Montbenoît lies on the left bank of the Doubs in the Val du Saugeais. The village combines medieval heritage with hiking and mountain biking: the Vy aux Moines starts at the abbey, and the Malsaron circular trail starts at the car park there. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can decide whether abbey history, a marked trail, or a combination of the two will be the focus of your stay.

Abbey, Cloister and Saugeais

The abbey cloister dates from the 12th and 15th centuries. In the Doubs département, it is the only surviving medieval religious complex of comparable significance. This gives Montbenoît a clear cultural focus, rooted in a specific historic site.

The cloister was listed as a historic monument in 1846 and again in 1914. The abbey church was listed in 1922, with the exception of the bell tower. These dates therefore refer to different parts of the complex.

The abbey houses the Musée de la République du Saugeais. It looks back at the République du Saugeais with educational panels, medals and various donated objects. The cultural focus therefore extends from the medieval cloister to the history of the République du Saugeais.

The abbey is also a shared reference point for two trails: both start there or at the abbey car park. When planning your stay, you can therefore consider the heritage and the routes’ distinct features as two separate points of interest.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

The Vy aux Moines is a medieval route laid out in the 12th century by monks from Môtiers in Switzerland to reach the canons of Montbenoît. It starts at the abbey. The French section is marked in yellow and blue and designated for both hiking and mountain biking. This route therefore combines a historic origin with designated uses on foot and by mountain bike.

The Malsaron circular trail is an easy loop of 6.1 kilometres. It starts and ends at the abbey car park in Montbenoît; the route is marked in yellow and blue and can also be ridden by mountain bike. Along the picturesque Route de Chez Noël, it passes through an area of typical Comtois farmhouses adorned with traditional tuyés. Its length, difficulty rating and loop format give this route a different character from the historically described Vy aux Moines.

Different features can help you choose between the two routes: for the Malsaron, the easy rating, stated distance, and start and finish at the car park stand out. The Vy aux Moines is defined by its medieval origins and the designated uses of its French section. You can therefore choose between a clearly defined circular route and the trail’s history and activity profile.

A Paved Voie Verte

The Chemin du Train is a Voie Verte following the route of the former railway line between Pontarlier and Gilley. Since November 2012, the entire route has been paved and suitable for scooters, roller skis and all types of bicycles. This describes both the former railway line’s route and the surface along its entire length.

Check local trail conditions and markings before setting out. Parking arrangements at the car park may also change for the Malsaron circular trail.

Discover more destinations: Marchaux, Pierrefontaine-les-Varans, La Chaux, Rougemont, École-Valentin, Ornans, Montbeliardot, Les Fontenelles

Return to the regional travel overview: Doubs.