Vandoncourt is a commune in the Doubs region in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, bordering the Territoire de Belfort, about 15 kilometers south-east of Montbéliard.
The municipal territory whose altitude oscillates between 370 and 611 m is situated on a plateau that constitutes a transition between the Vosges and Alsace in the North, the Jura in the South, Switzerland in the East and the plain of the Saône in West.
Little lordship passed under the domination of the Counts of Montbéliard in the middle of the XIVth century, Vandoncourt then suffered the suzerainty of the Dukes of Wurtemberg and had much to suffer from having thus joined the Reformation, but Protestantism remained very majority, including after the attachment To France in 1792.
Village with vocation agricultural and artisanal (nails), it is the stronghold of the Peugeot family. In the 20th century, it resisted the rural exodus and today has about 870 inhabitants. From 1971 onwards, Vandoncourt gained even a certain fame by establishing a system of "participatory democracy" which led the non-elected inhabitants to co-manage with the municipal council of the locality (in particular in terms of town planning, finance and Hobbies).
Its historical heritage, its environment and its associative vitality make it a pleasant stage.
Member of the association of small Comtois cities of character which brings together rural municipalities determined to preserve their built and landscaped heritage, the village has some very interesting sites to discover by following the heritage circuit of Vandoncourt.
The circuit begins at Damassine, "House of nature and orchards", which perpetuates the arboreal tradition of orchards in the Pays de Montbéliard. The site includes an exhibition space, an educational garden, a fruit press and a honey house. Events are scheduled throughout the year.
Continue towards the temple, built in 1769 on the site of an old building. It has a rectangular nave with apse, and a square bell tower with thick walls which contains two large bells dating from the 20th century. Note that the ceiling of the nave consists of a single piece, suspended from the framework. Modern stained glass gives a colorful note to the austerity of the whole. A cemetery once surrounded the building. There are three tombstones left on the outside, and at the level of the paving of the choir, there remain the tombs of pastors from the 17th century.
The discovery of the village continues with its fortified house, near the place called "le Tilleul". Remodeled several times, the building was once the residence of the bailiff (representative of the lord), and the common provisions intended to ward off famines were kept there in vaulted cellars. Nearby, a lime tree had been planted in 1791 as the "tree of Liberty". Having become dangerous, it was replaced by a younger tree.
Still in the village, grouped around a circular street, there are still a few old farmhouses with overhanging and sloping roofs.
Still on the municipal territory, then go to Pont Sarrazin, one of the classified sites of the Pays de Montbéliard. It is a natural limestone arch, in the middle of the forest, at the end of a steep valley laid out for walking. The natural amphitheater of which it is the central element has inspired many artists and served as the setting for several sound and light shows.
End further, on the heights of a vast meadow with mid-mountain flora, where an orientation table has been installed from which a panoramic view is offered to the visitor, from the Jura Lomont to the Vosges, to Belfort, passing through the urban basin of the Pays de Montbéliard.
For amateurs, the hilly countryside is also conducive to many hikes. The GR5 which connects the North Sea to the Mediterranean passes through the territory, and other circuits can be considered.
- The first Saturday in May, flower market.
- On the last Sunday of June, the Trail du Pont Sarrazin is a pedestrian race in a natural environment.
- Note that every 3rd Saturday of the month, a concert is organized at the temple (classical music or choir).
Atelier Enfants 123 Nature : Ça Cartonne
- On 16 april 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, Damassine
- Make storage boxes, dolls' beds and cool decorations… out of cardboard ! - Presenter : Joëlle Antoine - Children aged 7 and over (accompanied by a parent). - Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - Bring a packed lunch. - rendez-vous : from 10 am to 4 pm at la Damassine in Vandoncourt
Atelier Enfants 123 Nature : Crée ton Mini Jardin Aromatique
- On 17 april 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, La Damassine
- A workshop to learn potting techniques and develop your creativity. - Speakers CPIE - Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - Children aged 5 and over (accompanied by a parent). - rendez-vous : 2pm to 4pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
Animation Vacances 123 Nature Spécial Enfants : Récup-Bidule
- On 23 april 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, La Damassine
- Can you make objects or toys from rubbish ? We'll show you how. During the school holidays, La Damassine is open to the public from 2pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday. - A PMA activity leader will be on hand between 2pm and 5pm. - No registration required, duration varies. - Children aged 6 and over (accompanied by a parent). - rendez-vous : between 2pm and 5pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
Atelier 123 Nature : La Fresque de la Biodiversité
- On 24 april 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, La Damassine
- In a fun, collaborative workshop, find out how biodiversity is defined, the services it provides, the impact of mankind, the 5 major pressures on biodiversity and their consequences. - Speakers Regional Biodiversity Agency - Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - Children aged 12 and over (accompanied by a parent). - rendez-vous : 2pm to 5pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
Les Samedis de Vandoncourt : Chanson Française
- On 27 april 2024
- Temple
- The Friends of the Vandoncourt Temple are delighted to announce the next Samedis de Vandoncourt concert on the theme of French chanson. - You'll enjoy the talents of singer Ingrid Marchand, a firm favourite at the Balade Gourmande in Vandoncourt, and pianist Jean-Marie Aubert, well known in our region. - They will be performing a vast repertoire of Barbara, Piaf, Linda Lemay, Pomme, Aznavour, Brel, Jeanne Moreau, Amélie les Crayons, Starmania and many other songs. - Free admission - Bouille à lait at the door - Organised by Les Amis du Temple de Vandoncourt
Les Samedis de Vandoncourt : Concert - Chanson Française
- On 27 april 2024
- Temple
- Join Ingrid Marchand and Jean-Marie Aubert for a concert of French chanson on the piano as part of Les Samedis de Vandoncourt ! - Admission is free, with a milk bottle at the door.
Visite 123 Nature : Une Maison Rénovée
- On 4 may 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, La Damassine
- Come and visit a house that has benefited from a comprehensive energy renovation programme. - Presenter : Gaïa Energies - For adults only. Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - meeting point : from 11am to 12pm in Audincourt (address given when you register).
Atelier 123 Nature : Plantes Sauvages, Cueillette et Cuisine
- On 11 may 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, Damassine
- Over the course of the day, you will learn to recognise certain wild plants, pick them, cook them and taste them. - Speaker : Nascaya - For adults only. Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - rendez-vous : 9am to 4pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
Atelier 123 Nature : Plantes Sauvages Médicinales
- On 18 may 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, Damassine
- Learn how to make your own remedies for everyday ailments. Find out when and how to pick and process the plants around you. - Presenter : Serpe et Chaudron - Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - Children aged 12 and over (accompanied by a parent). - rendez-vous : 3pm to 6pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
Atelier 123 Nature : Initiation au Dessin Botanique
- On 22 may 2024
- 23 Rue des Aiges, Damassine
- Come and try your hand at botanical drawing in the Damassine orchard, with the theme of flowers as a way of practising, learning, discovering and sharing… - Instructor : Martina Rajtmajerova - Registration required at 03 81 94 45 60 (Tourist Office). - For children aged 12 and over (accompanied by a parent). - rendez-vous : 3pm to 6pm at La Damassine in Vandoncourt
