When Montbéliard lived to the rhythm of its princes
Located in the north of Franche-Comté and bordering Switzerland, the Montbéliard region stands out from the rest of the region because of its unique history. For four centuries, Montbéliard was the seat of the German princes of Würtemberg who left their mark on the landscape and culture of this territory.
As soon as you arrive in the city, you are greeted by the silhouette of the castle of the Dukes of Würtemberg hanging on its rock. Its 15th and 16th century towers, Henriette and Frédéric, will catch your eye. Today, it houses archaeological collections and the Cuvier gallery, which reflects the work of the famous naturalist from Montbéliard. At its feet, small streets with colorful facades lead you into the heart of the city. Steeped in its Protestant culture, the city has a remarkable architecture symbolized by the Saint-Martin Temple built in 1601. Exceptional work is taking place inside. They allow the original decorations to be revealed. It will be open to the public again in March 2024. With the help of an audio guide, available at the Tourist Office, you can follow the work of the architect Heinrich Schickhardt, from the logis des Gentilshommes to the Souaberie. This route will take you through the trajes, small covered passages between two streets. Linger for a moment in front of the Pierre à Poissons. This large limestone slab has become the symbol of the development of Protestantism in these lands. To go deeper into the subject, the temple itinerary will take you to discover this unique architecture in France.
If you are a lover of old stones, the ancient theater of Mandeure is accessible all year long. It is one of the largest in Gaul. While strolling in its terraces, you will feel the atmosphere which reigned there during the great Roman festivals.
But the Montbéliard region has not remained frozen in its past and is moving in a 10-hectare park located between the Rhone-Rhine canal and the Allan river. At the end of the park, the Science Pavilion offers new exhibitions all year round.
The Montbéliard region has been awarded the "Pays d'Art et d'Histoire" label and is an invitation to be surprised during your walks. Before going through the countryside, make a detour to the Sacré-Coeur church in Audincourt to admire Fernand Léger's stained glass windows.
Now it's time to explore the villages and landscapes surrounding the city. Along the roads, it is impossible not to notice the red and white dress of the Montbeliarde cows. This breed born here, recognized since 1889, is inseparable from the Montbéliard landscapes and its milk is at the origin of the famous Comté cheese.
And what better than the mythical 302 Peugeot to make this journey in the Montbeliarde land! This trip is possible thanks to the Tourist Office which, in partnership with the association of the "vieux volants francs-comtois", promises you an unforgettable adventure, from the castle of the dukes to the fort of Mont Bart.
This weekend in the Pays de Montbéliard is also an opportunity to take a deep breath of air. Located in the foothills of the Jura, the territory is punctuated with various natural sites. The Crêt des Roches, a Natura 2000 site, is the perfect place to observe the local flora and fauna such as the red kite. A few kilometers away, in a bucolic setting, let yourself be carried away by the sound of water near the Doue spring which gushes out of a cave at the foot of the limestone plateaus. The place is ideal for a family picnic.
If you are looking for a more serene nature, the Princes' ponds will enchant you. Located in the heart of the Rupt valley, these ponds were created by the Würtemberg. Today they have regained their wild side. During a 3-hour hike, you will meet different species of ducks, frogs... hidden in the aquatic flora.
So that this nature has no more secrets for you, make a detour by the Damassine. Located in Vandoncourt (labeled city of character of Burgundy-Franche-Comté), the House of nature and orchards immerses you in the world of fruit through exhibitions and a botanical garden. Not far from there, a hiking path will lead you to the Sarrazin Bridge, this natural arch of 10 meters high dug by natural erosion in the limestone will certainly surprise you!
A land of know-how
The Montbéliard region has long been a land of innovation. From Peugeot to Japy, via Oehmichen who flew his first helicopter in Arbouans, the region is steeped in its industrial past.
Less well known to the general public, the textile industry also has its own unique history: the verquelure! This hemp fabric is emblematic of the Pays de Montbéliard, recognizable by its pattern of checks of two or three colors, it was originally used for bed linen. It was originally used for bed linen, but the Tourist Office has brought it up to date and it is now available in the form of many souvenirs.
But the name of Montbéliard resounds in everyone's ears with its unavoidable sausage. Produced here since the 14th century, it has benefited from its PGI since 2013. A flagship product of Montbéliard gastronomy, its light cumin flavor goes perfectly with some potatoes and the inevitable cancoillotte. It is available in the region's restaurants; and to fully immerse yourself in the culinary art of Montbéliard, let yourself be tempted by the paipéfier with 100% local flavors!
And what would a stay in the Montbéliard region be without a little cheese? Comté cheese, mild, fruity or aged, awaits you in the cheese dairies and fruit farms. Produced from the milk of the Montbéliarde cow, this PDO cheese respects strict specifications.
And to help you discover these skills, a route is being drawn up and will soon offer you visits to workshops, demonstrations, courses... (ask at the Tourist Office).
To accompany the digestion, and for the most sporty among you, the Montbéliard region can also be discovered by bike. If you did not come with your two-wheeler, no problem, you will find at the Tourist Office all the necessary equipment to ride along the 160 km of bike paths, including 90 km of greenways, along the canals and rivers that run between the valleys. It is the ideal way to discover the bell towers of the temples, the fountains, the wash houses and the traditional farms that dot the surrounding villages. For the more ambitious, Montbéliard is on the route of the Eurovélo 6. This is the opportunity to make the City of Princes the starting point of a unique journey towards the Atlantic or Eastern Europe!
For thrill seekers, the Montbéliard region is an ideal playground. The leisure center located in Brognard covers 120 hectares around 5 lakes where you can practice sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, water skiing... and nothing prevents you from sunbathing on its fine sandy beach.
When the city is adorned with light
From the end of November to the end of December, the streets of the city sparkle. During its Christmas market in the historical center, around the Saint-Martin temple, the whole city is in effervescence. More than 180 chalets animate the heart of the market, local and national craftsmen, gastronomy and popular traditions invite you to dive into the magic of the holidays through the aromatic scents of mulled wine and gingerbread. At the heart of this bustle, the Aunt Airie is waiting to guide you through one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe!
The numerous facilities of the Montbéliard region, MA Scène Nationale, the Moloco, the Axone, the 19 Centre régional d'Art contemporain... participate in the cultural life of the region. It is therefore no coincidence that the entire region invites you to take a "step aside" in 2024! Labelled French Capital of Culture 2024, the region is preparing to offer an exceptional program open to all and close to everyone.
FUTURE INFO
When will it be held?
The Pays de Montbéliard opens its doors to you all year round, so it's up to you to concoct your program according to the season you choose. In spring, the Près-la-Rose park and the surrounding nature are reborn in an explosion of colors and with the awakening of the birds. The numerous waterways and shady streets always offer a little coolness under the summer sun. If the weather is not so good, you can always find an indoor activity, a visit to the castle of the Dukes of Würtemberg, the Peugeot Adventure Museum or the Mont Bart fort. If you choose to come in winter, the month of December is the best time. It offers the possibility to discover the City of Princes through the magic of its Christmas market.
Duration
An extended weekend will allow you to discover the must-see attractions of the Montbéliard region, but don't hesitate to extend your stay to take the time to discover all the richness of its territory.
Budget
Count between 11 € per night in a campsite and 110 € in a downtown hotel. For meals, plan on about 30 € for a menu in a restaurant offering regional cuisine.
Public
Whether you are a family, a young retiree or a backpacker, the wide range of activities available means that everyone can find something to enjoy.
The advantages
- A unique heritage in France due to the past of this territory.
- Between town and country, a setting that is always different.
- A gastronomy rich in flavors.
The minuses
- Weekends, during the Christmas period, bring many visitors. For more tranquility, prefer weekdays.
How to get there
By train, Montbéliard is served by 2 stations: Montbéliard-ville located in the center brings you directly to the foot of its castle, and the TGV station Belfort-Montbéliard which is 20 km away. TER lines connect the two. By car, the territory is crossed by the A36 motorway which allows you to come from Dijon, Lyon or Strasbourg. It takes about 5 hours from Paris. By plane, Montbéliard is less than an hour from the Basel-Mulhouse airport. By boat, the City of Princes is crossed by the Rhone-Rhine canal. The Montbéliard marina is a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Useful
- PAYS DE MONTBÉLIARD TOURISME - More information on the site
1, rue Henri Mouhot
25200 Montbéliard
Tel : 03 81 94 45 60
