Montbenoît: Abbey, Museum and Trails

Montbenoît lies on the left bank of the Doubs in the Val du Saugeais. The abbey, the museum housed in its rooms and several trails give the town a range of distinct points of interest. When planning your trip, you can consider cultural history and outdoor activities separately: the trails differ significantly in their origins, route profiles, markings and designated uses.

Abbey, Historic Monument and Museum

The cloister of Montbenoît Abbey dates from the 12th and 15th centuries. In the Doubs département, the abbey is the only surviving medieval religious complex of comparable significance. Its history of protection also varies by building component: the cloister of the Ancienne abbaye was designated a historic monument in 1846 and again in 1914. The abbey church was protected in 1922, with the exception of the bell tower. The dates therefore refer to different parts of the abbey.

The Musée de la République du Saugeais is located in the abbey and offers a look back at the République du Saugeais. Its exhibits include educational panels, medals and various donated objects. This brings the medieval architecture and the République du Saugeais featured in the museum together as distinct cultural subjects.

Trails and Landscape

The Vy aux Moines has medieval origins: monks from Môtiers in Switzerland laid out the trail in the 12th century to reach the canons of Montbenoît. The route starts at the abbey. The French section is marked in yellow and blue and designated as a mixed-use trail for hiking and mountain biking. Before setting off, check the markings and trail conditions locally.

The Malsaron loop is an easy 6.1-kilometre circuit. It starts and ends at the abbey car park, is marked in yellow and blue, and can also be ridden on a mountain bike. The route follows the scenic Route de Chez Noël through an area with typical Comtois farmhouses decorated with traditional tuyés. The farmhouses are characteristic of the area; this does not mean that the route passes directly by each one. Here too, it is advisable to check local trail conditions before setting out.

The Chemin du Train follows a different route: the Voie Verte runs along the former railway line between Pontarlier and Gilley. Since November 2012, the entire route has been paved. It is suitable for scooters, roller skis and bicycles of all kinds. Check conditions before your trip, particularly if your plans depend on the continuous paved surface or on a specific mode of transport.

Compare Trails by Their Features

The features described offer different points of reference when choosing a trail: the Malsaron loop is described by its length, easy rating and circular route. The Vy aux Moines combines its history with designated use for hiking and mountain biking. The Chemin du Train stands out for following the former railway line, having a paved surface along its entire length, and being suitable for the stated types of scooters and bicycles. This lets you compare the trails by route profile and mode of transport, while the abbey, with its architectural history and museum, offers a distinct cultural focus.

Discover more destinations: Bart, Hyèvre-Paroisse, Les Fourgs, Les Auxons, Grandfontaine-Sur-Creuse, Quingey, La Chaux, Besançon.

For the broader travel overview: Doubs.