As illustrated by its period houses and buildings, the City of Art and History of Montbéliard boasts beautiful architectural heritage. The places of interest there include:
- The castle of the dukes of Wurtemberg, flanked by two Renaissance towers, which is home to a museum dedicated to archaeology, history and natural history;
- The Saint-Pierre square and its monuments, such as the Saint-Martin temple dating from the beginning of the 17th century (oldest reformed church in France), the town hall, the Forstner house, and the Beurnier-Rossel mansion and its Art and History museum;
- The very well-preserved covered market hall dating from the 16th century and the pierre à poissons, a stone slab on which fish used to be sold on market days;
- The pedestrian streets lined with colourfully-fronted houses...
In Sochaux, the factories of the famous French car manufacturer Peugeot, as well as the Peugeot Adventure museum, can be visited.
The agglomeration of Montbéliard, is labeled Country of Art and History.
The historic center unfolds between the citadel of Montbéliard, garden cities built in 1930, La Chiffogne dating from 1955 to 1960, Petite-Hollande built from 1965 and the Grands-Jardins. The town was annexed to France only late. Originally attached to Germany and of Protestant faith, the city only became French in 1793. As it is located on the Rhine-Rhône axis, it changed department several times before being definitively attached to the Doubs in 1816. Montbéliard preserves from its history a remarkable architectural heritage having spent more than eight centuries under the governance of the Dukes of Württemberg. A whole story to discover in the museums of Montbéliard: the museum of the Castle of the Dukes of Württemberg and the Museum of Art and History Hôtel Beurnier-Rossel.
The city also benefits from an exceptional natural environment which makes it easy to move from the urbanized city to the gentle countryside. Greenery is also very present in the very heart of the town with many parks such as the parc du Près-la-Rose, green lung of Montbéliard, which houses the Pavillon des Sciences, a structure open to the public which invites you to explore science in different forms: workshops, events, exhibitions...
The Allan, the Lizaine and the Rhône-au-Rhin canal cross the territory and bring the necessary touch of water. Visitors take advantage of the many cycle paths in the Pays de Montbéliard and Eurovélo 6 to explore them.
Your visit will not be complete without a visit to the restaurants of Montbéliard where you will taste the delicious eponymous sausage with a delicately smoked taste and the good cheeses made with the milk of the beautiful Montbéliard cows.
The City of Princes conceals many treasures. To discover them, it is best to follow the Heinrich Schickhardt urban path to go in search of the city's important sites (audio guide and map available at the Tourist Office). The walk begins with the castle of the Dukes of Württemberg. Now a museum housing collections of natural history, fine arts and contemporary art, you can also browse the historical circuit. A little further on, the Hôtel du Bailly has been taken over by the music conservatory.
The walk continues through the Hôtel Beurnier-Rossel Museum of Art and History. This former mansion presents a collection of objects that will allow you to discover the history of the city. Opposite it, the Saint-Martin temple, an important building symbol of the Reformation. Built in 1604, it is of Tuscan influence and is the pride of Montbéliard.
Are you a contemporary art lover? So go and have a look at 19 CRAC, the Regional Center for Contemporary Art located opposite the Montbéliard station.
Between the Rhône-au-Rhin canal and the river, discover the parc Près la Rose where the Pavillon des Sciences is located. A structure of scientific mediation built in a futuristic style which offers high quality exhibitions often supplemented by fun activities.
The Prés-la-Rose park, the green lung of Montbéliard, extends over 10 hectares and brings together more than 100 plant species, a poplar plantation, a plant maze and a fun and sports park. It also hosts exhibitions dedicated to technology and science.
Like all big cities, you will find all the necessary equipment to practice your favorite sports. And on the cultural side, cinemas and performance halls will liven up your evenings between films, concerts and theatres.
- At the top of the festivities not to be missed, the Montbéliard Christmas Market! During the Christmas period, Montbéliard is transformed, the city hosts a splendid Christmas market, one of the most beautiful in France and Europe, but is also adorned with multiple lights. The whole town lights up in a magical enchantment awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Each year, the illuminations are different, which makes it special. The Christmas market is also an opportunity to meet Aunt Airie, a folk character from Montbéliard who distributes sweets to children.
- In April, the Montbéliard carnival brings together more than 800 costumed festival-goers who take to the streets of the city for colorful parades in a festive atmosphere.
- The Four Seasons Festival is intended to make culture accessible to as many people as possible. It is therefore a succession of shows for the greatest pleasure of the whole family.
- During the summer period, in the heart of the Prés-la-Rose park, the Estivales du Prés la Rose host shows throughout the summer.
- In August, it's the Festival des Mômes that sets the tone, fun activities and shows are offered to children from 2 to 13 years old.
- The Urban Session festival allows street arts to express themselves during the month of October. Dances, workshops and shows are on the program for this 100% street art festival.
- All year round, Ma Scène Nationale, 19 CRAC, the media library, the museums of Montbéliard offer many events for all audiences!
Programme : Capitale Française de la Culture "Saison 3"
- From 1 july to 30 september 2024
- 8 Avenue des Alliés, Pays de Montbéliard Agglomération
- Since 1 January 2024, Pays de Montbéliard Agglomération has been the French Capital of Culture. - On the programme : one year of events to enchant our region, 12 months to be moved and take a step forward to brighten up our daily lives, 366 days to invent new ways of being together, with humour and generosity.
Montbel'été
- From 1 july to 31 august 2024
- What a programme ! - Something to suit all tastes, tastes and ages ! The summer 2024 activities devised by the City of Montbéliard for children, teenagers and families are once again extremely varied. - Weekly, daily or one-off, in the open air, at the swimming pool, indoors, in every district of the town… Arts, culture, sports, leisure, well-being or even creative leisure activities, you'll see, the choice is vast ! - happy holidays to you all !
Festival Eurocuivres
- From 20 to 28 july 2024
- Eurocuivres is all about musical discovery ! Horns, percussion, trumpets, trombones, tuba, euphonium… resonate at different sites in the Pays de Montbéliard for ten days. For the past 25 years, a Festival open to all and a Music Academy led by musicians of national and international renown have been working in perfect harmony. These festive, convivial events are an opportunity to explore new musical horizons, with no pretensions other than the desire to share. Because "behind the scenes", sharing is also about the Académie and its events and meetings. More than a hundred enthusiasts aged 7 to 77 come to the region from the four corners of France and around the world to learn and perfect their instrumental skills. - The 25th edition of the Eurocuivres Festival will be held from 18 to 28 July throughout the Montbéliard region, where the festival is a not-to-be-missed summer event. Of exceptional quality, the festival is open to the general public, with concerts given by renowned artists. The musicians come from all over France and abroad, and this year they will be giving around fifteen free, high-quality concerts. On a national level, the Eurocuivres Festival is a great showcase for Montbéliard and the Montbéliard region. - In Montbéliard, the festival will take place at various venues : - 20 July : Nicolas Ramez horn and piano recital - Conservatoire du pays de Montbéliard. - 21 July : Abracada brass - Église Mennonite de la Prairie. - As for La Roselière, it will be hosting several concerts : - 23 July : Trio SR9 & Kyrie Kristmanson. - July 24 : Just for fun. - 25 July : Spanish Brass. - 26 July : Carte blanche for teachers from the Eurocuivres Academy. - 28 July : Closing concert of the 25th edition. - Montbéliard locals will be able to attend the "animation concert" by the Arte Brass Quintet on 26 July at the Médiathèque. - Finally, the Eurocuivres Festival will be stopping off at Près-la Rose. The Big Funk Brass will be performing on Saturday 27 July on the Estivales du Près-la-Rose stage.
Les Estivales du Près-la-Rose : Eurocuivres
- On 27 july 2024
- Parc du Près-la-Rose
- Every Saturday from 20 July to 24 August, the Près-la-Rose Festival offers free open-air concerts. - Once again this year, the eclectic programme will delight music lovers of all kinds : blues, rock, pop, 80s… A great way to enjoy the long summer evenings in a friendly, festive atmosphere ! - Programme for Saturday 27 July : - - 8pm : Big Funk Brass
Château en Scène : Concert, Loner Deer
- On 28 july 2024
- Esplanade du Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg
- From spellbinding concerts to breathtaking circus acts, each show is carefully selected for its originality and artistic quality. Whether you're a fan of music, dance, theatre or circus, or simply looking for an entertaining evening out, this programme is made for you ! - Every Tuesday at 8pm and Sunday at 6pm - Except 18/08 and 25/08 at 9pm and 20/08 at 7pm. - Free admission - Please note that places on the esplanade of the Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg are limited. - Sunday 28 July at 6pm - Concert - Loner Deer - Folk, rock and country - Author, composer and performer, Loner Deer gives shape to the invisible. His style, somewhere between folk, rock and country, is inspired by Shawn James, Eddie Vedder and The White Buffalo. With his guitar and his voice, he tackles subjects such as memories, friendships and love.
L'été du Pavillon des Sciences : Dans l'Intimité des Chauves-Souris
- On 29 july 2024
- 5 impasses de la Presqu'île, Pavillon des Sciences
- This summer, the Pavillon des Sciences is offering free outdoor activities. - Aboard astonishing three-wheeled vehicles, our presenters offer scientific demonstrations for a time of exchange and sharing, and always a source of curiosity !
Château en Scène : Spectacle, Quand je Serai un Grand
- On 30 july 2024
- Esplanade du Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg
- From spellbinding concerts to breathtaking circus acts, each show is carefully selected for its originality and artistic quality. Whether you're a fan of music, dance, theatre or circus, or simply looking for an entertaining evening out, this programme is made for you ! - Every Tuesday at 8pm and Sunday at 6pm - Except 18/08 and 25/08 at 9pm and 20/08 at 7pm. - Free admission - Please note that places on the esplanade of the Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg are limited. - Tuesday 30 July at 8pm - Show - Quand je serai un grand - Harp and fabric - Les aéronotes company - Music and movement come together atop a fabric, bringing together two distinct worlds into one rich and complete one. An exploration of the encounter that transforms childhood dreams into reality, where differences can be both a source of conflict and of sharing, depending on how we look at each other.
L'été du Pavillon des Sciences : Ça Plane Pour l'air !
- On 31 july 2024
- 5 impasses de la Presqu'île, Pavillon des Sciences
- This summer, the Pavillon des Sciences is offering free outdoor activities. - Aboard astonishing three-wheeled vehicles, our presenters offer scientific demonstrations for a time of exchange and sharing, and always a source of curiosity !
L'été du Pavillon des Sciences : Transpirer, c'est la Santé !
- From 2 to 5 august 2024
- 5 impasses de la Presqu'île, Pavillon des Sciences
- This summer, the Pavillon des Sciences is offering free outdoor activities. - Aboard amazing three-wheeled vehicles, our presenters offer scientific demonstrations for a time of exchange and sharing, and always a source of curiosity !
Les Estivales du Près-la-Rose : Rock
- On 3 august 2024
- Parc du Près-la-Rose
- Every Saturday from 20 July to 24 August, the Près-la-Rose Festival offers free open-air concerts. - Once again this year, the eclectic programme will delight music lovers of all kinds : blues, rock, pop, 80s… A great way to enjoy the long summer evenings in a friendly, festive atmosphere ! - Programme for Saturday 3 August : - - 6.30pm : Blend of Stones - - 9pm : Each
