Baume-Les-Dames: Heritage and Nature

Baume-Les-Dames offers a range of ways to explore the area: sacred architecture, printmaking, archaeological heritage and nature. Religious buildings and Renaissance houses are joined by a landing stage for river traffic. The town holds the “Cité de Caractère” and “Station Verte” distinctions. Which of these themes interests you most can shape your choice of sights to visit.

Nature, the River and Activities

An arboretum with numerous plant and tree species is located on Chemin de la République. Signage introduces the different species, giving the visit a botanical focus. If you are interested in plants, this is a chance to see the trees of the area up close.

Bird conservation is also part of the area’s connection with nature: since the decree of 26 April 2006, Baume-Les-Dames has been part of the “Moyenne vallée du Doubs” Natura 2000 bird protection area. This brings different aspects of nature into focus: tree species in the arboretum and bird conservation in the designated area.

Leisure activities in Baume-Les-Dames include climbing, fishing, cycling and hiking. There is a landing stage for river traffic. The Doubs is known for pike, perch and zander, while the Cusancin is known for trout. These are two distinct aspects to consider when planning your trip: the activities on offer, on the one hand, and the fish species mentioned, on the other.

Sacred Architecture and Visiting Conditions

The Chapelle du Saint-Sépulcre was built outside the town in 1540 by Pignet, a canon from Besançon. It was intended to allow people suffering from plague to pray there during epidemics without infecting the rest of the population. Inside are a Sépulcre depicting the Entombment of Christ, a floor paved with gravestones and the Vierge Barbue.

Different visiting conditions apply: individual visitors can enter the chapel in summer as part of guided tours. Group tours are available year-round by reservation. When planning your visit, take into account the seasonal guided tours for individual visitors or the reservation required for groups.

Archaeological Heritage and Printmaking

The archaeological Site Carrier comprises a large craft complex with quarries, quarry workers’ huts, working platforms, a slide, a storage area and a loading quay. The range of features makes the site a distinct point of interest alongside the religious buildings. Site Carrier can be visited free of charge and independently throughout the year, with visitors responsible for their own visit. This differs from the way to visit the Chapelle du Saint-Sépulcre, where individual visitors can take a guided tour in summer.

Typography and printing take centre stage at Affiche Moilkan. The workshop produces limited-edition printed posters in Baume-Les-Dames using traditional typographic and printing techniques. Affiche Moilkan is also an exhibition space and offers introductions to typography and engraving. This adds another cultural focus alongside sacred architecture and archaeology: design and traditional printing techniques.

The Église Saint-Martin houses an instrument created by the Callinet brothers in 1839, considered one of the most complete in Franche-Comté. Together with the chapel and the Renaissance houses, it adds to Baume-Les-Dames’ cultural and historical attractions.

Discover other destinations: Le Russey, Goumois, Longevilles-Mont-d'Or, Fleurey, Chapelle-Des-Bois, Mancenans, Rang, Bonnétage.

For the broader travel guide: Doubs.