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Morteau

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Doubs

Morteau - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Doubs
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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).

Geographical information

MunicipalityMorteau
Postcode25500
Tourism labels
Latitude47.0569800 (N 47° 3’ 25”)
Longitude6.6041060 (E 6° 36’ 15”)
AltitudeFrom 750m to 1114m
Surface area14.11 km²
Population7187 inhabitants
Density509 inhabitants/km²
PrefectureBesançon (66 km, 1:04)
Insee code25411
IntercommunalityCC du Val de Morteau
DepartmentDoubs
TerritoriesFranche-Comté, Jura mountains
RegionBurgundy-Franche-Comté

Nearest cities & towns

Montlebon2 km (5 min)
Les Fins3.8 km (6 min)
Grand'Combe-Châteleu5.4 km (9 min)
Les Combes7 km (12 min)
Villers-le-Lac7.3 km (10 min)
Noël-Cerneux7.5 km (9 min)
Les Gras9 km (11 min)
La Chenalotte9.3 km (11 min)
Le Bélieu11.1 km (14 min)
Le Barboux12.1 km (14 min)
Le Bizot12.4 km (18 min)
Fournets-Luisans12.7 km (17 min)
Gilley12.9 km (15 min)
Narbief12.9 km (14 min)
La Bosse13.2 km (17 min)

Things to see and do

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.

Places of interest

Information points
Monuments
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

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
Concert Les Ramoneurs de Menhirs et 130 BPM
Souvenirs de Saltinbanques
Spectacle - Le tir Sacré
Fête du Livre Jeunesse
Spectacle - Ottavia
Concert - Josquin Otal
Festival Un Vent de Hip-Hop - FormLessNess
Festival Un Vent de Hip Hop - Accumulation & Landing
Festival Un Vent de Hip-Hop - Royaume

Photos

Panorama City (© Jean Espirat)
Panorama City (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Castle Pertusier (© Jean Espirat)
Castle Pertusier (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Val de Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
Val de Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Castle Pertusier - North facade (© Jean Espirat)
Castle Pertusier - North facade (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Panorama of the valley of Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
Panorama of the valley of Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
View Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
View Morteau (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Castle Pertusier , clock museum (© Jean Espirat)
Castle Pertusier , clock museum (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
fenestron highly decorated on the roof of the castle Pertusier (© JE)
fenestron highly decorated on the roof of the castle Pertusier (© JE)
See photo
Crest emblazoned on a castle wall Pertusier (© JE)
Crest emblazoned on a castle wall Pertusier (© JE)
See photo
A very impressive house (© Jean Espirat)
A very impressive house (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Sundial on the front of the house for all (© JE)
Sundial on the front of the house for all (© JE)
See photo
City (© Jean Espirat)
City (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
church steeple (© Jean Espirat)
church steeple (© Jean Espirat)
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Court of the former priory (© Jean Espirat)
Court of the former priory (© Jean Espirat)
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Explanation of the church (© Jean Espirat)
Explanation of the church (© Jean Espirat)
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Nave of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
Nave of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Nave of the church for the choir (© Jean Espirat)
Nave of the church for the choir (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Chair of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
Chair of Our Lady of the Assumption (© Jean Espirat)
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Face carved top of a column of the church (© I)
Face carved top of a column of the church (© I)
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Great church organ (© Jean Espirat)
Great church organ (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained choir of the church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained choir of the church (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass church (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass window of the church (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Arch ribbed ogival church (© Jean Espirat)
Arch ribbed ogival church (© Jean Espirat)
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Arch ribbed ogival church (© Jean Espirat)
Arch ribbed ogival church (© Jean Espirat)
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At a crossroads, a symbol of the region, a clock (© I)
At a crossroads, a symbol of the region, a clock (© I)
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The King's table - Druid Site assumed (© Jean Espirat)
The King's table - Druid Site assumed (© Jean Espirat)
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The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
The King's table (© Jean Espirat)
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The table King (© Jean Espirat)
The table King (© Jean Espirat)
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Explanations on the table of the King (© Jean Espirat)
Explanations on the table of the King (© Jean Espirat)
See photo
Rock Jeannin - Belvedere (© Jean Espirat)
Rock Jeannin - Belvedere (© Jean Espirat)
See photo

Weather

Tuesday 19 march
Min. 0°C - Max. 12°C
Day
Night
Wednesday 20 march
Min. 3°C - Max. 15°C
Day
Night
Thursday 21 march
Min. 7°C - Max. 12°C
Day
Night

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Playheure escape game
Entertainment84 € to 110 € Besançon (48 km)

Outings

Last nameOuting typeDifficultyDurationDeparture municipality
Ban Forest
HikeIntermediate35 minHauterive-la-Fresse (14.4 km)
Drugeon and Dragon
HikeEasy1:05La Rivière-Drugeon (36 km)
Reposoir Chapel
HikeEasy1:00Pays-de-Clerval (38 km)
Archaeological site of St Saturnin du Bois
HikeIntermediate5:35Besançon (48 km)
Greenway
HikeEasy6:00Devecey (53 km)

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
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