Rougemont is a village in the Doubs region in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 50 km northeast of Besançon, on the border of the Haute-Saône.
If traces of habitat dating from the Gallo-Roman period were discovered, the locality reached its apogee at the end of the medieval time when the lords of Rougemont occupied a powerful castle established on a promontory. It was here that in 1439 the brotherhood of Saint-Georges was founded, an order of chivalry which brought together the principal members of the nobility of Franche-Comte. If the order lasted until the Revolution, for lack of heir, the lineage of the lords of Rougemont disappeared before the end of the 15th century and the lands then passed under the domination of different families.
There is no vestige of the fortress but the old center of the village retains a typical appearance.
The economic activity formerly turned towards viticulture remains today mainly agricultural. With a population of nearly 1,200 inhabitants, the town is a "city of character" that also demonstrates a dynamic commercial and artisanal while highlighting its historical and natural heritage, making it an interesting stage for those visiting the region.
In terms of built heritage, the former convent of the Cordeliers (now a health establishment), founded in the 15th century and reworked, retains several original features such as its walls and chapels.
The Church of the Nativity of Notre-Dame, known as the Church of the Crotot (15th century), private mansions built within or near the Citadel, a fountain, halls and a wash house of the 19th century also deserve the blow look.
Free guided tours are offered in July and August every Tuesday at 4 pm (or on prior request the rest of the year) to discover the different heritage elements that line the narrow streets. For further information, please contact us at +33 3 81 86 99 52.
Before or after this walk, a visit is necessary in the museum of the "vigneronne house of old". Situated on the promontory, this authentic 19th century building features various pieces, tools, antique furniture, everyday objects retracing the traditional tasks of women of this period and the work of men in the vineyard and in the cellar. Open in July and the first fortnight of August on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm, the 3rd weekend of September for Heritage Days or by appointment on +33 3 81 86 90 78. Free admission.
In another genre, the museum of paleontology, geology and minerals presents more than 500 pieces, including rare fossils and minerals. At the same time, an exhibition is presented on the former railway line PN 14. Open in season in July and August from 14:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday, as well as on Friday morning and the rest of the year by appointment at +33 3 81 86 98 84. From November to March, night tours at 6 pm can be organized on request on the theme of fluorescence of minerals. Price: 2 and 4 euros.
To take advantage of the green environment, a health course (2 km) and an orientation course are located in the forest, at the exit of Rougemont. For the orientation course, a map is on sale at the Tourist Office. Free access. Information on +33 3 81 86 99 52.
For hiking enthusiasts, 11 hiking trails starting or including Rougemont, 6 to 20 km long, and 5 loops to be cycled or mountain biking, 15 to 30 km long, have been developed to enjoy the nature and discover the landscape and Some remarkable sites. Information and guide available at +33 3 81 86 99 52.
Other possible leisure activities during a stage or a stay: fishing (contact the +33 3 81 88 90 51) or tennis (price of 15 euros for one hour for holidaymakers, contact the +33 3 81 86 99 52).
On the first Saturday of May, the agricultural comity highlights the animals of the farm (cows, goats, horses) and proposes many fun and convivial animations.
On the last Sunday of July, Rougemont hosts the Grande Fouille, a giant flea market that brings together more than 300 exhibitions and in parallel offers numerous animations for a family audience.
Finally, to discover the richness of the local terroir, in particular, a market takes place every Friday morning, and from May to September, a summer fair is held every second Sunday of the month.
