Chariez: Discover Heritage and Landscapes

If you are considering Chariez when planning your trip, you can get a sense of the place through two main themes: its historic buildings and the landscape around Camp de César. There are also several outdoor activities. The townscape includes aristocratic and bourgeois houses alongside winemakers’ houses, recalling its former wine-growing history. Chariez was once a wine-growing village. Its buildings, landscape and possible activities offer different points of reference when choosing a destination.

Landscape and Early History

Camp de César is a rocky plateau rising 380 metres above the Cité de Caractère Chariez. This elevation is a distinctive feature of the landscape around the town. Archaeological finds at the site attest to human presence during the Magdalenian period, between 17,000 and 14,000 BC. This early history of settlement can be set alongside Chariez’s later architectural heritage: the plateau holds prehistoric finds, while buildings in the town tell of other periods in its history.

According to INPN data dated 16 January 2025, Chariez is one of the municipalities within the Natura 2000 site FR4312014 “Pelouses de la région vésulienne et vallée de la Colombine”. The Natura 2000 site covers the grasslands around Vesoul and the Colombine Valley.

Maison Forte, Church and Houses in the Town

The Maison Forte stands on the site of the castle of Marguerite de Bavière and has been mentioned since 1385. Its form is unusually clearly defined: it consists of a square platform surrounded by thick stone curtain walls. Arrow slits and cannon embrasures point to the fortified character of the site. Its association with the former castle site and its distinctive architectural form make the Maison Forte a focal point in its own right, alongside the church and residential houses in Chariez.

The Église de l’Assomption was built between 1781 and 1786 and has been listed as a historic monument since 3 November 1991. The church still houses the painting “Vierge à l’enfant”, created by Jean-Léon Gérôme in 1859. The painting is classified as a movable historic monument. Before visiting, check whether the painting is accessible or on view. Together with the church’s architecture, it adds a work of visual art to the town’s architectural history.

The houses also contribute to Chariez’s cultural character: aristocratic and bourgeois houses stand alongside winemakers’ houses, which bear witness to the area’s wine-growing past.

Walking Tour and Outdoor Activities

A suggested cultural and historical walking tour starts in the church forecourt and ends back at the church. It offers a way to see the town’s sights as part of a single visit. As this is a suggested route, check local conditions, access and route details before travelling. There are also several walks around Chariez; check the information for each route in advance as well.

At Camp de César, equipped rock faces offer climbing routes of varying difficulty, and there is a launch area for paragliders and hang gliders. Hiking trails pass through varied landscapes. This means there are several different activities at the same named site: climbing, air sports and hiking. Check local conditions before taking part.

A flea market is held in Chariez every two years. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check locally for the next date. This recurring market may be a reason to visit, but its frequency does not establish a specific event date.

Discover More Destinations

Quenoche, Aisey-Et-Richecourt, Cuve, Fretigney-Et-Velloreille, Vesoul, Nantilly, Fontenois-La-Ville, Mélisey

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.