Discovering Haute-Saône (Department 70)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Haute-Saône (department 70) is one of the quieter and lesser-known departments of eastern France, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Bordering the Vosges and close to both Switzerland and Alsace, it offers rolling countryside, forests, rivers, lakes and charming market towns without the crowds found in many better-known parts of France.
For English-speaking people considering living in Haute-Saône, moving to Haute-Saône, retiring in Haute-Saône, or buying a holiday home, the department offers excellent value for money, a relaxed pace of life and easy access to nature. It particularly appeals to those who enjoy rural living, outdoor activities and traditional French communities rather than busy tourist destinations.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Bourgogne-Franche-Comté |
Historic name | Part of the historic province of Franche-Comté |
Department number | 70 |
Department capital | Vesoul |
Largest towns | Vesoul, Héricourt, Lure, Luxeuil-les-Bains, Gray |
Population | Approximately 235,000 |
Area | 5,360 km² |
Climate | Semi-continental with warm summers and cold winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, nature lovers, remote workers and second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes – highly recommended |
English-speaking community | Small but growing, mainly around larger towns and rural villages |
Lifestyle summary | Peaceful, affordable, rural and community-focused |
Why Choose Haute-Saône?
Many people discover Haute-Saône almost by accident. It rarely features on lists of France's most famous destinations, yet that is exactly what many residents appreciate. Life here is authentic, traditional and refreshingly unhurried.
Lifestyle
Daily life revolves around local markets, cafés, community events and the changing seasons. Rather than being driven by tourism, towns remain active throughout the year with local businesses serving residents.
People who enjoy walking, cycling, gardening, fishing or simply spending time outdoors often find Haute-Saône an ideal place to settle.
Community
The department has a welcoming rural atmosphere. Villages tend to have active local associations, festivals and communal events that make it easier for newcomers willing to participate.
While English is less commonly spoken than in heavily visited regions, many residents appreciate efforts to speak French, and friendships often develop through shared local interests.
Scenery
The landscape combines:
Large forests
Rivers and canals
Gentle hills
Agricultural countryside
Lakes
Spa towns
Historic villages
The Plateau des Mille Étangs ("Plateau of a Thousand Ponds") is particularly well known for its peaceful scenery and wildlife.
Accessibility
Although rural, Haute-Saône enjoys reasonable connections to:
Besançon
Dijon
Belfort
Mulhouse
Switzerland
Germany
Major motorways nearby provide access to eastern France and neighbouring countries.
Food
The department showcases the hearty cuisine of Franche-Comté including:
Regional cheeses
Smoked meats
Fresh river fish
Mushrooms
Game
Traditional pastries
Local markets provide excellent seasonal produce throughout the year.
Culture
Rather than large international attractions, Haute-Saône offers:
Historic churches
Traditional villages
Local festivals
Thermal spa heritage
Artisan producers
Rural traditions
Its culture feels genuinely local rather than designed for visitors.
Property
One of Haute-Saône's greatest attractions is affordability.
Buyers often find:
Traditional stone farmhouses
Village homes
Country cottages
Renovation projects
Character properties with land
Budgets stretch considerably further than in many western or southern French departments.
Pace of Life
Life moves slowly.
Shops often close at lunchtime, Sundays remain quiet, and neighbours generally know one another. For many retirees and remote workers this slower rhythm becomes one of the department's greatest attractions.
Haute-Saône Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable property, peaceful communities and excellent countryside. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe towns, good schools and outdoor activities, although employment opportunities are more limited. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent value property with little mass tourism. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Opportunities exist in tourism, local services and online businesses, though the local market is relatively small. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasingly reliable internet in many areas and an excellent quality of life. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Superb walking, cycling, fishing and nature. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Limited nightlife and shopping compared with larger cities. |
Popular Places to Live
Vesoul
Description
The departmental capital combines shopping, healthcare, administration and a pleasant historic centre.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Professionals
Advantages
Good healthcare
Wide range of shops
Schools
Regular markets
Rail connections
Things to consider
Busier than much of the department
Limited nightlife
Luxeuil-les-Bains
Description
A beautiful spa town known for thermal baths, elegant architecture and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for
Retirees
Wellness enthusiasts
Second-home owners
Advantages
Attractive town centre
Spa facilities
Good amenities
Historic character
Things to consider
Tourism increases during spa season.
Lure
Description
A traditional market town between the Vosges and Vesoul.
Ideal for
Families
Commuters
Remote workers
Advantages
Affordable housing
Shops
Schools
Good road access
Things to consider
Smaller employment market.
Gray
Description
Situated on the River Saône, Gray offers beautiful riverside scenery and impressive historic buildings.
Ideal for
Retirees
History lovers
Boaters
Advantages
Attractive architecture
Relaxed pace
Riverside walks
Things to consider
Fewer employment opportunities.
Héricourt
Description
Close to Belfort and Montbéliard, Héricourt provides easier access to larger employment centres.
Ideal for
Working families
Cross-border commuters
Advantages
Convenient transport
Larger shopping facilities nearby
Practical location
Things to consider
Less rural than other parts of the department.
Ronchamp
Description
A small town internationally recognised for its remarkable modern chapel.
Ideal for
Culture lovers
Retirees
Holiday home owners
Advantages
Beautiful countryside
Quiet lifestyle
Historic importance
Things to consider
Limited everyday amenities.
Faucogney-et-la-Mer
Description
A charming village close to forests and the Thousand Ponds area.
Ideal for
Nature lovers
Walkers
Remote workers
Advantages
Stunning surroundings
Strong community atmosphere
Excellent outdoor recreation
Things to consider
Rural services are limited.
Cost of Living
Haute-Saône remains one of the more affordable departments in eastern France.
Property affordability
Property prices are generally well below the national average, particularly in villages and smaller towns. Buyers can often find larger homes with gardens or land for considerably less than in more popular regions.
Shopping
Daily shopping costs are broadly similar to elsewhere in France, with supermarkets available in larger towns alongside independent bakeries, butchers and weekly markets.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher during the colder winters, particularly in older stone properties. Many homes have been upgraded for improved energy efficiency, but checking energy ratings remains important before purchasing.
Eating out
Restaurants generally offer good quality and excellent value, particularly traditional local establishments serving regional cuisine.
General value for money
For those seeking space, tranquillity and affordable living, Haute-Saône offers outstanding overall value.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good considering the department's rural nature.
Main hospitals
Healthcare centres are located in:
Vesoul
Lure
Luxeuil-les-Bains
Gray
Larger specialist hospitals are available in nearby Besançon, Belfort and Montbéliard.
Healthcare availability
Residents generally have good access to GPs, dentists, pharmacies and community healthcare services, although waiting times vary by location.
Access to specialists
Many specialist appointments involve travelling to larger regional hospitals.
Pharmacies
Every sizeable town has pharmacies, with emergency services available outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
France's healthcare system remains highly regarded. Rural residents should expect occasional travel for specialist treatment but benefit from excellent overall standards of care.
Education
Families relocating to Haute-Saône have access to a good range of education.
Schools
The department offers:
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Colleges
Vocational and further education facilities are available locally, with universities nearby in Besançon, Belfort and Dijon.
International options
There are very few international schools within Haute-Saône itself. Families seeking English-language education may need to consider schools in neighbouring departments or distance learning.
Language schools
French language classes are commonly available through adult education organisations and local associations.
Getting Around
Airports
The nearest airports include:
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
Dole-Jura
Strasbourg
Dijon (limited services)
International travellers also use Geneva Airport.
Rail
Vesoul, Lure and Luxeuil-les-Bains provide rail services linking with larger regional cities.
Roads
The road network is generally excellent, making driving straightforward throughout the department.
Public transport
Bus services connect many towns but are relatively limited in rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. A car is essential for most residents, particularly outside the larger towns.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Vesoul | Thursday |
Luxeuil-les-Bains | Saturday |
Gray | Tuesday |
Lure | Tuesday |
Héricourt | Friday |
Ronchamp | Sunday (seasonal and local markets) |
Jussey | Friday |
Dampierre-sur-Salon | Monday |
Local Food & Drink
Haute-Saône is known for excellent regional produce including:
Comté cheese
Morbier cheese
Cancoillotte cheese
Smoked sausage
Morteau sausage
River trout
Fresh pike
Wild mushrooms
Game dishes
Honey
Artisan chocolates
Regional craft beers
Kirsch
Wines from nearby Jura and Burgundy
Things to Do
There is plenty to enjoy throughout the year.
Historic sites
Ronchamp Chapel
Luxeuil Abbey
Historic centres of Vesoul and Gray
Medieval villages
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
Horse riding
Fishing
Canoeing
Wildlife watching
Museums
Local history museums
Mining heritage
Industrial collections
Regional art exhibitions
Festivals
Summer music festivals
Food festivals
Christmas markets
Village celebrations
Agricultural fairs
Nature
The department is ideal for exploring:
Plateau des Mille Étangs
Forest trails
Rivers
Wetlands
Nature reserves
Family attractions
Families enjoy:
Adventure parks
Swimming lakes
Forest activity centres
Animal parks nearby
Cycling routes
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is used almost everywhere. Learning even basic conversational French will greatly improve daily life and help integrate into the community.
Rural living
Many villages have limited shops and services. Planning ahead becomes part of everyday life.
Internet
Broadband continues to improve, with fibre available in many towns and expanding into rural areas. Always check availability before buying a property if remote working is important.
Seasonal tourism
Unlike many French departments, Haute-Saône experiences relatively modest tourism. This creates a stable year-round community and avoids significant seasonal fluctuations.
Climate
Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, particularly in higher areas.
Community life
Local clubs, associations, sports groups and village events provide excellent opportunities to meet people. Becoming involved in community activities is one of the easiest ways to settle successfully.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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