In the 17th century to fight against the progress of the Protestant Reformation came from neighboring Switzerland, the Catholic Church draws a barrage in the Haut-Doubs, the Counter-Reformation causes the arrival of religious of various orders and building Many places of worship. Five religious institutions are so constructed to Pontarlier. In 1609, six young pontissaliennes join the congregation of the heavenly Annonciades created in 1604 in Genoa, Italy.

Built in 1612 by architect Antoine Belin, the convent included imposing buildings arranged around a courtyard. The set has been changed considerably since the disappearance of the religious revolution. There remains the chapel registered under the Historic Monuments. She is now fitted showroom and welcomes every year since 1924 the oldest living art of Franche-Comte, the exhibition of Annunciation.

The entrance porch of the chapel is topped by a platform whose broad semicircular bay was transformed in the 19th century. The nave has three bays separated by pilasters and a choir. Rib vaults cover the building.

Outside the gate is the most remarkable of this chapel. It consists of each side of the door, a massive pedestal supporting two twin columns and fluted relied upon an entablature crowned by a triangular pediment. Made on plans by architect Nicolas Callier Besançon between 1713 and 1715, is partially rebuilt in the 19th century. The door is carved in 1725 by the carpenter Joseph Guyon Pontarlier. Historical Monument, the portal shows the location of Baroque art in the Haut-Doubs.

Annunciation Chapel

Chapel of the Annunciation - Vault