Gray 5.03

Gray is a commune in the Haute-Saône department in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France. It has a population of 6,175 inhabitants (2007).GeographyGray is situated on the banks of the Saône River. It is the last major town in Franche-Comté before the Saône flows into Burgundy.HistoryIt was, since the Middle Ages, an important river port, an important trading center in Franche-Comté.Gray is believed to have acquired its name from an old landed estate in its vicinity owned by a family with Gallo-Roman origins bearing the name "Gradus", cognate with the Celtic "Grady" meaning "illustrious" or "noble".SightsThe town includes many old buildings. An 18th century stone bridge spans the Saône river, connecting the main town with the settlement of Arc les Gray. Gray is a popular place for fishing and various water activities.Gray's Basilica (Basilique Notre Dame) was built from 1478 to 1559, with a bell tower typical of Franche-Comté.An art museum, the Musée Château Baron Martin, is housed in the Château of the Count of Provence, brother of Louis XVI, which in the 18th century replaced the fortress belonging to the Dukes of Burgundy. The 12th century "Paravis Tower" is the last remnant of the fortress and offers a panoramic view of the Saône Valley. The museum displays some 1200 pieces of art from the 15th to the 20th century throughout 24 rooms.