Several cultural highlights come together in Dommartin: the parish church of Saint-Martin brings together different periods of construction and works of art, while the Niai-Nion Chapel is associated with a story dating back to the 17th century. The landscape also varies around the La CĂ´te du Fol route and the chapel. This allows you to distinguish clearly between church art, local tradition and views across the Arlier landscape when planning your trip.
Saint-Martin: Building History and Works of Art
The original Saint-Martin Church is considered one of the oldest churches on the Arlier Plateau; it was first mentioned in 1141. The present-day parish church brings together parts from several periods: the choir dates from the 16th or 17th century and bears the date 1692, the nave dates from the 18th century, and the bell tower bears the date 1825. These details do not point to a single year of construction, but show that the different parts have different dates. Those interested in architecture will find several specific points of reference, rather than a simplified date for the church as a whole.
The church contains two polychrome works made from different materials: the 16th-century stone sculpture Charité de Saint Martin and a 15th-century wooden Pietà . Their different materials—stone and wood—and centuries make the two works clearly distinguishable elements of the church’s furnishings. Near the church portal there is also a wayside cross with a flower-adorned cross and a monstrance on its axis. It is listed as a historic monument. The church building, sculptures and wayside cross thus represent different forms of local cultural heritage.
Niai-Nion Chapel and Its History
The Niai-Nion Chapel adds a specific historical context to the area’s church-building history: it was built after the plague epidemic of 1636 as a refuge for the sick. The grave of Jeanne Laignier is still visible behind the chapel. The site therefore focuses both on its former use as a refuge and on a specific grave. A procession of Dommartin parishioners has long been associated with the chapel and takes place on Trinity Sunday. The building history and procession mark different points in time: the construction is linked to 1636, while the tradition is linked to Trinity Sunday.
Route and Views Across the Arlier Landscape
Route La CĂ´te du Fol No. 106 runs between Dommartin and Vuillecin, first following the Drugeon River and then crossing the pastures of CĂ´te du Fol. From there, the view extends across the Arlier plain. Along this described route, riverbank, pastureland and views of the plain follow one another.
Niai-Nion Chapel offers a different connection to the landscape: it stands at the edge of the forest between Dommartin and Vuillecin. From there, the view extends across Chaux d’Arlier, Pontarlier and the heights of Larmont. The route and chapel therefore differ both in their surroundings and in the views described: the river and pastures in one case, the forest edge and views of towns and heights in the other. This comparison helps show that the landscape around Dommartin is not defined by a single feature.
Those considering a stay in Dommartin can choose which local highlights to focus on according to their interests: the parish church combines architecture and art, the chapel offers a story of refuge and religious tradition, and the La CĂ´te du Fol route takes in the river, pastures and views across the Arlier plain. These are different ways to experience the area; the landscape route and the chapel need not be considered a single trail.
Discover more destinations: Montbeliardot, Bonnay, La Chaux, Montbéliard, Villers-Le-Lac, Arc-Et-Senans, École-Valentin, Besançon.
For the broader travel overview: Doubs.
