The history of glassmaking in Passavant-La-Rochère goes back a long way: the Verrerie de Passavant-la-Rochère was founded by Simon de Thysac in 1475. Today, it is considered the oldest traditional art glassworks in France still in operation. Historic buildings, sacred art and routes linked to former trades also shape the character of this destination.
Glassblowing: History and Craft
Visits to the artisan glassblowing workshops are free of charge. Three glassblowers explain their craft, techniques and passion to visitors. As visiting arrangements and staffing details may change, check the latest information before your visit.
The founding date and the craft place the emphasis on different aspects: 1475 gives the Verrerie its historical context, while the explanations of the work and techniques focus on craftsmanship. The long history of glassmaking and its practical side can thus be explored side by side.
Viaduct, Keep and Tour Mathey
The Passavant Viaduct is 126.8 metres long, crosses the valley at a height of almost 20 metres and has five round arches. Its length, height and arch design each provide a different point of reference: the viaduct can be viewed as a long crossing of the valley or through its five individual arches.
The Donjon de Passavant has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1985. The Tour Mathey is the last surviving remnant of the fortified settlement of Passavant; it was fully included in the supplementary inventory in 1985. The two historic landmarks therefore differ both in how they are described and in the extent of their listing.
The Église Notre-Dame can also be dated through its furnishings. In 1862, a high altar, a pulpit and wood panelling on the choir walls were specified for the church. The plans and estimate were approved on 30 April 1863, after which the furnishings were installed.
Sacred Art and Architectural Traces
The Chapelle Saint-Antoine contains a painted and carved altarpiece from the 13th century depicting the Passion of Christ. The chapel also contains the graves of glassmakers from La Rochère. The Calvaire de la place Dieu features a Eucharistic pelican, bas-reliefs with vine leaves and grapes, and depictions of the Virgin Mary and Christ. Both places offer specific motifs through which to explore different forms of sacred art.
In the hamlet of La Rochère, houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries retain traces of historic buildings despite extensive alterations. Here, the focus is not only on individual monuments, but also on evidence preserved in the built fabric of the hamlet.
Routes and Former Trades
The Circuit des Tuileries passes near six former tile works. Three of them were still in operation in the 1950s. The route thus combines a walk with a specific historical theme: brickmaking and its former importance. The Étang Neuf offers a different focus as a landscaped natural area with chalets and huts for hikers.
For cycling plans, the Voie Verte des Tuileries is another specific point of reference: downstream from Selles, it provides access to Passavant-la-Rochère. The two routes serve different purposes: the Circuit des Tuileries passes near former tile works, while the Voie Verte describes a route providing access to Passavant-la-Rochère.
For your stay, you can choose what to focus on based on the kind of discovery you prefer: glassblowing and historic buildings, sacred art, walks around the Étang Neuf or access via the Voie Verte des Tuileries. This offers a way to assess Passavant-La-Rochère as a destination with several specific cultural and landscape attractions.
Discover more destinations: Oricourt, Ray-Sur-Saône, Faymont, Esmoulières, Port-Sur-Saône, Champagney, Chaux-lès-Port, Corravillers
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.
