Menotey: Church, Fountains and Local History

Menotey offers a cultural and historical focus around the Église Saint-Pierre, fountains and old winegrowers’ houses. Several walking trails pass through the village; the Massif de la Serre broadens the view of nature in the wider region.

Église Saint-Pierre: Building history spanning several periods

The Église Saint-Pierre has been documented since 1354. It was partially rebuilt in the 16th century; the choir was completed in 1507. The year 1604 is inscribed on the bell tower with its portal. These dates refer to different things: 1354 is a documentary record, 1507 marks the completion of the choir, and 1604 is the date on the bell tower with its portal. Architecturally, the church combines Gothic construction principles with Renaissance and Neoclassical ornamentation. Several periods of design thus stand side by side, rather than the building’s history being reduced to a single style.

There is also a two-sided cross from the late 15th century by the church. It was probably moved from the former cemetery that surrounded the church. This cautious interpretation is part of its history: the relocation is described as probable, not as a confirmed fact.

Fountains, washhouse and winegrowers’ houses

Two distinct fountains shape the village: the Fontaine des Bourguerins was renovated in 1992. North of the village center, at the entrance to Rue de la Bourgoisotte, is the Fontaine de la Bourgoisotte ensemble, listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments. It comprises a fountain, a washhouse and a wayside cross from the 12th century. The two locations can therefore also be distinguished by their features: the renovation is noted for the Fontaine des Bourguerins, while the ensemble on Rue de la Bourgoisotte includes not only a fountain but also a washhouse and a cross.

Menotey also has numerous old winegrowers’ houses. Together, these points of cultural and historical interest range from the church and cross to fountain and washhouse complexes and residential architecture. Anyone interested in the history of a place will find a variety of building types and historical layers here, not just the story of a single building.

Massif de la Serre and hiking routes

The Natura 2000 site “Massif de la Serre” also partly includes Menotey’s village center. In the wider region, the Grand Dole hiking trail network passes through the massif and provides access to caves, rocks, springs, quarries, ponds and nature reserves. The scale varies: the Natura 2000 designation applies in part to the village center, while these landscape features belong to the wider region.

The Le Moulin des Vaux loop runs along Route de Menotey toward Croix Boyon. It starts at a designated parking area on Départementale 79 between Gredisans and Menotey. The Tour du Pays de Dole, as well as the La Croix Boyon and Le Loup Garou loops, also pass through Menotey. For planning purposes, the route of Le Moulin des Vaux is described in particular detail: Route de Menotey, toward Croix Boyon, and a starting point between the two municipalities. Trail and parking conditions may change; check the current situation before setting out.

A cultural walk in 2025

During the 2025 European Heritage Days, a musical village walk with stops at fountains, squares, houses and monuments took place on the village trail Dorfsentier Baco in Menotey. This brought together various elements of the village landscape in a cultural program. This historical occasion adds an event perspective to the lasting points of interest offered by the church, fountain ensembles and winegrowers’ houses.

Discover more destinations: Aumont, Port-Lesney, La Chaux-Du-Dombief, Thoirette, Charézier, Foncine-Le-Haut, Rochefort-Sur-Nenon, Montbarrey.

For the main travel overview: Jura.