Dole (, sometimes pronounced ) is a commune in the eastern French department of Jura, of which it is a subprefecture (sous-préfecture).

History

Dole was the capital of Franche-Comté until Louis XIV conquered the region; he shifted the parlement from Dole to Besançon. The university, founded by Duke Philippe le Bon of Burgundy in 1422, was also transferred to Besançon at that time. In January 1573, Gilles Garnier was put to death after being found guilty of lycanthropy and witchcraft. He had confessed to murdering and cannibalizing at least six children. The 1995 film Happiness Is in the Field was set in Dole and The Widow Couderc was also partially filmed there.

Geography

Dole is located on the river Doubs. The commune has a land area of 38.38 km2.

Demographics

It is the most populous commune in Jura, although the préfecture is Lons-le-Saunier.

Transport

Dole-Ville station has rail connections to Dijon, Paris, Lausanne and Besançon. Dole – Jura Airport is located in the commune of Tavaux, 7 km southwest of Dole.

Famous residents

Museums

The Museum of Fine Arts, Dole founded in 1821, is located in the House of the Officers, an example of military architecture of Franche-Comté at the 18th century.

Twin towns and sister cities

Dole is twinned with:

Climate