Attractions and Places To See around Montagney - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Montagney offer a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty within the Haute-Saône department of France. The region is characterized by its position in the Ognon Valley, a Natural Area of Ecological, Floristic, and Faunistic Interest. Visitors can explore a variety of landmarks, from ancient abbeys to industrial heritage sites. This area provides opportunities to discover the historical and natural features of Franche-Comté.
Best attractions and places to see around Montagney
- The…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Saint-Hilaire Gate
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The Forges of Pesmes
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For the "Musée des Forges" there are only …
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Historic Center of Marnay
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Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, due to its trade and its artisans. There …
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Royal House
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15th - 16th century
Monument
The initial function of this building remains obscure. The Royal House was probably integrated into the city's fortifications, constituting a real barrier between …
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Pesmes: Medieval town.
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Former strategic place on the way leading from Gray to Dole, Pesmes knew a turbulent history by the various occupations of which it was the object before becoming French …
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It was through the Saint-Hilaire gate that, in 1477, the French soldiers of Louis XI invaded the town. Using the Trojan Horse ruse, Marshal de Craon brought carts filled with barrels and wheat from the villages of Mutigney and Chassey. The inhabitants of Pesmes allowed the carts to enter, and as soon as they passed through the gate, the soldiers appeared.
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For over 300 years, the blast furnaces, renowned throughout France, produced cannonballs initially for the King's army and later for the armies of the Republic. From the 19th century onward, this industry shifted to manufacturing small agricultural and winemaking tools. Guided tours are available by reservation through Culture et Animations Pesmoises.
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With its imperial bell tower typical of the Franche-Comté region, the Church invites you to travel back in time through its construction where the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries intertwine and offers you a journey through varied artistic influences: Burgundian, Comtois and Champenoise.
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Characterful Comtoise town which was part of the Holy Roman Empire until the treaty of 1678. Very prosperous in the Middle Ages, due to its trade and its artisans. There has been a cloth hall there since the 14th century, after Jeanne de Bourgogne, countess of Franche-Comté and queen of King Philippe V the Long of France, brought weavers from Paris there. From June 14, 1354 and until the Revolution, the bourgeoisie of Marnay had a charter of emancipation which ensured them security and abundance - "anyone who has a house and keeps fire in the village will be bourgeois". This charter allowed residents to administer the city themselves and thus build ramparts and set up the individual gardens that can still be found there today.
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The Saint-Hilaire church originally dates from the 12th century and was remodeled in the late Gothic style in the early 17th century. It is richly decorated: an alabaster altar in the side chapel of d'Andelot (15th century) decorated with Renaissance-style marble, a marble statue of Mary (15th century) by Jean de La Huerta, a triptych (16th century) by Jacques Prévost, furniture, paneling and statues from the 16th to 18th centuries, a pulpit (16th century) by Claude Le Rupt and numerous tombstones. The former priory chapel has also been preserved. A stone cross from the 14th century stands in the cemetery; other stone wayside crosses from this period can be found in the town.
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15th century fortified house Private historical monument Guided tours by appointment from May 1 to September 30 Tel: 03 84 31 23 23
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Royal House 15th - 16th century Monument The initial function of this building remains obscure. The Royal House was probably integrated into the city's fortifications, constituting a real barrier between the border district and the town. This defensive role is suggested by the presence, on the southeast facade (river side), of loopholes and firing points. The large interior volume also suggests that the building was used as a warehouse.
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The 16th century Porte Saint-Hilaire is one of only two surviving gates out of the six known in Pesmes. The Saint-Hilaire gate, not benefiting from the natural protection of a rocky escarpment, was undoubtedly the most exposed to external attacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Montagney?
Montagney and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Saint-Hilaire Gate in Pesmes, one of only two surviving gates from the 16th century, and its adjacent church. Another significant site is The Forges of Pesmes, an industrial metallurgical establishment from 1660 that produced cannonballs for centuries. Don't miss the remarkably well-preserved Forge de Montagney, a blast furnace classified as a historical monument, offering a discovery trail about its industrial past. The Historic Center of Marnay and the medieval town of Pesmes also offer glimpses into the region's rich heritage.
Are there any religious buildings or abbeys to visit near Montagney?
Yes, the region features notable religious architecture. Acey Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1136, is located about 2.7 kilometers from Montagney in Vitreux. It is considered the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Franche-Comté and is still occupied by monks. Additionally, the Saint-Hilaire church, part of the Saint-Hilaire Gate complex in Pesmes, dates back to the 12th century and features an imperial bell tower typical of the Franche-Comté region.
What natural attractions can I find in the Montagney area?
The Ognon Valley, where Montagney is situated, is recognized as a Natural Area of Ecological, Floristic, and Faunistic Interest, offering picturesque landscapes. While not directly in Montagney, the Grottes d'Osselle, located about 21.1 kilometers away, are a significant natural cave system. The Jardins aquatiques d'Acorus, approximately 14.4 kilometers from Montagney in Autoreille, also provide a serene natural environment.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Montagney?
The area around Montagney offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like "Between forges and forests" or "The Forges of Pesmes – Saint-Hilaire Gate loop from Pesmes." Mountain biking enthusiasts can try trails such as "Shelter on the Way of St. James. – Historic Center of Marnay loop from Chenevrey-et-Morogne." Road cyclists have options like the "Dole – Rhine-Rhône Canal loop from Ougney." You can find more details and routes on the respective guide pages for hiking, MTB trails, and road cycling routes around Montagney.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Montagney?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Saint-Hilaire Gate and its church offer an engaging historical visit. Acey Abbey provides a peaceful and educational experience. The Historic Center of Marnay is also listed as family-friendly, allowing for a pleasant stroll through a characterful Comtoise town. The discovery trail at the Forge de Montagney, detailing the process "from ore to cannonballs," can also be an interesting educational outing for families.
Where can I find information about the industrial heritage of the area?
The industrial heritage is prominently featured at The Forges of Pesmes, a 17th-century metallurgical establishment that now houses a museum. The Forge de Montagney, a well-preserved blast furnace, also offers a discovery trail, "du minerai aux boulets" (from ore to cannonballs), showcasing its history in metallurgy and featuring a collection of cast-iron stoves and reconstructed workers' houses.
What are some unique cultural experiences or hidden gems around Montagney?
Beyond the main historical sites, consider visiting the Parc de sculptures Château Sainte-Marie in Malans, about 6.2 kilometers from Montagney, which offers a cultural experience within its grounds. The Château de Cordiron, with its defensive tower dating back to 1237, provides a glimpse into medieval architecture. The Chapelle de Leffond, erected on a small hill overlooking the Colombine stream, has origins dating back to 1067 and offers a serene historical spot.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Montagney?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and well-preserved architecture. The Saint-Hilaire Gate is noted for its historical significance and the intricate details of the Saint-Hilaire church. The Forges of Pesmes are valued as a monument of the industrial age, with visitors often enjoying the small island hike nearby. Acey Abbey is admired for being the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Franche-Comté.
Are there any medieval towns or villages worth visiting near Montagney?
Yes, the region boasts charming medieval towns. Pesmes is a notable medieval town with a rich heritage, including remains of its castle and the Saint-Hilaire church. The Historic Center of Marnay is another characterful Comtoise town that was part of the Holy Roman Empire, known for its medieval prosperity and well-preserved architecture.
Can I find camping facilities or accommodation near Montagney's attractions?
While specific accommodation details for each attraction are not provided, several camping sites are located in the vicinity of Montagney, offering options for outdoor leisure. These include Woka Camping Green Lagoon (8.8km away), Woka Camping La Colombiere (7.2km away), and Camping de l'île (16.1km away).
What is the significance of the Ognon river in the Montagney area?
The Ognon river plays a significant role in the region's geography and history. Montagney itself is located in the Ognon Valley, which is recognized as a Natural Area of Ecological, Floristic, and Faunistic Interest. Many key historical sites, such as the Forge de Montagney and The Forges of Pesmes, are situated on its banks. Acey Abbey also stands on the banks of the Ognon, highlighting the river's importance to the area's development and natural beauty.
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