Montlebon is a town in the Doubs, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 68 km south-east of Besancon and south of Morteau which it borders. Its territory of 27 km² extends from the banks of the Doubs to the west, 750 m altitude, to the Swiss border to the east, then culminating at 1287 m altitude.
Belonging to the geographical and administrative entity of the Val de Morteau, Montlebon is composed of three villages, Montlebon, the main one to the north, Behind the Mount to the south, and the Fontenottes to the east.
Dependent under the Ancien Régime of the Benedictine priory of Morteau, plundered by the Swedes during the Thirty Years War, the locality developed and emancipated in the nineteenth century with the establishment of industrial units (textile, sawmills, forges) which complete a typical mid-mountain breeding activity.
This is still the case nowadays: Montlebon is renowned for its woodworking companies, traditional workshops specialized in watchmaking and the production of Comté cheeses and cured meats. But its preserved natural environment also makes it a popular site for skiers in winter (its slopes belonging to the Domaine de Val de Morteau) and hikers in the summer. Montlebon, which has about 2,000 inhabitants, is definitely worth the detour for visiting or staying in the Haut Doubs.
In terms of built heritage, the convent of Minimes and its chapel built in the late seventeenth century are the most interesting element of the locality, in the town of Montlebon. Romanesque for the convent itself and Gothic for the church, they are partially classified. The conventual buildings became the town hall of the village and the church now has a parish vocation.
In the village as on Derrière-le-Mont and Fontenottes, we will also notice many chapels and fountains, testifying on the one hand of the scattered habitat of the past - the farmers then needing places of worship nearby to move easily in the winter - and on the other hand the strong hydrography linked to the relief.
Finally, the general appearance of the houses and the streets has retained an authentic Francomtoise and mountain touch, participating in the charm of the town, dominated by wooded hillsides and meadows.
The natural environment is the other major asset of Montlebon. As long as the difficulties related to the mountain do not rebut, many hiking trails are available to enthusiasts, dotted with ridges and pastoral areas. Ditto for mountain bikers since the circuit of the Jura crosses the town. Brochures and information on +33 3 81 67 18 53.
It is also possible to join the exits of the local walking club on +33 3 81 67 15 02.
In winter, when the snow is at the rendezvous, the downhill ski slopes of Meix-Musy join the Val de Morteau ski area. Equipment hire +33 6 77 62 23 13. For ski lifts, daily package from 11 and 16 euros depending on age. Information on +33 3 81 67 18 53.
For Nordic skiing, on the town, you must join the Gardot site.
Snowshoe hikes are also possible, as well as dog sled rides. Information on +33 6 72 22 14 99.
In a different register, visitors and tourists can play a game of tennis by booking a court at +33 6 76 75 62 51.
The third weekend of April, wine and food show at the bowling alley.
May 1st, trade fair and garage sale.
The first Sunday of September, patronal feast of Derrière-le-Mont.
The third weekend of September (even years only), Descent of the alp: returning to the tradition of transhumance, hundreds of cows descend altitude pastures. Flower floats and musical atmosphere accompany them. Friday night, before the descent, Festi'Vache program concerts.
The fourth weekend of September, wellness fair.
The last Sunday of September, patronal feast of Fontenottes.
The second Sunday of October, Meix-Musy on the Roof is a race in nature and altitude connecting the course of the Doubs to the summits of the town. Children's courses are also available.
Visite Guidée Fruitière de Montlebon
- From 24 april to 2 may 2024
- 6 rue de la Fruitière, fruitière
- Presentation of the cheese dairy, the PDO specifications, the breeding, the production and the cellars. - Reservation required before 5pm the day before at the Pays Horloger Tourist Office.
Randonnée et Chasse au Dahu
- On 30 april 2024
- Parking du château d'eau
- A true living legend, the dahu is a shy and discreet animal. Yet it can be found in the Mont Gaudichot forest. Equipped with the perfect dahu hunter's kit, this family hike/hunt will enable you to discover the extraordinary life of this wobbly animal ! - Supervised by Thibault Gladel, mountain and nature guide. - For children aged 7 to 12. Booking essential at the Tourist Office.
