La Roche-Morey can be explored through nature watching, prehistory, and architectural and art history. On the Montagne de la Roche, bird-of-prey watching sits alongside prehistoric sites and the remains of a feudal castle. Other cultural points of interest include a former priory, a protected house on Rue Haute, and paintings in the church of Morey. You can therefore shape your discoveries around different interests: landscape and early history form one focus, architectural and art history another.
Montagne de la Roche: Nature and Long Spans of Time
Visitors can observe numerous species of birds of prey on the Montagne de la Roche. The area also includes three prehistoric sites of national renown. These include a Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon site associated with a paleontological site, a Magdalenian cave site, and one of the largest Neolithic settlements in eastern France. These sites represent different periods, spanning early traces of human presence through to Neolithic settlement.
Another historical layer is represented by the remains of a feudal castle, destroyed in 1354. Nature watching, prehistoric sites, and medieval history can therefore all be found on the Montagne de la Roche. Those with a particular interest in wildlife have a specific reason to observe it here; those looking to the past can distinguish the different periods represented by the sites.
Hike and Cycling Loop
The “Le tour de la montagne de la Roche” hike leads to the hilltop and offers a panorama of the surrounding area. How clearly you can see the panorama depends on the weather. The summit is a clear destination when planning your hike, while the view remains a weather-dependent part of the experience.
The “Jules Rimet” cycling loop no. 20 leads to La Roche-Morey at the foot of the Montagne de la Roche. Check current route conditions before setting off. The two options have different points of reference: the hike focuses on the summit and panorama, while the cycling loop names La Roche-Morey as its destination at the foot of the Montagne.
Another activity, this one motorised, is the “Terrain Endurance Tout Terrain,” which is authorised for motocross, enduro, and quad biking. If you plan to take part, check the current options at the site before travelling.
Architectural History and Art
The former priory in La Roche-Morey is partially protected as a historic monument. Its main construction phase dates to the second half of the 17th century. The protected house on Rue Haute represents a different period: it dates from the 16th century and retains an original stone fireplace from that time, French ceilings, and old wooden structures. By comparison, the house and the priory’s main construction phase mark different periods in architectural history.
The church of Morey contains the paintings “Miracle de san Toribio de Lima” and “Saint Benoit en extase.” The latter is signed “ADRIANUS,” the signature of the painter Adrien Richard, and dated 1739. Alongside the historic buildings, the paintings provide a distinct point of reference for exploring the area’s art history.
Discover more destinations: Volon, Miellin, Lure, Ray-Sur-SaĂ´ne, Chariez, Scey-Sur-SaĂ´ne-Et-Saint-Albin, Gray, Moffans-et-Vacheresse
For the broader travel overview: Haute-SaĂ´ne.
