Eco-friendly Franche-Comté

Nestled between Burgundy and the Swiss border, Franche-Comté is known as the French region with the most forest making it an ideal destination for environmentally conscious travellers. With only one easy train change at Lille Europe station, visitors can try out the region’s green offerings just hours after leaving the UK.

Visitors travelling to Franche-Comté can sleep in style whilst remaining green at the Fontaine des Oiseaux – an 18th century bed and breakfast with eco-friendly fittings just half an hour away from Besançon. The paint used in the rooms is based on natural pigments, the insulation made out of environmentally friendly material, even electricity cables are reinforced to minimise the effects of electro-magnetic waves. Organic produce is also available at breakfast including owner Joël Rième’s homemade honey.

“Maison at Home” is another stylish yet eco-friendly base for holidaymakers in the Jura Mountains. Situated in a contemporary building, the B&B features four individually decorated rooms fitted with creature comforts such as Jacuzzis in two of the rooms. Green credentials include solar heating system, recycled rainwater and the use of local materials like Jura stones for the bathrooms. More at Maison-athome.com.

Those wishing to leave the car behind on holiday in Franche-Comté will be spoilt for choice as options to discover the area on foot, on skis, on horseback or by bike are plentiful. Walking with a donkey in the Jura Mountains is a favourite with families, and these sturdy walkers are ideal travelling companions for children.

A trip to the Maison de l’Environnement on the banks of the Malsaucy lake is another pleasant yet educational day out for the whole family. The Maison de l’Environnement aims to educate visitors on the impact of human waste with exhibitions and events. “Nos Poubelle Années”, the current exhibition available until mid-December, uses waste to create a fairground setting with the goal of raising awareness about this particular issue.

A spot of gastro-shopping before stepping back on the train is a must and gourmands can take their pick from a large offering of organic shops. For crusty organic French bread, visitors can head to the Bourdier Farm in Lavans-Vuillafans whilst the Fuitière of Chapelle des Bois has been providing organic Comté cheese since 1976.

With eco-friendly accommodation, transportation and activities, Franche-Comté is the ideal destination for all those wishing to remain green on holidays.

For more information visit Franche-comte.org.