jura Mountains.
The Oselle Cavern has an impressive history and was even used as a church during the Revolution.
Doubs River The river that the area takes its name from runs through the heart of the region and is also at the centre of many tourist activities.
You can hire canoes to explore the river from water level or ride a bicycle along the shore.
Fishing is permitted in the Doubs from March 1 every year.
The Falls of the Doubs, a 27-metre waterfall, has been dubbed "The French Niagara".
You can take a pleasure boat on a short cruise up river to the foot of the falls themselves or hike to the top of the attraction on foot.
Museums There are a number of interesting and diverse museums in the Doubs region, including many that will keep the family entertained.
Boys' young and old will enjoy the Peugeot Museum in Montbeliard, which details the history of the iconic French car and is even home to the first Popemobile.
Dino Park will appeal to younger tourists as a two-kilometre trail takes you through the park past life-size models of the prehistoric creatures.
The Open Air Museum at Nancray just east of Besancon allows visitors to step back in time to see how local people lived and farmed through the centuries.
Actors in costume demonstrate traditional farming and cooking techniques and even offer children the chance to join in and get their hands dirty.
Finally, Polar Park features animals more usually at home in the arctic, including a pack of sled dogs belonging to the owners of the park, and reindeer.