Montlebon brings together historic religious buildings, archaeological traces, the Reculée de Derrière le Mont, Comté and two different skiing options. The municipality stretches from the banks of the Doubs at an altitude of 770 metres to Meix-Musy at 1,267 metres. Its described extent therefore includes both the riverbank and a point at a considerably higher elevation. This range provides a tangible landscape setting for the area’s different features.

Landscape and skiing

Cross-country skiing is available at Gardot, and downhill skiing at Meix Musy. If you are planning winter sports, you can distinguish between the two options by the type of skiing you want: cross-country skiing is available at Gardot, while downhill skiing is at Meix Musy. The two place names thus mark distinct options, rather than one skiing offer without further distinction.

Churches and historical traces

Three dated religious buildings give an overview of Montlebon’s architectural history. The Rosary Church in Les Fontenottes was built in 1691. This was followed by the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Derrière-le-Mont in 1765; the Chapelle Sainte-Anne in Les Cernoniers was built in 1877. The dates and the respective hamlets help you consider each building individually, rather than seeing them as a single complex.

In Sur-la-Seigne, the Church of Saint-Michel stands at the end of the Minims’ monastery. The history of settlement goes back even further: archaeological remains provide evidence of settlement in Montlebon since antiquity. These include tracks with wheel ruts leading towards La Brévine in neighbouring Switzerland. These tracks are part of the archaeological record; they are distinct from the Derrière le Mont route, which is described as a specific route.

Route, reculée and cave

The Derrière le Mont route goes around the Reculée de Derrière le Mont, a geological feature of the Jura Massif, and passes the Chapelle Sainte-Anne. This connects the route with two distinct features: the geological formation of the reculée and a dated religious building. The chapel is in Les Cernoniers; its construction date is given as 1877.

The Grotte de la Grande Cave is also part of the area’s history. It is believed to have served as a refuge during the Swedish invasion of 1634. Access is exposed and secured with ropes; it is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. This specific restriction is important to bear in mind if you are considering visiting the cave.

Comté and tours

The Fromagerie de Montlebon offers guided tours by reservation. The entire Comté-making process is explained during the tour. It therefore covers the process from the start of production through to the finished cheese, rather than offering only a general introduction to the product. Include this activity in your plans only if you have made a reservation in advance.

Discover more destinations: Les Combes, Montbeliardot, Les Fontenelles, Sancey-Le-Grand, Montferrand-Le-Château, Larnod, Verrières-de-Joux, Amancey

For the broader travel overview: Doubs.