The regional coat of arms has remained popular and continues to be proudly displayed. Once a symbol of resistance, today it is the supreme Comtois emblem. Without forgetting the famous historical device which accompanies it.
The Comtois Lion
The Comtois Lion can be traced back to the year 1271 and the most French of the Counts of Burgundy, Othon IV. Adopting the lion of Burgundy in his coat of arms instead of the German eagle was a way to express his resistance to Germany's pretensions to French territory (1) and (2).
The armorial bearings can be described thus: The great golden lion of Burgundy clad in armour and decorated with gaping enamelled heads, against an azur gold studded background (1) and (4).
Details of its evolution and spread
In the 16th century a crown representing the County was placed over the lion's head and a golden fleece round his neck. However these added decorations never become official and other variations on the motif continue to appear . (1) (2) and (4).
Edgar Faure, President of the Regional Council from 1982 to 1988, with the firm intention of reminding the Franche-Comté of its past, decided to supply each commune with its own flag figuring the lion's head. As the capital, the city of Besançon alone displays the complete armorial bearing (3) and (5).
