Gray can be explored from several specific perspectives: its architectural history is reflected in the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Hôtel de Ville and the Italian-style theater. There is also a historic pharmacy, art and archaeological objects, as well as activities connected with the Saône. If you are looking for accommodation in Gray, you can plan your stay around whether you want to focus on buildings and collections or on activities along the river.
Architectural history in distinctive details
Construction of the Notre-Dame Basilica began in 1478 and was completed in 1559. Its nave features a fully star-ribbed vault, considered a unique example of Flamboyant Gothic throughout the province. The construction period and the vault offer two different points of interest: the building’s long history and a striking architectural feature of its interior.
The Hôtel de Ville is a Renaissance building dating from 1567 to 1572. Its polychrome glazed-tile roof adds a striking design detail to its historical context. The Italian-style theater was built later, between 1846 and 1849. It retains its historic fittings and most of its original stage machinery. Comparing the buildings reveals different eras, along with details that go beyond their dates alone.
Pharmacy, art and distinctive interiors
The Hôtel-Dieu houses a pharmacy dating from 1722, with 119 faience pharmacy jars. Their precise number and material make them a tangible counterpart to the city’s grand architectural forms: here, the focus is on a collection of jars; there, on vaults, roofs and historic fittings.
The Musée Baron Martin presents paintings and sculptures in historic salons, as well as archaeological objects in medieval vaulted cellars. The different rooms are as much a part of the museum’s character as its collections. The Tour Saint-Pierre Fourier preserves another exceptional feature: a revolving wooden staircase, considered the only surviving example of its kind in France. A guided tour of the tower can be arranged on request through the Val de Gray Tourist Office. Arrange a time before your trip.
Experience Gray on the Saône
The park of the Château-Musée Baron Martin offers views over the city rooftops and the Saône Valley. Alongside the option of exploring on foot or on the water, there are different activities to choose from: the Voie Bleue cycling route follows the Saône through Gray; check route conditions before setting off. The Audacieux, an electric-solar boat, offers narrated cruises on the Saône near Gray. Confirm the schedule and availability in advance.
Another option combines a city tour with regional products: the Rendez-vous du Terroir includes a guided tour of the city with a tasting. As dates and reservations need to be confirmed, it is worth checking before your trip. This experience differs from a cruise on the Saône or a bike ride: it combines a guided introduction to Gray with a tasting of regional products.
Plan a stay that suits you
When planning, it helps to distinguish between enduring points of interest and activities that require an appointment or request. The basilica, Hôtel de Ville, theater and the collection details mentioned above offer different cultural and historical highlights. A guided tour of the Tour Saint-Pierre Fourier, a cruise or the Rendez-vous du Terroir each require you to check the stated conditions in advance. When choosing your accommodation in Gray, you can first decide which of these interests you want to shape your stay, then coordinate the relevant activities with the available dates.
There are several specific ways to get to know Gray: through its architectural styles and their periods of construction, through art and archaeological objects, through views of the Saône Valley, or through activities along or on the river. You can give these different highlights whatever emphasis suits your trip, without turning them into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Charcenne, Bourbévelle, Villers-sur-Port, Coisevaux, Scey-Sur-Saône-Et-Saint-Albin, Beulotte-Saint-Laurent, Passavant-La-Rochère, Esprels.
For the main travel overview: Haute-Saône.
