Morteau is a town in the Doubs region in Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 65 km south-east of Besançon and less than 10 km from the Swiss border.
The town developed in the upper valley of the Doubs, in the heart of the Jura mountains.
The center of the city borders the river, but part of its territory (whose altitude rises from 750 to 1114 m) is included in the Val de Morteau, composed of pastures and woods, sometimes with harsh slopes.
The locality grew from the twelfth century after the installation of a Benedictine priory whose monks participated in the clearing of the valley.
Seigniory prosperous although located in a region where conflicts were numerous, Morteau integrates the kingdom of France only to the signature of the treaty of Nijmegen, in 1678.
The development of the watch industry from the 18th century contributes to its reputation, as well as the richness of its breeding and its gastronomic products (sausages and salting), including the sausage Morteau now protected by a label and a protected geographical indication.
While the watchmaking industry is declining, agri-food and automotive subcontracting remain vibrant, and tourism has also become a center of economic development for Morteau (about 7,000 inhabitants).
Despite several fires over the centuries (XVIIth, XVIIIth and XIXth centuries), several elements of historical heritage have been preserved. With its exceptional natural environment, this makes the city a popular stop, summer and winter (skiing).
Several heritage buildings are worth a visit. This is the case of the Château Pertusier, built in 1576 by a rich family of the city. In 1639, during a Swedish mercenary offensive, a turret was the prey of the flames and the facade was machine-gunned (impacts are always visible). Renaissance style, the house and the park were acquired by the city in 1935 and the whole now houses the Museum of Watchmaking. In this setting of choice, the permanent rooms and collections allow to understand the history of the measurement of time and the universe and the techniques of the watchmakers of yesteryear... and today. Many unique pieces are presented. Open every day from May 1 to September 30 and from Monday to Friday the rest of the year. Guided tour on reservation. Entry 3 and 6 euros. Contact us at +33 3 81 67 40 88.
The town hall, which dates from 1590, was also occupied by soldiers and religious. It was acquired in 1791. It now houses part of the municipal services and is preserved in a "Book Black "in which in 1454 a notary consigned all documents relating to the priory to the origin of the city. It contains charters, stops and treatises that allow to retrace the ancient history of the commune...
The conventual buildings of the priory, precisely, were rebuilt at the end of the eighteenth century and transformed into a school. Recent excavations have led to the discovery of burials.
At its side, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, inscribed in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments, dates from the 15th century. But only the chorus is original. Several fires resulted in rearrangements and reconstructions. There is a bell tower with a double-decker roof with a typical Franche-Comté dome. The interior is composed of six bays. A 17th century high altar made of carved wood, an 18th century pulpit, and several wooden statues (including a Virgin of the 16th century) are housed in the edifice...
For a tour of the city center and its main notable buildings, in the historic heart, contact +33 3 81 67 18 53.
In terms of recreation, in summer, many hiking (on foot or mountain bike) are possible from Morteau to the surrounding peaks. Some circuits are marked out with steps to discover the work of watchmaking craftsmen in neighboring villages, and establishments where sausages are produced from Morteau. Maps, brochures and information at +33 3 81 67 18 53 or at +33 3 81 21 29 99.
In winter, if the alpine ski slopes of the Val de Morteau are located along the border, outside the communal territory, the practice of cross-country skiing (80 km of tracks) is however possible at Morteau itself. All information and rentals of snowshoes and cross-country ski equipment at +33 3 81 67 48 72.
In the beautiful season, practice framed archery, tree climbing, climbing or orienteering at Espace Morteau. Possibility of canoeing on the Doubs. For further information, please call +33 3 81 67 18 53.
In addition, the nautical center offers swimming pools, pools and play facilities, a beach and tennis courts. Admission: from 4,50 euros. Information on +33 3 81 67 25 48.
As for fishing enthusiasts, they can obtain information at +33 3 81 41 19 09 for landscaping and regulations.
The last weekend of March or the first weekend of April, book festival (meetings with authors, readings).
In the middle of July, carnival.
The last Saturday of August, forum of associations.
The first Saturday of September, Morteau Cyclo Rando: cycling, mountain biking or walking trail of varied distances, marked by gourmet halts at the producers, then place of the town hall, tastings, musical animations, contest and concert.
On the first Tuesday of every month, from 8 am to 6 pm, there is a trade fair (with entertainment) and a market is held every Tuesday and Saturday From 7 am to 1 pm Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
Table Ronde Tourisme Durable
- On 21 march 2024
- 6 Rue Barral, Salle des sociétés
- Come and take part in a round table discussion on sustainable tourism. There will be a wide range of speakers, including elected representatives - Mountain guides, restaurateurs, etc. The round table will take place during Tourism Week, which runs from 18 to 24 March. - It's an opportunity to share your experiences, listen to advice and talk with sustainable tourism professionals. - This event is being organised in partnership with BTS tourism students from the Maison Familiale Rurale in Pontarlier.
Concert Les Ramoneurs de Menhirs et 130 BPM
- From 23 to 24 march 2024
- L'Escale, rue du stade
- Come and see Les Ramoneurs de Menhirs and 130 BPM in concert. - Les Ramoneurs de Menhirs blend punk music with Breton tradition. Their unique fusion has been creating a punk-trad sound that's contentious and up-to-the-minute since they formed in 2006. Through nearly 1,500 concerts in Europe and Quebec, they have united generations with their festive, energetic songs, supporting various causes and spreading the spirit of resistance to various oppressions. Tickets at cavalcade-prod. Com
Souvenirs de Saltinbanques
- On 24 march 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théâtre de l'Atalante
- These two have been touring the stages and festivals of France for 30 years, enjoying the huge success of their hit "Tout le bonheur du monde" and living 1,000 adventures with Sinsémilia. In this unclassifiable and atypical musical show, they invite you to immerse yourself with them in the often funny and sometimes moving memories of their crazy adventure. Sinsémilia fans or not, the journey is about to begin and it's going to surprise you !
Spectacle - Le tir Sacré
- On 28 march 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théâtre
- By reservation only. When it comes to drama, sport has nothing to envy the theatre. What does theatre have to envy sport ? Its commentators, of course ! They often do half the show, from thunderous - Thunderous encouragement, well-intentioned analysis and… sometimes distressing exits. "Le Tir - Sacré" is a danced female duet that blithely crosses the white line between the stadium and the stage. - The stage. Set against a backdrop that imitates the colourful geometry of parquet floors, the dancers flash their - Under the flashes of stroboscopes, the two performers happily draw on football, fencing, athletics, swimming and other sports, - Athletics, swimming, weightlifting… After this sporting match, we look forward to your - Comments. Dance, sport and laughter !
Fête du Livre Jeunesse
- From 28 to 30 march 2024
- 7 Chemin du Stade, l'escale
- During 3 days, the children's book is celebrated in Morteau with the theme "Tout en Vers".
Spectacle - Ottavia
- On 5 april 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théatre
- By reservation only. "Every day, we blink 28,800 times. 28,800 times a day, the world disappears and reappears. One day, Natascha closes her eyes. For a minute. An hour. A day and a night. - Then when she wakes up, her eyes still closed, she leaves her house. Ottavia turns Italo Calvino's novel The Invisible Cities into a poetic, lively tale. The main character, a young girl called Natascha, decides one fine day to close her eyes. She takes us on - a sensory journey, supported by electronic music by Roman Bestion, real-time animation by Nathalie Guimbretière, and a story by Milan Otal.
Concert - Josquin Otal
- On 6 april 2024
- 1 Rue du Stade, L'Escale
- Prior booking required. Classical music. Born in 1992, Josquin Otal began playing the piano at the age of 7. He worked with Hervé Billaut and won his piano medal with congratulations from the jury. He went on to take masterclasses with Bruno Rigutto at the Marseille Conservatoire.
Festival Un Vent de Hip-Hop - FormLessNess
- On 11 april 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théâtre
- By reservation only. Travelling between costume, lighting and digital creation, through the most sincere emotions of the present moment, we let ourselves be absorbed into these different worlds that introduce us to the stages of the quest for self-knowledge and freedom.
Festival Un Vent de Hip Hop - Accumulation & Landing
- On 12 april 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théâtre
- By reservation only. Accumulation, from calm to trance, from polished to dirty, from walking to bestial state, the dancers get up, draw, get closer, separate. Landing, Landing is a circus-dance duo in which the fall becomes the driving force behind the choreography. Gravity and flight respond to each other.
Festival Un Vent de Hip-Hop - Royaume
- On 13 april 2024
- Place de la Halle, Théâtre
- By reservation only. - A striking choreographic piece that brings women's words to light. - What do women go through in our societies ? What situations do they go through ? What hardships do they face ? All these questions lead choreographer Hamid Ben Mahi to reflect on the brutality of our patriarchal system.