Chassey Les Montbozon offers a variety of reasons to stay: early Christian church history, protected archaeological remains, and trails through a landscape of wooded slopes, meadows, and hills. If you are looking for a destination that combines culture and nature, you can enjoy both here. The historic sites and activities around the lakes offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Early Christian Church and Archaeological History

The early Christian church of Chassey Les Montbozon and its necropolis lie on a peninsula between the bodies of water at the Domaine de Bonnal tourist area. The church is still considered the oldest known church in Franche-Comté. Its substructures and the Merovingian necropolis were designated historic monuments by decree on February 2, 1981. The church history of this site is therefore linked to a tangible archaeological record.

Visits to the early Christian church and its necropolis are possible for groups by prior arrangement. If you are planning a visit, please note that advance registration is required. This information applies to groups; it does not mean that visits are unrestricted for individuals.

Another historic site is Chacé: its archaeological remains are located in a state archaeological reserve and have been protected by decree since February 12, 2002. The information about the church, necropolis, and Chacé offers different ways to explore the area’s history, from early Christian traces to the remains of the ancient site.

Saint Gengoul, Fountains, and Washhouse

The Church of Saint Gengoul was built from 1750 to 1759. One of its bells dates from 1767 and was designated a historic monument in 1942. These dates mark different chapters in its history: the construction of the church and the later designation of the bell.

The Fontaine-lavoir Saint Gengoul washhouse is also part of the area’s architectural heritage. It was rebuilt in 1881 and restored in 1997. Chassey Les Montbozon also has four beautiful fountains. These landmarks complement the major historical themes with smaller elements of built heritage preserved in the village.

Landscape and Nature

Wooded slopes, grassy meadows, fertile soil, and hills shape the landscape of Chassey Les Montbozon. Local vegetation, fauna, and flora are also of interest: at least 355 species have been recorded. This adds a focus on nature to the churches and archaeological sites when choosing a destination. The landscape and the recorded diversity of species offer two different ways to appreciate the surroundings.

Walks and Lakes at Val de Bonnal

The Val de Bonnal recreation area has a supervised swimming lake; its operation may vary by season. If you are planning to visit the lake, check its current operating status before your visit. There are also four kilometers of walking trails around the lakes. When spending time by the water, you can enjoy both the swimming lake and walks along the lakes.

The Domaine des Grands Lacs in the Val de Bonnal recreation area is privately owned and open to the public. Activities may vary seasonally. If you are planning to use a particular facility, check in advance what will be available at your chosen time.

Another walking option is the Le Perroquet bleu loop trail: it starts at the former town hall and heads towards the church. The elevation change is plus or minus 24 meters; the loop is suitable for families. For comparison, the details differ: at Val de Bonnal, the focus is on the four kilometers of trails around the lakes, while for Le Perroquet bleu, it is the starting point at the former town hall, the direction towards the church, and the elevation change.

Discover more destinations: La Roche-Morey, Bousseraucourt, Vesoul, Scey-Sur-Saône-Et-Saint-Albin, La Proiseliere Et Langle, Frasne-le-Château, Haut-Du-Them-Château-Lambert, Igny.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.