France-Compté
Franche-Comte (Franche-Comté)
The Franche-Comte is on the eastern side of France and borders with Switzerland.
In the lower Jura, Doubs valley, mountain area the agriculture is mainly dairy, some wine. Another very important industry is the production of cheese but there are also forestry, optical & furniture industries.
It was also known as the 'Free County' as opposed to the Duchy of Burgundy and also whilst the famous Burgundian Dukes where in power, France Comte was also part of the Hapsburg house of Austria, finally becoming part of France in 1674.
The area is known for automobile construction, forestry and cattle and dairy farming with 40 million tons of cheese produced each year from the Franche Comte dairies.
Number Département Capital
39 Jura Lons le Saunier
25 Doubs Besançon
70 Saône Vesoul
90 Territoire de Belfort Belfort
