Frotey-lès-Lure is a commune in the Haute‑Saône department of the Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté region in eastern France. The municipality lies within the arrondissement of Lure and the canton of Lure‑2, and it is a member of the Communauté de communes du Pays de Lure inter‑communal structure.
Geography
The village is situated in the north‑eastern part of the Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté region, close to the Vosges foothills and not far from the borders of the Territoire de Belfort and the Doubs department. The commune covers an area of 7.21 km² (721 ha), with elevations ranging from 292 m to 332 m above sea level. The landscape consists of gently rolling plains, a central hill, and extensive woodlands that account for roughly 39 % of the territory. Numerous ponds dot the area, and a tributary of the Ognon river flows through the western woods.
Demography
As of 2023, Frotey-lès-Lure had a population of 689 inhabitants, known as Froteysiens. The population density is approximately 96 inhabitants per square kilometre. The commune is classified by INSEE as a “bourg rural,” indicating a low‑density rural settlement outside any urban unit.
Administration
The current mayor is Christian Laroche, serving a term from 2020 to 2026. The commune’s INSEE code is 70260 and its postal code is 70200.
Economy and Land Use
Agriculture remains the dominant economic activity. According to the European Corine Land Cover database (2018), agricultural land accounts for about 49 % of the commune’s surface, with forests covering 39 %, heterogeneous agricultural zones 24.5 %, pastures 21.6 %, and urbanised areas 11.5 %. The local urban plan is coordinated through the inter‑communal PLUi (Plan Local d’Urbanisme Intercommunal) of the Pays de Lure.
History and Toponymy
Historical records show the settlement’s name evolving from “Frostier” (1178) to “Froustier” (1295) and “Frostey” in the 15th century, before adopting its present form. In earlier periods, the inhabitants were referred to as “Caget,” a name that has since fallen out of use.
Transport
Frotey-lès-Lure is served by a junction with the RN 19 (part of the E54 European route), providing connections to Lure, Vesoul, Luxeuil‑les‑Bains and the Belfort‑Héricourt‑Montbéliard conurbation.
Climate
The commune experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with semi‑continental influences. Average annual temperatures are around 10 °C, and yearly precipitation totals roughly 1 250 mm. Winters can be cold, with occasional frost, while summers are mild to warm.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
The village centre features a 13th‑century church built of Vosgian sandstone and a wash‑house fountain dating from 1881. The surrounding landscape, including the nearby Vosges foothills, offers scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Note: All data are derived from publicly available French governmental and statistical sources as of 2024.