Novillars is a commune of the Doubs in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 12 km north-east of Besancon.
Modest area (2 km²), the territory of the locality is possession under the Ancien Régime Jouffroy, a famous family of the Franche-Comté nobility whose bases are located in Abbans, south of Besancon.
A first feudal castle, defensive, erected in the thirteenth century, is bought in 1506 by Adrien Jouffroy. The building is restored and remodeled several times (seventeenth, eighteenth) by his descendants, who also own the lands of Novillars, which has not yet rank parish.
The small village has less than 100 inhabitants until 1883. At that date is established a wood cellulose plant which then becomes a paper mill. At its peak, the industrial site will employ up to 600 workers.
The heritage of the town which now has some 1500 inhabitants and its environment, on the banks of the Doubs, justify a step during a stay in the region.
The castle several times restored by the Jouffroy family remains the heritage jewel of Novillars. Sold in 1883 to new owners, it was renovated and redesigned in 1884 by the Hotelans family Broch. The elegant building has two lateral towers covered with glazed tiles that cover "imperial" domes. The castle now houses a home of life welcoming adults whose disability does not allow or more to exercise a professional activity. However, we can appreciate and admire the careful architecture of the exterior. As for the park, it has been converted into a landscaped garden accessible to the public, the area being dotted with water features, rest areas, games for children. There are about a hundred plant species. In addition to a kiosk, the town hall was built on a parcel of the park in 1980. Information +33 3 81 55 60 45.
Although it now employs less than 100 employees, the paper mill and its biomass unit form the other part of the municipality's historical heritage. Founded in 1883 by an Alsatian industrialist who fled the territories annexed by Germany, the plant is at the origin of the population growth of the town which could then have a school and was recognized as a parish (with the construction in 1891 of the small church of the Sacred Heart). Today, it produces recycled paper for packaging from used paper and cardboard. Visits are offered punctually to understand the history of the site, its new activities and its unit dedicated to biomass (production of energy from natural waste). Information on +33 3 81 80 92 55.
In terms of sports and leisure "nature", the locality bordering the Doubs has a river stop a few hundred meters from the center. Boaters have a jetty, sanitary facilities and a picnic area. Information on +33 3 81 55 60 45.
Also on the bank of the Doubs, was a section of the route "Eurovélo" connecting Basel (Switzerland) to the Atlantic. Cyclists as hikers can enjoy this trail that follows the course of the river in a natural green setting that overlooks wooded hills and picturesque villages.
For hikers still, a circuit connecting Novillars to Roche-lez-Beaupré (neighboring locality) via the forest and a circuit called Belvederes, punctuated with magnificent panorama on the valley and the neighboring communes, are marked and accessible. Maps and documentation on +33 3 81 21 29 99.
It is also possible to join the outputs of the walking club of the town. Contact the +33 6 31 11 46 97.
An equestrian center specialized especially in ponies is also established on Novillars: what to consider to discover the village and the landscapes of the region during a horse ride. Information in +33 6 41 84 23 90.
Finally, tennis courts are at the disposal of the interested visitors (to join the +33 3 81 55 65 41) and for the fishermen, the Doubs proves to be conducive (to inquire on the regulation at +33 3 81 41 19 09).
As for the library of the town, it regularly organizes activities (readings of stories, meetings) and exhibitions. Information on +33 3 81 25 16 77.
On the occasion of the Pentecost weekend, exhibitions of paintings and sculptures.
July 13, torchlight procession.
August 14, as part of the festival Mardi des Rives organized in the agglomeration of Besançon, open air concert.
The first weekend of September, communal festival with musical entertainment, fun and gourmet.
The first weekend of December, Christmas market.