Discover a rare architectural heritage in France

Discover a rare architectural heritage in France

Set off to explore a unique architectural heritage with the booklet “10 Temples to Discover in the Pays de Montbéliard.”

The Pays de Montbéliard, once a small French-speaking territory ruled by German princes, has a distinctive history. This legacy can be discovered through unique buildings such as the architectural masterpiece of the Temple Saint-Martin in Montbéliard. Indeed, as you travel through the region, you will notice that the religious buildings found in most villages are not Catholic churches, but Protestant temples.

Ruled by the Dukes of Württemberg, this territory embraced the ideas of the Protestant Reformation from 1530 onwards. This influence has left a lasting mark on the Pays de Montbéliard, shaping its religious, cultural, and architectural identity. The Temple Saint-Martin, the oldest building constructed for Protestant worship, became a model for other temples. An itinerary has therefore been designed to highlight this unique heritage of a former Protestant principality.

Ten temples have been selected and listed in the booklet to help visitors discover the diversity of buildings across the area, all witnesses to 400 years of religious history:

• Bart
• Bavans
• Clairegoutte
• Colombier-Fontaine
• Dampierre-les-Bois
• Présentvillers
• Saint-Julien-lès-Montbéliard
• Saint-Maurice-Colombier
• Seloncourt
• Voujeaucourt

Whether highlighting the reuse of former Catholic churches or showcasing stained glass created by local artists, this itinerary invites visitors to discover the uniqueness of each temple. The booklet also lists nearby points of interest. A contact is provided to arrange access to the temples in advance or on site if they are closed.

Enjoy your visit!