Attractions and Places To See around Pesmes - Top 17
Best attractions and places to see around Pesmes include its historical architecture and natural setting along the Ognon River. Recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," Pesmes holds labels like "Cité de Caractère" and "Station Verte." The village features a rich heritage of fortified houses, medieval walls, and a significant 12th-century church. Its location provides opportunities for river activities and access to walking and cycling trails.
Best attractions and places to see around Pesmes
- The most popular attractions is Pontailler-sur-Saône, a settlement that offers shops, refreshments, and a safe swimming area. It provides a charming marina and playgrounds for children, with views of the Saône.
- Another must-see spot is Hermitage Cave, a natural monument and historical site located in the Serre massif. This prehistoric cave, shaped by erosion and human intervention, is a notable curiosity in a natural area suitable for mountain biking.
- Visitors also love Saint-Hilaire Gate, a historical site from the 16th century. It is one of only two remaining gates from the original six in Pesmes, showcasing the town's strategic past.
- Pesmes is known for its fortified houses, medieval architecture, and natural river features. The area offers a variety of historical sites, natural monuments, and settlements to explore.
- The attractions around Pesmes are appreciated by the komoot community, with 6 highlights receiving 15 upvotes and featuring 13 photos.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Saint-Hilaire Gate
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Forges of Pesmes
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
For the "Musée des Forges" there are only guided tours for groups of at least 4 people.
Please inquire here for more details:
Phone 06 79 85 59 87
email: CAP.Pesmes@free.fr
The Château des Forges, which is directly opposite the ironworks, dates from the late 17th century and was the residence of the ironworks owner. It is privately owned and cannot be visited.
Please make sure to do the small island hike. The footbridge, the barrage of the Ognon and the island that the Ognon forms here are well worth seeing.
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Pontailler-sur-Saône
Highlight • Settlement
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Hermitage Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Pesmes: Medieval town.
Highlight (Segment) • Other
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 only in 1678. The city has nonetheless preserved a rich heritage: remains of the castle, Saint-Hilaire church from the 13th and 16th centuries... doors. Along the charming Ognon river, the residences of notables and winegrowers' houses evoke the wine-growing past of the village.
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Tips from the Community
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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In the Serre massif, a natural area perfect for mountain biking, the Hermitage cave is a curiosity that invites you to take a break. If erosion has given the rock its particular shape, the human hand has also intervened in the shaping of the cave.
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A good place to stay overnight if you can find a free room.
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The town offers everything you need for a pleasant break: shops, refreshments at the bars, a safe swimming area at the beach, a charming marina, playgrounds for children, and a lovely view of the Saône.
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Prehistoric caves that look like a luxury house in the forest. A site to see!
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Pesmes?
Pesmes is rich in history, featuring numerous fortified houses and castles like the 18th-century Château des Forges and the 15th-century Château Rouillaud. You can also visit the 12th-century Saint-Hilaire Gate, one of the last remaining medieval gateways, and the historic Museum of Ancient Forges, which details the area's industrial past.
What outdoor activities are available along the Ognon River?
The Ognon River, flowing through Pesmes, offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along its banks, romantic picnics, or engage in water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. A nautical base is available for these activities, allowing you to see Pesmes from a unique perspective.
Are there walking or cycling trails around Pesmes?
Yes, Pesmes provides several accessible trails for walking and cycling, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscapes. For more structured routes, you can explore options like the 'Forges de Pesmes – Bicycle loop' for cycling or the 'Pesmes – Access to the Forges loop' for running. Find more routes in the Cycling around Pesmes and Running Trails around Pesmes guides.
Where can I find panoramic views of Pesmes and the surrounding area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the ramparts of Pesmes. From here, you can overlook the Ognon River and the picturesque countryside. The Joly Gardens also offer excellent vantage points, especially beautiful in autumn when the foliage displays coppery red and golden hues.
Are there family-friendly attractions or places for children in Pesmes?
Pesmes offers several family-friendly spots. The Pontailler-sur-Saône settlement provides playgrounds for children and a safe swimming area. Additionally, the Island of Sauvageonne is a peaceful, semi-shaded spot along the Ognon River with play areas for children, perfect for relaxing.
What is the significance of the Church of Saint-Hilaire?
The Church of Saint-Hilaire is a significant historical monument in Pesmes, dating back to the 12th century with Gothic additions from its 18th-century renovation. It features a distinctive Comtois bell tower with colorful glazed tiles. Inside, visitors can admire a high altar of carved gilt wood, a black marble and polished red stone pulpit, 16th-century statues, and decorative chapels.
What natural attractions are there near Pesmes?
Beyond the Ognon River, you can explore the peaceful Island of Sauvageonne, ideal for relaxation. A short drive away, the Chaux Forest offers numerous hiking routes and the chance to spot wildlife. Don't miss the Hermitage Cave, a prehistoric natural monument shaped by erosion and human intervention, located in the Serre massif.
What makes Pesmes a 'Most Beautiful Village in France'?
Pesmes earned its recognition as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' due to its exceptional architectural and historical heritage, combined with its stunning natural setting. The village boasts charming stone houses, medieval residences, narrow cobbled streets, and various architectural features like small towers, washhouses, and Renaissance facades, all set against the backdrop of the Ognon River.
Can I learn about the industrial history of Pesmes?
Yes, you can delve into Pesmes' industrial past at the Museum of Ancient Forges. Located in the former forge workshops, this museum showcases the history of the iron industry, which was vital to the area for over three centuries, with the forges themselves dating back to 1660. Guided tours are available by reservation.
What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5838190" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pontailler-sur-Saône</a> and what does it offer?
Pontailler-sur-Saône is a nearby settlement that provides a pleasant break with shops, refreshments, and a safe swimming area at its beach. It features a charming marina, playgrounds for children, and lovely views of the Saône River, making it a great spot for families and those looking for amenities.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see in Pesmes' historic center?
Strolling through Pesmes' historic center reveals a captivating blend of architectural styles. You'll encounter 19th-century fountains, the 18th-century town hall, and old mills. The narrow streets are lined with half-timbered houses and Renaissance facades, alongside medieval residences and stone houses, offering a true immersion into the village's past.
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