Pierrefontaine-les-Varans is a town in Doubs, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 30 km south-east of Baume-le-Dames by road.
Its territory of nearly 29 km² extends from 464 to 943 m above sea level, at the gateway to the Haut-Doubs natural region and on the edge of the Reverotte valley.
With 67% of agricultural land (meadows dedicated to livestock and cultivated fields) and a quarter of its area covered with wood, the locality has preserved an environment and green landscapes, especially as rivers dotted with mills and waterfalls add to its charm.
Founded in the 11th century, the village was the object of envy during the Ancien Régime, the possession of several noble families over the centuries. He got up after being ravaged by the Swedes in the service of the royal army in the 17th century.
Major battles still took place in the town in 1940. Agriculture (cheese production) and woodworking remained pillars of the local economy. However, the leisure offer of Pierrefontaine-les-Varans (around 1,400 inhabitants) is now enhanced, summer and winter: enough to delight lovers of green tourism.
The locality has preserved a heritage of character. To discover the castle of Sagey, built in the 16th century in the form of a fortified house with a tower and then restored and nowadays presenting an L-shaped dwelling: we will notice that the old coat of arms of the lords of yesteryear are still visible. The site acquired by the municipality now houses a library and reception rooms.
Regarding the parish church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, it was rebuilt a few years before the Revolution. Of good proportion (three naves of five bays each), protected as historical monuments, it has a preserved 14th century bell tower-porch, which was raised in 1976. One notices inside the barrel vaults supported by massive pillars and quality furniture: an organ from 1882, a confessional and a beautifully crafted altarpiece having been classified.
In the village, a statue of the Virgin and the war memorial recall the past of the village founded by religious and the terrible conflicts of the 20th century.
On the cultural side, the Espace des Arcades offers a cinema screening every month and, throughout the year, various exhibitions and shows (theater, concerts, etc.). Information on +33 3 81 56 12 72.
As for the library housed in the Château de Sagey, events (meetings, readings) are regularly scheduled there. Contact on +33 3 81 56 08 53.
In terms of sports and leisure, thanks to the ski lift located on the Tartot site, a 650 m long alpine ski slope suitable for a family audience is available in season on Wednesdays and weekends and every day during school holidays. The local ski club is responsible for its management and operation. Price: 8 to 10 euros per day. Equipment rental possible on site. Information on +33 3 81 56 01 57 or +33 6 24 40 60 95.
Even in winter, snowshoe hikes are possible.
The rest of the year and especially in summer, there are many possibilities in terms of hiking, allowing you to enjoy green landscapes and unique natural sites (waterfalls, springs). The banks of the cours du Val and de la Reverotte or the marked trails in the forest of Les Epaisses thus conceal potential capable of satisfying simple walkers or seasoned hikers. There are also trails reserved for mountain bikers. Attention, some loops present difficulties related to the relief. Maps and information for hiking or mountain biking on +33 3 81 65 15 15 or +33 3 81 21 29 80.
Finally, note that the leisure and discovery area of Roche du Trésor, in the heart of nature, offers supervised activities and receptions for groups but also families (with or without accommodation). Inquire on +33 3 81 56 04 05.
