IT'S a true testament to France's beauty that Franche Comte is known by so few. Stretching 200 kilometres along the French-Swiss border, this is one of the smallest regions in the country, yet it crams in two mountain ranges, France's second largest natural forest and some breathtaking countryside.

Despite its charms, this area is virtually unknown to many French people and almost all of the British.

Perhaps it is overshadowed by the nearby regions of Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne-Ardenne. The majesty of the Swiss Alps is undoubtedly more dramatic than the tamer slopes of the Vosges or the Jura. But those for who this region remains a mystery miss a place of strong culture and pride, and fabulous beauty.

Franche Comte is far from the driest of France's regions but that is a blessing in disguise.

The effect is a place of vivid green. The sparsely populated countryside - Franche Comte has an average population of 68 inhabitants per kilometre - has an incredibly striking colour as it rolls over hills, meadows and mile upon mile of natural woodland.

Thousands of lakes earn it the nickname "Little Scotland." Fast-flowing rivers create spectacular waterfalls, gorges and a myriad of caves. Others are perfect for water sports.

Contrasting with the countryside are Franche Comte's two main towns. Medieval Besancon, overlooked by its impressive fortress perched high on a cliff top and circled by the River Doubs, is the perfect base to see this region.

Right in the centre of Franche Comte, it is linked by TGV to Paris and Lille, with Eurostar connections to London. It is roughly seven hours from Waterloo.

Further to the north is Belfort, a more industrialised town with breathtaking military fortifications. Central to the plateau of defensive ramparts is the Belfort Lion, a huge stone statue which stands as a testament to the city's tradition of resistance to occupation - the population stood against religious reform from Switzerland, the French Revolution and the Second World War.

Belfort is now known across Europe as the home of the Eurokeenes festival, one of the biggest rock events on the continent which this year saw acts including Oasis and Macy Gray.

Wherever you are in France, some things don't change. Gastronomy is the pride of Franche Comte. Its regional specialities include Comte cheese, made for more than 1,000 years; wines from vineyards in Arbois, L'Etoile and Cotes de Jura, and Kirsch, a liqueur produced from locally grown cherries. These are only a few of the delicacies that locals urge you to try.

Franche Comte is a region seeped through with natural beauty, regional pride and history. It must be one of France's best kept secrets.

Adam Nichols travelled from York to London with GNER. His journey between London and Besancon was with Eurostar.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk

FACT FILE

Accommodation: very good

Food: excellent

Value for money: Cheap hotels

Things to do: Great for the outdoors

For more information on Franche Comte contact the France Information Line on 09068 244123.

Information on Eurostar and TGV can be gained by telephoning Rail Europe on 08705 848848, or by visiting the company's website at www.raileurope.co.uk.

PICTURE - Arbois, in the green countryside of France Comte