Dole is a commune in the Jura département in France, of which it is a 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 Philip the Good of Burgundy in 1422, was also transferred to Besançon at that time.

Geography

Dole is located on the Doubs River. The commune has a land area of 38.38 km² (14.82 sq mi).

Demographics

As of the census of 1999, the population was .
The estimation for 2005 was .

It is the largest commune in Jura, although the préfecture (capital) resides in the commune of Lons-le-Saunier.

Miscellaneous

Dole was the birthplace of Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), microbiologist and chemist

The 1995 film, Happiness Is in the Field, was set in Dole.

Twin town

Dole is sister city to the following cities in two countries:

• 
  Lahr, Baden-Württemberg, Germany since 1962
• 
  Northwich, Cheshire, England

See also

• Communes of the Jura department

External links

• Official website (in French)

Dole Basilica: ,,

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