In Chariez, local history and outdoor activities offer distinct areas of focus. Maison Forte and the Église de l’Assomption provide insights into the town’s architectural history; above Chariez rises the rocky plateau of Camp de César. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you would prefer to explore the historic buildings or focus on hikes and outdoor activities.
Landscape and activities around Chariez
Chariez is one of the municipalities in the Natura 2000 site FR4312014 “Pelouses de la région vésulienne et vallée de la Colombine”. A prominent landmark in the landscape is Camp de César: the rocky plateau rises 380 metres above the Cité de Caractère Chariez.
At Camp de César, there are climbing-equipped cliffs with routes for a range of difficulty levels. There is also a take-off area for paragliders and hang gliders, as well as hiking trails through varied landscapes. Several hikes are also possible around Chariez. Before taking part in outdoor activities, check the local conditions.
Maison Forte, the church and local history
Maison Forte stands on the site of the castle of Marguerite de Bavière and has been mentioned since 1385. Its structure consists of a square platform surrounded by thick stone ramparts with loopholes and cannon embrasures. Together, these features offer a vivid picture of defensive architecture. Maison Forte can also be distinguished in date from the town’s more recent buildings: the Église de l’Assomption was built between 1781 and 1786.
The Église de l’Assomption has been listed as a historic monument since 3 November 1991. The church also houses Jean-Léon Gérôme’s 1859 painting “Vierge à l’enfant”, which is classified as a movable historic monument. Check in advance whether the painting will be on view during your visit and what access is available.
The houses also tell different stories about Chariez: the town preserves houses belonging to the nobility and bourgeoisie alongside winegrowers’ houses. Chariez was once a winegrowing village, and the winegrowers’ houses bear witness to this viticultural past.
Town walk and recurring events
A suggested cultural and historical walk starts in the church forecourt and ends there. It takes in the town’s features mentioned above, offering a way to explore its architectural history not just through individual buildings, but as part of a walk. Check local conditions and access arrangements before your visit.
A flea market is held in Chariez every two years. If you would like to include a visit to the market in your travel plans, check the date of the next event locally.
Discover more destinations: Oricourt, Marnay, Filain, Étuz, La Rosière, Saint-Sauveur, Villersexel, Volon.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.
