Between Burgundy and Franche-Comté, the town of Dole combines an exceptional history with the tranquil charm of its jealously guarded secrets.
Dole is a small town whose modest size gives no indication the treasures it has to offer. Capital of the County of Burgundy from the Middle Ages, for centuries the town was home to its parlement and university it has also seen many Renaissance-style patrician houses built, which still adorn the old town today.
Start your visit at Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, an impressive Gothic building that has just celebrated its 500th anniversary. Be sure to explore the streets around the church. You'll be won over by the facades of the town houses and by the beautiful chapels you'll encounter. Don't miss the quartier des Tanneurs and is famous canal, where you can a boat ride. The famous scientist Louis Pasteur was born in this area: one of the oldest town's oldest streets today bears his name and is home to Pasteur's birthplace, which has been turned into a science museum.
A little further down the road is the Grande Fontaine, known as the Fontaine des Lépreux, an underground spring that was turned into a washing basin in the 18th century. Everything you need for a spot of relaxation, right in the centre of town! Then follow the Tanneurs canal south to the Hôtel-Dieu, a former hospice recently turned into a media centre. The inner courtyard is worth a visit, especially on sunny days...
There are several ways to get to Dole. Halfway between Dijon and Besançon, the town is easy to get to by car, being located at the intersection of the A36 and A39 motorways. Dole also has a high-speed train station and is 2 and a quarter hours away from Paris. Dole-Jura airport is also around six miles from the town.
Make the most of your stay and discover the beautiful Jura landscapes: the Forest of Chaux, one of the largest forests in France, is just near the town!
