Doubs

The department spans 5,234 square kilometers between the Jura mountains and Swiss border, containing three administrative districts centered around Besançon, Montbéliard, and Pontarlier.

Created on March 4, 1790 during the French Revolution from the former province of Franche-Comté, the department later incorporated the republic of Mandeure in 1793.

The northern regions traditionally spoke Franc-Comtois while the southern areas used Arpitan dialect, both coexisting with French until the 20th century.

The department contains 594 municipalities and maintains 170 kilometers of border with Switzerland, serving as a major gateway through the Pontarlier mountain pass.

The department houses the birthplace of automotive manufacturer Peugeot and maintains strong industrial presence while preserving extensive natural water resources including 1,645 kilometers of rivers.

Location: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Inception: March 4, 1790

Capital city: Besançon

Shares border with: Jura, Territoire de Belfort, Haute-Saône, Canton of Neuchâtel, Canton of Jura, Canton of Vaud

Website: https://doubs.fr

GPS coordinates: 47.16667,6.41667

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:40