Bucey-Lès-Gy: Church, Morthe and Hiking Trails

If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay in Bucey-Lès-Gy, local themes can help you plan your trip: historic architecture, the history of the Morthe and its mills, winegrowing, or a longer hike. The Église Saint-Martin brings together several building phases; the Sentier des Pelouses is a hiking option with an approximate duration. The presbytery and the Mairie-Lavoir also provide specific reference points for the history of the village’s architecture.

Church and architectural history

The Église Saint-Martin was built in the 14th century and extended in the 16th century under the influence of Flamboyant Gothic. Its furnishings include a carved oak pulpit and a polychrome wooden crucifix from the 18th century. The Comtois bell tower, known as “à l’impériale,” is topped with an imperial-style dome. It was rebuilt in 1767 and restored in 1976. The church’s construction, later extension, interior furnishings and tower history can thus be assigned to different periods.

Another building with a precisely identifiable date is the presbytery: it was built between 1860 and 1864 to plans by the architect Christophe Colard. Since 4 June 2007, it has been fully listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The protected area includes the courtyard, garden, boundaries and gates. Bucey-lès-Gy’s Mairie-Lavoir is also listed in the inventory of historic monuments.

The Morthe and the history of its mills

The Morthe rises in Bucey-lès-Gy, in the hamlet of Roche. A canal fed by the river runs through the village; along its course, it supplied seven mills. The river’s source, its passage through the village and the use of its water thus represent different aspects of local history: the Morthe is a landscape feature, while the canal and mills recall how water was once used. The banks of the Morthe are recommended for recreation, picnics and family walks.

Hiking and protected landscapes

The Sentier des Pelouses passes through dry grasslands, forests, pastures and built heritage, as well as viewpoints in the Monts de Gy. The hike starts in Roche; the trailhead is signposted from departmental road 474. It takes about four hours and is not particularly difficult. Allow enough time for the estimated duration, and check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

The protected areas also offer insight into the landscape: the Fresse site in Bucey-lès-Gy belongs to the ecological group “Pelouses sèches des Monts de Gy” (Dry Grasslands of the Monts de Gy). There, 27.9224 hectares of dry grasslands are protected and managed. The Vallon de Fontenelay regional nature reserve covers Bucey-lès-Gy and Montboillon. Thus, a named site with a specific area and a nature reserve spanning both communes offer distinct points of reference.

Winegrowing and the character of the village

Bucey-lès-Gy has been designated a Cité de Caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Architectural evidence of winegrowing includes winegrowers’ houses with vaulted cellars and “trajes” leading to terraced vineyards. Wine is still grown in Bucey-lès-Gy, continuing the village’s winegrowing tradition. Together with the church, presbytery and Mairie-Lavoir, these offer different points of interest for a trip focused on architectural history, winegrowing or landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Chargey-Lès-Gray, Hugier, La Barre, La Demie, Mélisey, Filain, Héricourt, Champagney.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.