The World's Weirdest Breakaway Republics - La République du Saugeais

For a holiday with a difference, why not try going to a 'country' that doesn't even make it on to most maps? Around the world there are a series of odd little breakaway republics, principalities and micronations that have sprung up in bizarre circumstances. Such as...

La République du Saugeais
Where: Eastern France, right on the Swiss border.
The story: Possibly the only Republic in the world that started as a gag, Saugeais started on its road to independence when a local hotelier jokingly asked the visiting regional prefect if he had a passport to enter. The prefect then went and researched the area's history and decided it should indeed be independent. He declared the hotelier to be the president.
What to expect: Two retired farmers in fancy uniform man the border, while highlights for visitors include Montbenoît Abbey, lots of rolling countryside and plenty of cheese makers churning out the national cheese.

Search: Start your own country | World's smallest countries
Be there: Flights to France | France travel guide
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