At 1,247 metres, Ballon d’Alsace is the highest point in Territoire de Belfort; its 360-degree viewpoint offers panoramic views. The département is also the only French département where two mountain ranges meet. Its notable landscape features also include an abundance of ponds.
Territoire de Belfort is home to more than 2,000 ponds, including Malsaucy, Véronne, Forges, Seigneurie and Verchat. The Étang Verchat in Joncherey is known for its reflections. Discovery trails at Ballon d’Alsace, Malsaucy, and near Forges and Verchat introduce visitors to local wildlife and plant life.
Hiking trails, nature and cycling routes
Between the southern Vosges and the Jura, there are marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, including options for beginners and families. The département has a total of 1,246 kilometres of marked trails. The Véronne trail is described as wheelchair-accessible and suitable for pushchairs; check this accessibility information before your visit.
The Parc Aventure du Ballon d’Alsace has 120 workshops and 11 courses of varying difficulty for visitors aged three and over. The offering may change; check before visiting. A specific cycling route runs for 40 kilometres in the south of the département, from Belfort to Porrentruy via Delle: the FrancoVéloSuisse.
Winter at Ballon d’Alsace
The seasonal winter sports offering includes both alpine and Nordic activities. Ballon d’Alsace has 14 alpine ski runs: six green, three blue, three red and two black. Ballon d’Alsace is also designated as Nordic France. The Nordic offering includes six cross-country ski trails across a groomed area of 22 kilometres.
A black run connects Ballon d’Alsace with Planche des Belles-Filles. It is 21 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 517 metres. Five snowshoe trails, open to everyone, start at the Maison du tourisme and in Gentiane. The availability of winter activities depends on conditions and operations; check the latest information before visiting.
Culture and discoveries at Malsaucy
Around 50 historic monuments are listed or registered, including museums, churches and castles. Attractions to visit in Belfort include the Citadelle and the Lion de Bartholdi. In Froidefontaine, the Romanesque apse of a former Cluniac Benedictine priory has been preserved. It dates from the 12th century.
The Presqu’île du Malsaucy is a leisure centre and the venue for the Festival des Eurockéennes. The festival is considered international and a springboard for young artists. The Maison départementale de l’environnement at Malsaucy offers free year-round exhibitions and activities about local wildlife and plant life. Programme details may change.
Regional cuisine
The cuisine of Territoire de Belfort brings together Alsatian and Franche-Comté traditions, including Munster AOP. Belflore is described as a regional dessert made with almond meringue, hazelnuts and raspberry jam. Cancoillotte is also made locally: one local producer uses butter and metton from Doubs and works with a short supply chain. If you plan to visit the producer, check the latest visitor information in advance.
Plan your journey
Territoire de Belfort has three railway stations, including Belfort-Montbéliard TGV station. The A36 also serves the département. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is less than an hour’s drive away. As journey times depend on traffic, check your route before setting off.
Discover more destinations
Giromagny, Offemont, Buc, Bessoncourt, Belfort, Villars-Le-Sec, Lepuix, Andelnans, Danjoutin, Bavilliers, Novillard, Bourogne, Suarce, Autrechêne, Cravanche, Auxelles-Haut, Lachapelle-Sous-Chaux, Grosne, Chaux, Meroux, Frais, Grosmagny, Rougegoutte and Essert.
For the broader travel overview: Franche Comte.
