Villersexel: Heritage, routes and nature in the Ognon Valley

Villersexel combines architectural and cultural heritage with routes, canoeing and the wildlife of the Ognon Valley. Bourg en Haut, Porte de la Palud and the Château offer different points of interest for culture-minded travellers; routes and water activities complement these themes.

Townscape and cultural heritage

Bourg en Haut is arranged around the town hall square and includes a church with a traditional Comtois bell tower. Villersexel church dates from the 18th century and has a carved pulpit and valuable relics. Alongside the bell tower’s distinctive exterior, the church’s specific furnishings also come into view.

Porte de la Palud is the only surviving remnant of the old town’s fortifications in Villersexel. The Château de Villersexel combines white stone and red brick with a façade inspired by Louis XIII. Its battlemented tower is the only surviving remnant of the medieval castle. The gate and the tower relate to two different structures: the old town’s fortifications and the medieval castle, respectively.

A fully furnished pharmacy with old medical instruments has also been preserved in Villersexel and is open to visitors. It adds a different cultural and historical theme to the church and château architecture: the furnishings of a pharmacy and medical instruments.

Routes, water and nature

The main difference when choosing a route is its length. The 54 km Voie Verte de la Vallée de l'Ognon connects La Côte with Fontenois-les-Montbozon, passes mainly through Villersexel and is intended for cyclists, pedestrians and roller skaters. The 150 km Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle starts in Villersexel. Check local conditions before setting off; current route checks may be needed for individual sections of the Chemin. The routes relate to the town differently: the Voie Verte passes mainly through it, while the Chemin starts there.

Plein Air et Nautisme rents canoes from its water sports base in Villersexel. Operating details may change, so check seasonal conditions before travelling. The Ognon Valley near Villersexel is home to kingfishers, grey herons, foxes and deer. This natural setting is home to both birds and mammals, setting it apart from the architectural attractions.

Market day and other impressions

Wednesday is still market day in Villersexel’s historic centre. If you plan to visit the market, check the current schedule in advance.

The pharmacy, church and Château each offer a different focus: medical instruments take centre stage in one, while church furnishings or façade design are the focus in the others. Together with Porte de la Palud, they offer a range of cultural heritage themes that you can prioritise according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Beulotte-Saint-Laurent, Bourguignon-Lès-Morey, Leffond, Delain, Dampierre-Sur-Salon, Abelcourt, Mélisey, Raincourt.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Saône.