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.
