This is a village that ranks among the 180 Most Beautiful Villages of France, alongsideYvoire, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez, and Polignac. When you consider that there are 34,875 municipalities in France, you don’t need to have attended Polytechnique to understand that we’re talking about the very essence of our heritage. On the next sunny weekend, head to Pesmes, in Haute-Saône.
Pesmes, the medieval town with three designations
Located halfway between Dijon and Besançon, the small town of Pesmes is a jewel of our heritage, easily accessible from Lyon. In the heart of Franche-Comté, this town is brimming with treasures, and it’s no wonder it has earned three distinctions: it is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, theCities of Character of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and the Green Resorts—a feat worth celebrating!
Just like Pérouges, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, or Semur-en-Auxois, what strikes you most about Pesmes is its medieval character, which hasn’t aged a bit. You’ll learn that some of the ruins date back to the 10th century, and a stroll along the ramparts is definitely worth the detour. The Church of Saint-Hilaire, dating from the 13th and 16th centuries, is one of the region’s most magnificent monuments, and the 17th-century Maison Royale is equally remarkable.
One cannot speak of Pesmes without mentioning its rich industrial past, spanning over three centuries, with its historic forges waiting to be discovered in the dedicated museum, housed in the former workshops. Today, the Forges de Pesmes also serve as a cultural venue, hosting concerts and plays.
Nature, the other asset of the town of 1,001 treasures
Pesmes charms visitors with its historical heritage, but also with its incredible natural surroundings and its river. The Ognon River is a tributary of the Saône, which naturally flows through Lyon! And that’s where the magic of the flow comes in: the water from Pesmes will pass through the Capital of Gaul sooner or later.
From the Île de la Sauvageonne, the view of Pesmes and its river is magical. In summer, you can enjoy water sports like canoeing and kayaking, as well as other outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, several bike paths—notably the Boucle des Forges— will let you explore the surroundings at your own pace! For a weekend getaway, Pesmes pairs perfectly with another hidden gem in the region, such as Beaune, Château-Chalon, or Baume-les-Messieurs. We highly recommend it!
