Genevreuille brings together sacred art, industrial history and hiking, with clearly identified destinations. The church’s architectural history and individual furnishings take center stage inside; beyond it, points of interest include the production hall of Fonderie Meyer / Amet, the ruins of a lime factory and Bithaine Abbey. This makes it easy to choose a focus for your trip: historic architecture, religious art or an outing in the surrounding area.

The church and its sacred details

The Church of Saint-Léonard de Noblat was built in the 19th century on the site of an earlier chapel. The former chapel and the church therefore represent different building phases at the same location. Inside, the church houses a wrought-iron communion rail and an 18th-century painting of Saint Leonard. A ciborium-chrismatory (pyx) is also located in the Church of Genevreuille.

The dates involved are different: the church building dates from the 19th century, while the painting is from the 18th century. Alongside the building’s history, the sacred objects offer a tangible impression of its furnishings, including both a metalwork piece and a depiction of Saint Leonard.

Industrial architecture in La Conche

The Fonderie Meyer / Amet industrial heritage site is located in La Conche on Route de la Gare in Genevreuille. Its production hall is single-storey and has two sawtooth-roof sections. These two sections give the roof a distinctive zigzag silhouette. Together with the low-rise design, they create a specific architectural feature. The site is associated with a former secondary smelting foundry and a metal surface-treatment factory.

A separate historical event dates to 1925: Charles Meyer applied, on behalf of the company Meyer et Cie, also founded in 1925, for permission to build a foundry for copper, brass, bronze and aluminium. The application and the company’s founding took place in the same year; the application specified four metals, clearly defining the project.

Hiking among historic landmarks

On a hike in May 2024, the route from Genevreuille to Bithaine Abbey followed a gently rising road lined with farmhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The architecture of a railway tunnel was also observed along the way. The ruins of a lime factory are also located on the way to Genevreuille station. The route’s landmarks thus include both residential and industrial buildings: historic farmhouses, a tunnel and the remains of a factory.

The hike to the abbey is dated May 2024. If you are planning your own trip, check local trail conditions and public access on site. The ruins of the lime factory are a separate landmark on the way to Genevreuille station; they should not be confused with Fonderie Meyer / Amet.

The abbey and a farm visit

Near Genevreuille, the former 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Bithaine stands beside the Colombine River. Its former role as a Cistercian abbey, the age of the building and its riverside location offer different reasons to visit. The abbey can be visited by appointment and during Heritage Days. Check the dates in advance if you are planning your visit around them.

For a different kind of outing, there is L’bout d’chemin in Genevreuille: this secluded organic farm is set amid nature, with gardens, flowers and animals. It offers walks with pack donkeys as well as snacks at the farm. Outdoor activities and a place to eat are two good reasons to include the farm in your plans. Check the current availability of these activities before your visit.

Plan your hotel stay around your interests

Use these interests to guide your search, and plan around the relevant visiting arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Châteney, Champagney, La Rosière, Filain, Aillevans, Bourguignon-Lès-Morey, Corravillers, Villers-Bouton

Go to the wider travel guide: Haute-Saône.