Baume-les-Dames is a town in the Doubs region in Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, about 35 km northeast of Besançon in the direction of Montbéliard.
The locality takes its name from the many surrounding caves in the valley of the Doubs and the "ladies" canons of the abbey founded in the Middle Ages (from the fifth century according to some sources) and symbol of the wealth of the city.
Baume-les-Dames was fortified in the 12th century and was then dominated by the lords of Neufchâtel-Urtière.
But it is the abbey that gives impetus to the rise of the city. A paper mill was created in the 15th century and viticulture developed. Although the local castle was destroyed under Louis XI, the Renaissance then the modern period, during which the city was given a bailiwick (a civil administration, as it were), saw the edification of remarkable buildings and a new church Abbey church was built in the 18th century. Textile and pipe manufacture developed in the 19th century, and during the second half of the 20th century, Baume-les-Dames, which today has nearly 5,500 inhabitants, also highlights its natural and heritage assets for tourism. One of its economic vectors.
It is a city of character and a green resort and is a must for anyone visiting or staying in the region.
If the Sainte-Odile abbey was closed to the Revolution, its furniture and conventual buildings sold (which served as a grain market, hall and even garage), the abbey church was preserved and is the first site heritage to visit during a discovery of the city. Rebuilt between 1738 and 1760, it has undergone extensive rehabilitation since the beginning of the 21st century and the church has regained its former glory, thanks to the use of noble materials (marble, stucco). The white marble columns that Napoleon had transferred to the Tuileries were replaced by limestone columns from the region. The building is now a site dedicated to culture (exhibitions, concerts). It can be visited during events that punctuate the cultural season, or by reservation at +33 3 81 84 27 98.
See also, the church of St. Martin (rebuilt in the sixteenth century on the bases of a church of the eleventh) with country stones. Gothic style, the bell tower was built between 1825 and 1828. The dome and the lantern were destroyed during a fire in 1920. So that the church seems to have a roof terrace...
But there is another masterpiece, the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, which dates from 1540. In Gothic style, it was first intended to accommodate the parishioners victims of the plague. Inside, there is a representation of the sepulcher (entombment) of the thirteenth century, and on both sides of the altar, small pools raised by 50 cm for the use of the priest to wash his hands during the service. Busts in polychrome wood of Saint Martin and Saint Germain of the twelfth formerly kept in the abbey church and an amazing statue of St. Acumbus (twelfth), who had prayed God to upright and adorn with a beard to stay Virgin, once the subject of a pilgrimage, are also visible in the chapel.
On the civil level, the mansion of Neufchâtel Sires, Renaissance style, houses an atypical collection retracing peasant and seigniorial scenes. Open to individuals in July and August every day, except Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 6pm. All year for groups on request. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
All these sites and other testimonials of Baume-les-Dames's rich past mark a tour of the city's picturesque historic heart through a digital app, brochure or guided tours. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
In a different register, it is possible to visit the typography workshop of Les Affiches Moilkan with traditional know-how (with exposure and initiation to the art of engraving). Contact the +33 6 95 04 63 69.
In the same universe, the workshops Æncrages and Co house the house of typographic arts (traditional techniques). Visits in July and August on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12am and from 2pm to 4pm and out of season by calling +33 3 81 84 32 88.
Another testimony of the old craftsmanship of the city, the entire quarry site (extraction and size of stones). Free and free visit. Brochure and information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
To discover and enjoy the remarkable natural environment of the city and its surroundings, many hiking trails have been designed and marked. Maps and information on +33 3 81 84 27 98. Some take the towpaths or the GR 59 linking the Vosges to Savoy, which dominates the city and offers magnificent views of the Doubs Valley.
For cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, a multitude of routes and adapted tracks are available. Among them, the Eurovelo along the river.
For families, a recreation area in a green setting is accessible including sports field, mountain bike trail, skatepark, picnic area. Free access by rue des Bouleaux and rue du Moulin Vermoret. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
In summer, enjoy the outdoor pool with several pools and a park. Open weekends in June and every day in July and August. Price: from 1.10 to 3.50 euros. Information on +33 3 81 84 31 30.
The nautical base of Lonot makes it possible to initiate or to practice water skiing and other disciplines of motonautism. Contact the +33 6 74 92 26 41.
As for fishing and climbing enthusiasts, finally, they can also find their happiness in Baume-les-Dames. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
May 8, flower market.
On the last Saturday of June, Zik en Terre festival: jazz concerts, participatory workshops, tales. Ropp pipe site, free entrance.
The last week of June and the first week of July, Pont Festival. Fairgrounds, place Jouffroy d'Abbans.
The 2nd Sunday of July, Summer sale place of the Republic.
From mid-July to the end of August, the Baumois Fridays program animations and free concerts in the Republic Square (musette, jazz, pop).
And in July and August, Thursday nights, Place de la République, a farmers' market awaits gourmets and gourmets.
Journée Internationale de la Forêt 2024
- From 18 to 23 march 2024
- Abbaye de Baume les Dames, Place de l'Abbaye
- The Central Doubs is celebrating its forest with an exhibition open to young and old alike, covering the major issues in forest management. - Educational support for children (from primary level upwards). - Opening at the Abbey in the presence of the Communes forestières association and the ONF.
Atelier d'Aulune : Atelier Fabrication d'une Couronne de Pâques
- On 23 march 2024
- 4 rue faivre d'Esnans, Atelier d'Aulune
- Come and make an Easter decoration to decorate your home or front door. - Materials provided. - Adult public
Atelier d'Aulune : Création d'un Arbre de Pâques
- On 23 march 2024
- 4 rue faivre d'Esnans, Atelier d'Aulune
- Create a fun and easy Easter table decoration. - Children - Materials supplied
Atelier d'Aulune : Scrapbooking Parent/Enfant
- On 23 march 2024
- 4 rue faivre d'Esnans, Atelier d'Aulune
- Make 2 pretty baskets to collect your Easter eggs. If you're a good boy, you'll go home with a few eggs ! - For children and parents - Materials provided
Carnaval des Pirates de Cour
- On 24 march 2024
- Quartier de Cour, Salle Rose
- The Pirates take Cour by storm ! Everyone gets together at carnival time to parade through the streets of Cour. - This year's theme : "All in yellow". - A snack will be offered to children in fancy dress. - Parade to the beat of a Batucada
Atelier Floral de Pâques
- From 28 to 29 march 2024
- 13 Faubourg d'Anroz, Jardin de Jade
- Create a flower arrangement for Easter ! - Adult workshop
Exposition de Peinture : Artistik Move Europe
- From 29 march to 9 april 2024
- Abbaye, Place de l'Abbaye
- In collaboration with the town of Baume-les-Dames, Artistik Move Europe is presenting an exhibition of paintings, sculptures and other works of art. - Free admission.
Grande Chasse aux Oeufs à Baume les Dames
- On 1 april 2024
- Zone de Loisirs de Baume les Dames (Au pied de la passerelle rouge), rue du Moulin Vermoret
- Organised by the town of Baume les Dames for children under 10 years old.
Poucette - Compagnie Caminos
- On 7 april 2024
- Centre d'affaires et de rencontres
- Cécile Morel-Trinquet takes you on a journey through the story of Thumbelina, freely adapted from Andersen's fairy tale, through her sand drawings, a 35-minute animation that will delight young and old alike. - A unique experience, a poetic journey without words, where drawing and music express all their narrative power. - The show will take place at the Centre d'affaires et de rencontres in Baume les Dames on Sunday 7 April 2024. - Ages 3 and up
Braderie Solidaire
- From 13 to 14 april 2024
- Abbaye de Baume les Dames, Place de l'abbaye
- Second-hand clothes sale organised in aid of charity. - Drop off clean clothes in good condition on Friday 12 April from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm. - The sale will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
To see: the citadel of Besançon classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lion of Belfort, the Peugeot adventure museum, the Courbet museum in Ornans, the museum of time in Besançon, the chapel of Le Corbusier in Ronchamp.
To do: climbing (internationally renowned sites), hiking, Eurovéloroute Nantes Budapest, forest walk, swimming pool, motor boating club.