Art collections, notable buildings and a historic city trail give Dole several cultural points of interest. The character of your stay can depend on whether you focus more on architecture, art or the history of the canals.
City history along a trail
The signposted Circuit du Chat Perché is a circular route of about four kilometres through the city centre. Designed for pedestrians, it makes exploring the city’s cultural heritage the guiding thread: the route takes in notable buildings, important streets and squares, as well as decorative details, and leads through eight centuries of Dole’s history. A map with brief explanations is available in foreign-language editions from the Office de Tourisme for 1 euro. The price and availability may change; it is best to check these details before your visit.
Buildings and educational history
The Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dole was built in the 16th century after the plunder under Louis XI. Its portal bell tower is 73 metres high. Inside is a large organ with 3,500 pipes, built by the German organ builder Riepp; it is one of the very rare 18th-century examples in France. Here, you can take in both architectural scale and a distinctive musical heritage.
The Collège St Jérôme et chapelle de la Visitation adds the city’s educational history to this historical focus. At the end of the 15th century, the Benedictine Antoine Roche from Franche-Comté, Prior of Cluny, founded the college to accommodate and care for members of religious orders attending lectures at the University of Dole. It is one of only three Cluniac colleges in France. Its history thus connects a specific place with the studies of the time and the Cluniac context.
Art and museum collections
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dole was founded in 1821 and is located in the Pavillon des Officiers in the city centre. Its extensive collections include archaeology as well as old, modern and contemporary art. Several periods and art forms are represented side by side, so a museum visit is not limited to a single direction. The museum also hosts two temporary exhibitions each year showcasing the diversity of French and international art; the exhibition themes vary.
On the banks of the Canal des Tanneurs, the Maison natale de Pasteur has been a museum since 1923. Topics presented include family memorabilia, Pasteur’s important discoveries, the Institut Pasteur and his father’s tannery. The content may change over time.
Canals and cycling route
Une Belle Aventure offers a guided ride on the authentic Venetian water taxi Isola Bella, built in 1963. The history of Dole and its canals is presented during the ride. Une Belle Aventure also rents licence-free electric runabout boats for one-hour or half-day trips. As availability and operating details may change, check which offers are currently available before making plans.
Cyclists also have a clear point of reference: Dole is a stop on EuroVelo 6. Routes and signage may change, so check the current route before setting out.
Choosing Dole as a place to stay
If you are considering Dole as a place to stay, the purpose of your trip can help narrow down the choice: art, architecture and city history shape a culture-focused visit, while Dole’s status as a stop on EuroVelo 6 is a separate consideration when planning a cycling trip.
Discover more destinations: Barretaine, Sampans, Mantry, Bellefontaine, Mournans-Charbonny, Nevy-lès-Dole, Mouchard, Saint-Maurice-Crillat.
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
