Franches-Montagnes, Switzerland

Saignelégier, district capital of Franches-Montagnes, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goumois-2009.jpg
Author: Roland Zumbuehl


Franches-Montagnes is one of the three districts within Jura canton in Switzerland. It covers 200.18 sq km (77.3 sq mi) and has a population of around 10,000 people (2011 estimate). The predominantly French-speaking district is within the Jura mountains and comprises a number of small villages. The main town and district capital is Saignelégier.

The Franches-Montagnes area dates back to the 14th century. It was owned by the prince-bishop of Basel. the area is located between 1,000 m and 1,100 m (3,300 to 3,600 ft) above sea level.

Frances-Montagnes hosts an annual horse fair on the second week of August. It is a time when horse sellers, competitors and admirers come from all over Switzerland to the otherwise quiet district.

Visiting Franches-Montagnes

Take a train from Geneva or Lausanne to Saignelégier.

Church in Montfaucon, Franches-Montagnes district, Jura canton
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Montfaucon_preghejo_054.JPG
Author: Dietrich Michael Weidmann

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