Attractions and Places To See around Hugier - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hugier include a variety of historical sites, charming medieval towns, and natural landscapes within the Haute-Saône department of France. This region, part of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, offers a blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, industrial monuments, and serene religious sites. The area is characterized by its rich history and picturesque river valleys.
Best attractions and places to see around Hugier
- The most popular attraction is Saint-Hilaire Gate, a…
Last updated: July 1, 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 Hugier?
The region around Hugier is rich in history. You can explore the 16th-century Saint-Hilaire Gate in Pesmes, a historical site with varied artistic influences. Also in Pesmes, discover The Forges of Pesmes, an industrial monument that produced cannonballs for centuries. Further afield, the impressive Acey Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1136, is considered the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Franche-Comté. Don't miss the UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Citadel of Besançon and the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans.
Are there any family-friendly attractions around Hugier?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Saint-Hilaire Gate and the Historic Center of Marnay offer engaging historical exploration. Acey Abbey also welcomes families to explore its historic grounds. Additionally, the aquatic gardens of Jardins aquatiques d'Acorus and the themed exhibition hall Micropolis provide interesting experiences for all ages.
What natural features or scenic spots are there to explore?
Hugier and its surroundings offer beautiful natural settings. The Jardins aquatiques d'Acorus are a local point of interest. You can also enjoy the scenic section of the Loue River near Ornans, or visit the dramatic Cirque du Fer à Cheval near Arbois. The Ognon River, which flows past Pesmes and Acey Abbey, provides picturesque views and opportunities for small island hikes, especially near The Forges of Pesmes.
Can I find charming villages or towns to visit near Hugier?
Absolutely. The village of Pesmes, home to the Medieval town of Pesmes, is a popular choice, known for its rich heritage, castle remains, and the Saint-Hilaire church. The Historic Center of Marnay is another characterful Comtoise town with a prosperous medieval past. Further out, Ornans, Arbois, and Lods (recognized as a 'Most Beautiful Village') offer pleasant exploration experiences.
Are there opportunities for outdoor activities like running or cycling?
Yes, the region around Hugier is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like the 'Marnay – Historic Center of Marnay loop' or 'Running loop from Bresilley'. For cyclists, there are various cycling and road cycling routes, such as the 'Marnay Dam – Historic Center of Marnay loop' or 'Ascent of the Massif de la Serre loop'. You can find detailed routes and guides for running, cycling, and road cycling around Hugier.
What is unique about the industrial heritage in the Hugier area?
The industrial heritage is notably represented by The Forges of Pesmes. This monument of the industrial age, built in 1660 on the banks of the Ognon, was renowned for producing cannonballs for centuries before shifting to agricultural tools. It now houses a museum offering guided tours. Additionally, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlights the region's historical importance in salt production.
What can I expect when visiting Pesmes?
Pesmes is a charming medieval town with a rich history. It was a strategic location and has preserved a significant heritage, including remains of its castle and the 13th to 16th-century Saint-Hilaire church. You can explore the Medieval town of Pesmes, walk along the Ognon river, and admire the residences of notables and winegrowers' houses. Don't miss the Saint-Hilaire Gate and The Forges of Pesmes.
Are there any religious buildings of note in the area?
Yes, the most prominent religious site is Acey Abbey. This Cistercian abbey, founded in 1136, is situated on the banks of the Ognon and is celebrated as the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Franche-Comté. It is still occupied by Cistercian-Trappist monks.
What is the Historic Center of Marnay known for?
The Historic Center of Marnay is a characterful Comtoise town with a rich medieval past. It was very prosperous due to its trade and artisans, even having a cloth hall since the 14th century. The town's charter of emancipation allowed residents to administer the city themselves, leading to the construction of ramparts and individual gardens that can still be seen today.
What are some other towns or cities worth visiting within a short drive from Hugier?
Beyond the immediate vicinity, several towns offer unique attractions. Dijon, about 50 km away, boasts a remarkable range of historic sites. Salins-les-Bains, around 43 km distant, is known for its historic salt mines. Ornans and Arbois, both around 40-46 km away, provide pleasant exploration experiences, with Arbois featuring an old town center and the scenic Cirque du Fer à Cheval.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions around Hugier?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The well-preserved Cistercian architecture of Acey Abbey, the rich history of Pesmes with its Saint-Hilaire Gate and Medieval town, and the industrial heritage of The Forges of Pesmes are highly appreciated. The picturesque settings along the Ognon River and the opportunities for outdoor activities also receive positive feedback.
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