Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

 

Doubs

Doubs

Details
Information
Number 25
Region Franche-Comté
Prefecture Besançon
Subprefectures Montbéliard
Pontarlier
Population


 - Total (1999)
 - Density

Ranked 51st


499,062


95 /km²
Area 5,234 km²
Arrondissements 3
Cantons 35
Communes 594
President of the
general council
 
Location
Location of du Doubs in France


Doubs is a département in eastern France named after the Doubs River.

Contents

History

Doubs was one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Franche-Comté.

In 1793, the republic of Mandeure was added to the department, and in 1816 the principality of Montbéliard.

Doubs was important as a portal to Switzerland through the pass at Joux. Many famous people, including Mirabeau and Heinrich von Kleist, were imprisoned in the Château de Joux.

Geography

Doubs is part of the current region of Franche-Comté and is surrounded by the French departments of Jura, Haute-Saône, and Territoire de Belfort, and the Swiss cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel, and Jura.

The department is dominated by the Jura mountains, which rise east of Besançon.

Demographics

The inhabitants of the department are called Doubiens.

Tourism

The castles at Joux and Besançon are important tourist destinations.

External links



Doubs is also a commune of the Doubs département.

Last updated: 10-24-2005 12:14:21
Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46