Explore the Pays de Montbéliard at a Relaxed Pace

The Pays de Montbéliard is full of discoveries to enjoy all year round. To make the most of your stay, a few tips can make all the difference: book certain visits in advance, choose the most suitable times, or explore the area on foot or by bike.

Plan your getaway with our practical advice and discover inspiring ideas for places to visit.

A Different Kind of Stay, Off the Beaten Track

What if you took a little more time to explore the Pays de Montbéliard beyond the usual tourist routes?

Beyond its iconic attractions and must-see sites, the destination can also be discovered by exploring its welcoming towns and villages, scenic landscapes, and visitor sites. This is often where you’ll uncover a different side of the area, blending culture, heritage, and nature.

Here are a few ideas to enhance your visit:

The Donation Patt Art Centre, for a cultural and artistic experience;
The Museum of Rural Life and Traditional Crafts, to discover traditional skills and local heritage;
The Sacred Heart Church, admired for its distinctive architecture;
La Damassine, surrounded by orchards and beautiful viewpoints;
Panse Park, perfect for enjoying the outdoors with the whole family;
The Batterie des Roches, combining military history with panoramic valley views;
Doue Mill, a charming waterside discovery;
The Historic Boundary Stones Trail, following the former borders of the Principality of Montbéliard.

Explore the Destination by Slow Travel

The Pays de Montbéliard offers plenty of opportunities to explore the destination at your own pace, whether on foot, by bike, or by boat.

On foot

From valleys and forests to panoramic viewpoints and charming villages, dozens of waymarked trails invite you to discover the area's natural beauty and rich heritage.

E xplore our hiking routes on the Tourist Office website.

By bike

Whether you're a casual cyclist or enjoy long-distance rides, there are plenty of routes to choose from:

EuroVelo 6, one of Europe's best-known long-distance cycle routes, passes through the Pays de Montbéliard along the canal and the River Doubs.
Cycle loops offer routes suitable for cyclists of all abilities.

By boat

Travelling by boat?

Stop at Montbéliard Marina and enjoy a relaxing break just a short walk from the town centre. Showers, laundry facilities, nearby restaurants, and a Tourist Office information point located at the harbour master's office are all available to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

While cruising along the Rhône–Rhine Canal, take the time to stroll, explore, and enjoy a pleasant stop by the water.

To make your stay even easier, the Tourist Office also offers a bicycle rental service , the perfect way to explore the Pays de Montbéliard without a car.

Choose the Best Time to Visit

To help you plan your visit and enjoy the destination at its best, check the busiest and quietest times at these popular attractions:

A Destination to Experience All Year Round

Take your time, breathe, and let yourself be surprised… The Pays de Montbéliard is best discovered throughout the year, following the rhythm of the seasons.

In spring: enjoy the arrival of warmer days and discover Vandoncourt, a village awarded the "Cité de caractère" label. Starting from the Nature and Orchard Centre: La Damassine, set off on a hike to discover the village. Continue your walk to the Sarrazin Bridge, an impressive natural arch shaped by limestone erosion. Along the way, admire the landscapes and the fields of rapeseed in bloom.
In summer: explore military forts such as Fort du Mont-Bart, a former link in the national defence system, accessible through self-guided visits or guided tours. For a nature break, enjoy the Princes' Ponds or the many green spaces across the destination, perfect for a walk by the water.
In autumn: follow the trails, such as the Tante Airie trail, for a woodland walk leading to the legendary Tante Airie Cave, an iconic figure of local folklore. To extend your walk, let your creativity flow with land art: create your own artwork inspired by the Pays de Montbéliard (the Montbéliarde cow, Château Montbéliard Wurtemberg, etc.) and share your creations with us on social media!
In winter: discover Montbéliard’s historic centre with our audio-guided tour of the Heinrich Schickhardt trail, an original way to explore the town at your own pace and discover its history. Extend your visit with Montbéliard’s Christmas Lights, which illuminate the town every year with a Christmas market, local craftsmanship, and a festive atmosphere.

Our tips for enjoying the Christmas Lights with peace of mind

Every year, Montbéliard’s Christmas Lights attract many visitors who come to discover one of France’s most beautiful Christmas markets and the largest Christmas event in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

To make the most of your visit:

Choose a weekday visit whenever possible, as visitor numbers are generally lower;
Check the event programme before your arrival to choose the best time for your visit and plan your experience according to your interests;
Book your accommodation in advance, especially during weekends and the busiest periods;
Use the car parks located at the city entrances and allow a few minutes to walk to the town centre;
Discover local specialities with the Gourmet Christmas Pass and enjoy a delicious break during your visit.

Events All Year Round

Throughout the year, the Pays de Montbéliard comes alive with a wide range of events, including food and drink experiences, festivals, shows, and sporting events.

Check our events calendar to plan your stay and discover what’s happening each season.

Matches of Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard at Bonal Stadium in Sochaux
Heritage events throughout the Pays de Montbéliard
The Pays de Montbéliard Know-How Route from April to November
The Rencontres & Racines Festival in June in Audincourt
The BockSons Festival in June in Valentigney
The Festival des Mômes in August in Montbéliard
The Gourmet Days in September in Montbéliard