Attractions and Places To See around Motey-Besuche - Top 19
Attractions and places to see around Motey-Besuche offer a blend of historical architecture and natural settings in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. The village itself features an 18th-century church and historic farmhouses, reflecting its heritage. The surrounding area provides access to significant cultural landmarks and diverse natural features. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from ancient abbeys to industrial heritage and picturesque villages.
Best attractions and places to see around Motey-Besuche
- The most popular attractions is Saint-Hilaire Gate, a historical…
Last updated: July 15, 2026
Saint-Hilaire Gate
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The Forges of Pesmes
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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
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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 visit near Motey-Besuche?
The area around Motey-Besuche is rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved Acey Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1136. The town of Pesmes, recognized as one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages," features the 16th-century Saint-Hilaire Gate and The Forges of Pesmes, an industrial metallurgical establishment dating back to 1660. Further afield, the Historic Center of Marnay offers a glimpse into a characterful Comtoise town with a rich medieval past.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the vicinity of Motey-Besuche?
Yes, approximately 30 km from Motey-Besuche, you can visit the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical industrial complex offers a fascinating insight into 18th-century architecture and industrial design.
What is the architectural heritage within Motey-Besuche itself?
Motey-Besuche boasts a charming architectural heritage. The village features an 18th-century church with a distinctive square bell tower and bulbous roof, as well as a chapel with a Romanesque portal. You can also admire preserved farmhouses, the historic royal notary's house, and several impressive mansions that reflect the village's past.
Can I visit a local winery in Motey-Besuche?
Yes, the Domaine viticole de Motey-Besuche is located within the village. This winery produces organic Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines from vines cultivated using a specialized 'lyre' system. Visits and tastings are typically available by appointment. You can find more information on the Haute-Saône Tourisme website: hautesaonetourisme.com.
What natural attractions or gardens are there to explore near Motey-Besuche?
The region offers several tranquil natural experiences and gardens. The Jardins aquatiques d'Acorus in Autoreille provide a serene setting. Other notable gardens include Parc de l'Etang (15km), Jardin du château du Talmay (18km), Jardin à la Faulx (26km), and the remarkable gardens of Château d'Arcelot (37km). For a more natural camping environment, Woka Camping Green Lagoon is also nearby.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Motey-Besuche is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for touring bicycles, road cycling, and mountain biking. For example, there are routes like the 'Access to the Forges – Pontailler-sur-Saône loop' for touring bikes, or the 'Marnay Dam – Historic Center of Marnay loop' for road cycling and mountain biking. You can explore more options and detailed routes in the dedicated cycling guides: Cycling around Motey-Besuche, Road Cycling Routes around Motey-Besuche, and MTB Trails around Motey-Besuche.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Motey-Besuche?
Many of the historical sites are suitable for families. The Saint-Hilaire Gate and the Historic Center of Marnay are great for exploring. Acey Abbey also welcomes families. Additionally, the various gardens and natural areas provide pleasant outdoor spaces for all ages.
Where can I experience local life and markets?
Several nearby towns host regular markets where you can experience local life and find regional products. Gray (17km) has markets on Tuesdays and Fridays, Pontailler-sur-Saone (19km) on Saturdays, Auxonne (24km) on Fridays, Dole (26km) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Besançon (28km) on various days.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Motey-Besuche?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical architecture and natural settings. The rich heritage, from ancient abbeys like Acey Abbey to industrial monuments like The Forges of Pesmes, is highly valued. The picturesque villages, such as Pesmes with its Saint-Hilaire Gate, and the scenic gardens also receive positive feedback, with many photos shared by the komoot community.
Are there any charming villages to visit nearby?
Absolutely. Pesmes, just 8 km away, is recognized as one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages" and is well worth a visit for its quaint charm and historical sites. Beze, about 36 km away, is another small, pleasant village to explore in the Côte d'Or department.
What are some notable castles or châteaux in the area?
Beyond the village's own heritage, you can find several impressive castles nearby. Château de Cleron, located about 38 km away in the Doubs department, is particularly noted for its beautiful gardens. The Jardin du château du Talmay also offers a notable garden experience associated with a castle.
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