Attractions and Places To See around Bard-Lès-Pesmes - Top 18
Best attractions and places to see around Bard-Lès-Pesmes, a village in Haute-Saône, offer a mix of historical sites and natural beauty. The area provides access to significant regional attractions in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Visitors can explore local historical buildings, renovated fountains, and viewpoints within the village, or venture to nearby medieval towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its central location makes it a base for discovering the wider region's cultural and ecological points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around…
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 within Bard-lès-Pesmes itself?
Within Bard-lès-Pesmes, you can explore the parish church dating from 1753, two chapels built in 1776 and 1784, and an old Templar house from the 16th century. The village also features a 19th-century dovecote, a beautiful winegrower's house, and two renovated fountains and wash houses (Fontaines-Lavoirs).
What historical attractions are there in the nearby town of Pesmes?
Pesmes, recognized as one of the prettiest villages in Franche-Comté, offers a rich history. You can visit the Saint-Hilaire Gate, one of two surviving 16th-century gates, and The Forges of Pesmes, a historical industrial site. The town also features numerous fortified houses, castles like the 18th-century Château de Forges, remnants of 13th-century medieval walls, and the 15th-century Church of St. Paul.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites near Bard-lès-Pesmes?
Yes, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is approximately 29 km south-south-east of Bard-lès-Pesmes. These historic saltworks operated as an entire factory and living space.
What religious sites can I explore in the area?
Beyond the local parish church in Bard-lès-Pesmes, you can visit Acey Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1136 and considered the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Franche-Comté. In Pesmes, the Church of St. Paul dates back to the 15th century, and Dole features the prominent Collegiale Church.
Where can I find natural beauty or viewpoints near Bard-lès-Pesmes?
Within Bard-lès-Pesmes, the Point de vue du Chânoy offers a remarkable viewpoint. Approximately 7 km away, near Hugier, the Pelouses sèches d'Hugier and the Pelouse de la Chaux are significant dry grasslands known for their diverse flora, including wild orchid species. Further afield, the town of Arbois features a scenic Cirque.
What outdoor activities, like cycling or running, are available around Bard-lès-Pesmes?
The area around Bard-lès-Pesmes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Loop of the Forges' or longer rides like the 'Grotte de l’Ermitage – Église Notre Dame d'Offlanges loop'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Running loop from Bresilley' or 'Access to the Forges – Pesmes loop'. Explore more options on the dedicated guides for Road Cycling Routes, Running Trails, and Cycling around Bard-Lès-Pesmes.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Bard-lès-Pesmes?
Many historical sites are suitable for families, offering educational experiences. The Saint-Hilaire Gate and Historic Center of Marnay are categorized as family-friendly. Exploring the medieval town of Pesmes with its castles and old walls can also be an engaging activity for all ages.
What are some other notable towns or cities to visit for a day trip from Bard-lès-Pesmes?
Bard-lès-Pesmes is well-situated for day trips. You can visit Dole (22 km south-west) known for its Collegiale Church, or Besançon (30 km east) with its citadel and 16th-century townhouses. Other options include Salins-les-Bains (41 km south-east) for its salt mines, or Arbois (42 km south-south-east) to explore its old town and scenic Cirque.
What is the best time to visit Bard-lès-Pesmes for outdoor activities?
The best time for outdoor activities like cycling, running, and exploring historical sites is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer (July-August) is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Winter can be cold, but some trails may still be accessible for walking.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known places to discover near Bard-lès-Pesmes?
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the small village of Beze (approximately 35 km west-north-west), which offers a pleasant atmosphere. The gardens of Château de Cléron, visible next to the Loue river (approximately 38 km east-south-east), also provide a picturesque stop.
Can I find accommodation or dining options near Bard-lès-Pesmes?
While Bard-lès-Pesmes is a small village, you can find gites and local restaurants in the surrounding area. The nearby town of Pesmes, being a popular destination, offers more options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation. It's advisable to check local listings for current availability.
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