Lauffens

Lauffens is a small commune located in the Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France. Geographically, it lies at an elevation ranging from 470 to 770 metres above sea level, covering an area of approximately 4.6 square kilometres. The landscape is characterised by gently rolling hills, forested areas and a network of small streams that feed into the larger Doubs river system.

The earliest documented mention of Lauffens dates back to the medieval period, when it was part of the seigneurie of Besançon. Over the centuries the village remained a quiet rural community, largely focused on agriculture and forestry. In the 19th and 20th centuries, small-scale textile manufacturing and wood processing provided additional employment. Today Lauffens is largely residential, with many inhabitants commuting to nearby larger towns for work, such as Besançon and Montbéliard.

According to the latest census, the population of Lauffens is about 350 residents. The demographic profile is characterised by a mix of families, retirees and a small proportion of young professionals. The local economy is supported by small businesses, local services and a number of farms that cater primarily to the regional market.

Local governance is headed by a mayor and a municipal council, with the current mayor serving a six‑year term. The commune participates in the intercommunal community of Loue‑Val d’Ajoie, which coordinates economic development, environmental protection and public services across several neighbouring communes.

Points of interest in Lauffens include the 12th‑century Saint‑Pierre church, which features a modest Romanesque nave and a later Gothic bell tower, and the natural pond at the outskirts of the village that is popular for birdwatching. Entrance to the communal forested areas is freely available for hikers and cyclists, and the village hosts an annual summer market that showcases local produce and crafts.