Novillard can be explored through two distinct themes for a stay: the La Madeleine and its walking trails, and a history of rural architecture spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. The river runs through the village and rises in a village of the same name in the Vosges massif. The church, former mill, and houses on the Grande Rue add specific historical and architectural details to the natural setting. When planning your trip, you can decide whether a walk or the village’s history should take centre stage.
The La Madeleine and Its Trails
Signposted walking trails pass through Novillard and offer family-friendly walks. The Circuit de la rivière La Madeleine provides practical details for planning the route: it is 12 km long, takes around four hours, is considered easy, and has only gentle inclines. The circular route starts at the car park of the intercommunal hall at 14 Rue Sur le Rond, 90340 Novillard. The approximate duration helps you fit the outing into your stay. Since the walking time is only an estimate, it is best not to plan your day around arriving at an exact time.
The Circuit de la rivière La Madeleine passes through three villages and crosses the La Madeleine twice. A route description from 2024 describes the Circuit de la Madeleine in Novillard as following the Autruche and the La Madeleine, through fields and woods. The route, trail conditions, and details may change; check the current route before setting off.
Church and Rural Architectural History
The present-day Église Saint-Julien was built from 1748 and blessed in 1781. The church houses a bronze bell cast in 1766 and listed as a protected monument on 7 March 1977. The dates place the construction and the bell in context: 1766 falls between the start of construction in 1748 and the blessing in 1781, while the bell was listed in 1977.
The former mill, Le moulin Made, and a fountain are located on Rue du Moulin. The supply channel for the former mill is still there and is fed by the La Madeleine. Thus, alongside the river itself, the connection to the mill also stands out as part of the village’s history: the channel links the former mill to the watercourse that runs through Novillard.
A farm complex dating from the 19th century on the Grande Rue has a roof with a wide overhang, typical of the Territoire de Belfort. It shelters the entrances to the barn and stable. A 19th-century house on the Grande Rue features the layout typical of the Territoire de Belfort, with the barn, stable, and living area on one level. These details bring two different aspects of rural architecture to life: the protection provided by the roof overhang and the arrangement of the living and working areas.
Plan Your Stay
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Novillard, your preferred focus for the day can help narrow down your choice: would you like your stay to centre on walking, enjoy family-friendly walks, or focus particularly on the village’s history? The circular route provides a clear time frame, while the church, mill, and houses offer a different focus. This can help you decide which themes you would like to prioritise on your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cravanche, Danjoutin, Buc, Giromagny, Suarce, Bourogne, Essert, Bavilliers
See the main travel guide: Territoire De Belfort.
