Attractions and Places To See around Esmoulins - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Esmoulins, a tranquil commune in the Haute-Saône department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, offers a blend of historical charm and peaceful natural surroundings. The area is characterized by its setting along the Tenise and Saône rivers, featuring woodlands and historical structures. Visitors can explore notable landmarks within the village and various sites in the surrounding region.
Best attractions and places to see around Esmoulins
- The most popular attractions is Apremont Dam, an other man-made structure that was fully renovated in 2014. This dam now includes a fish pass and a footbridge, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross the waterway.
- Another must-see spot is Pont de Pierre of Gray, a bridge that serves as a significant entrance to the town of Gray. This magnificent stone bridge, originally built in 1647, has been rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
- Visitors also love Gray, a town known for its historical sites. The town features a striking Renaissance Town Hall completed in 1568, recognized for its distinctive Burgundian-style glazed tile roof.
- Esmoulins is known for its historical sites, natural river settings, and architectural landmarks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches and mills to modern dam structures and scenic riverbanks.
- The attractions around Esmoulins are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Pont de Pierre of Gray
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Apremont Dam
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Thus, the original dam dating from the 1840s was equipped with a fish pass and a footbridge on which pedestrians and cyclists can circulate to cross the watercourse.
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Gray
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Mantoche Castle
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The place invites you to rest.
The village is very peaceful, no shops open in winter, but it must be livelier in summer.
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Mantoche River Stop
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Tips from the Community
Discover the river stopover where a ford once allowed you to cross the Saône. Today, boaters and cycle tourists enjoy this peaceful place. Remember to take a look at the 18th century castle without forgetting the Saint-Nicolas church built in the 12th century where a chapel dedicated to the sailors is present.
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Very beautiful castle on the banks of the Saône. The place invites you to rest. The village is very peaceful, no shops open in winter, but it must be livelier in summer.
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This dam has a fixed part and a mobile part each measuring about fifty meters long. This structure was completely overhauled in 2014 after six years of work. Thus, the original dam dating from the 1840s was equipped with a fish pass and a footbridge on which pedestrians and cyclists can circulate to cross the watercourse.
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The historic place has an eventful history. In addition to the Renaissance town hall, the cathedral, the ruins of the castle and the promenade on the banks of the Saône are worth a closer look. And there are enough restaurants, cafes, bars and a supermarket.
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Metal footbridge allowing you to go from one bank to the other.
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Gray's Town Hall is remarkable in more than one way. It is a Renaissance building which was completed in 1568. Its Burgundian-style glazed tile roof catches the eye.
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This magnificent stone bridge built in 1647 was destroyed several times. It is the main entrance to the town of Gray. The extract from the city's cadastre dated 1851 mentions: "The Saône bridge is one of the buildings which cost the city of Gray the most. In 1358, water and ice having completely ruined it, it was necessary , to restore it, more than three hundred gold florins. "
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Esmoulins and its immediate vicinity?
Esmoulins itself features the 16th-century Saint-Joachim and Sainte-Anne Church with its unique lateral bell tower, historical covered washhouse and well, and several 17th-19th century stone crosses. Nearby, you can visit the magnificent Pont de Pierre of Gray, a stone bridge originally built in 1647, and the historic town of Gray with its striking Renaissance Town Hall.
Are there any notable natural features or scenic spots around Esmoulins?
Esmoulins is nestled along the banks of the Tenise and Saône rivers, offering peaceful natural surroundings. The commune also boasts 185 hectares of woodlands, ideal for enjoying nature. The Apremont Dam, fully renovated in 2014, includes a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the waterway, providing scenic views of the river.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Esmoulins?
The area around Esmoulins is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including touring bicycle, road cycling, and mountain biking trails. For example, there are routes like the 'Pont de Pierre of Gray – Apremont Dam loop' for cycling and 'Apremont Dam loop' for mountain biking. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Esmoulins, Road Cycling Routes around Esmoulins, and MTB Trails around Esmoulins guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Esmoulins area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Pont de Pierre of Gray and the Apremont Dam, with its pedestrian and cyclist footbridge, are both considered family-friendly. The Mantoche River Stop also offers a peaceful setting for families to enjoy the river and explore the nearby castle and church.
What is special about the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1171240" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pont de Pierre of Gray</a>?
The Pont de Pierre of Gray is a magnificent stone bridge that serves as a significant entrance to the town of Gray. Originally built in 1647, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars and floods. Its historical significance and impressive architecture make it a notable landmark.
What can I expect to see at the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/5838122" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apremont Dam</a>?
The Apremont Dam was fully renovated in 2014 and now features a fish pass and a footbridge. This footbridge allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the waterway, offering unique views of the dam structure and the river. It's a blend of engineering and natural scenery.
What makes the town of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/4057073" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gray</a> an interesting place to visit?
Gray is known for its rich historical sites, including a striking Renaissance Town Hall completed in 1568, recognized for its distinctive Burgundian-style glazed tile roof. Visitors also appreciate its cathedral, the ruins of its castle, and the promenade along the Saône river, along with various restaurants and cafes.
Can I find cycling routes suitable for different skill levels near Esmoulins?
Yes, the area offers cycling routes for various skill levels. You can find easy routes like the 'Pont de Pierre of Gray – Apremont Dam loop from Mantoche' (21.9 km) or 'Apremont Dam – Picnic area loop from Apremont' (24.4 km). Moderate and difficult routes are also available for those seeking more challenge. Refer to the Cycling around Esmoulins and Road Cycling Routes around Esmoulins guide pages for detailed options.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking around Esmoulins?
Absolutely. The woodlands and terrain around Esmoulins provide good opportunities for mountain biking. There are easy MTB trails such as the 'Apremont Dam loop from Germigney' (26.3 km) and 'Apremont Dam loop from Gray' (35.0 km), as well as moderate routes. Check the MTB Trails around Esmoulins guide for more information.
What are some of the historical structures within Esmoulins itself?
Within Esmoulins, you can discover the Saint-Joachim and Sainte-Anne Church, dating back to the 16th century, notable for its unique lateral bell tower. The village also preserves a covered washhouse and well, offering a glimpse into its past. Additionally, five stone crosses from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries mark the path to the chapel, and a 19th-century bridge spans the Tenise river.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Esmoulins?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and peaceful natural surroundings. The Pont de Pierre of Gray is admired for its history and architecture, while the Apremont Dam is valued for its modern renovation and the opportunity to cross the waterway. The town of Gray is loved for its vibrant history, Renaissance architecture, and riverside promenade.
Are there any river-related attractions or activities in the area?
Esmoulins is situated along the Tenise and Saône rivers, making river-related activities a highlight. The Apremont Dam allows for crossing the Saône, and the Mantoche River Stop is a serene spot along the Saône where boaters and cycle tourists can enjoy the peaceful environment, with an 18th-century castle and a 12th-century church nearby.
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