Attractions and Places To See around Pontailler-Sur-Saône - Top 15
Best attractions and places to see around Pontailler-Sur-Saône, a village situated at the confluence of the Saône and other rivers, offers a blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and leisure activities. This "green station" provides access to river tourism, cycling routes like the Voie Bleue, and cultural heritage. The region features a mix of historical monuments, natural viewpoints, and recreational opportunities along the Saône.
Best attractions and places to see around Pontailler-Sur-Saône
- The most popular attractions is Pontailler-sur-Saône, a settlement that offers facilities, a marina, and a beach for swimming. It provides a view of the Saône and amenities for visitors.
- Another must-see spot is Saint-Hilaire Gate, a historical site that is one of two surviving gates from the 16th century in Pesmes. It was historically exposed to external attacks due to its location.
- Visitors also love The Forges of Pesmes, a historical site and monument of the industrial age, housing a museum. It produced cannonballs for centuries and later agricultural tools.
- Pontailler-Sur-Saône is known for historical sites, river activities, and natural viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to explore, from ancient gates to industrial heritage and scenic riverbanks.
- The attractions around Pontailler-Sur-Saône are appreciated by the komoot community, with 15 upvotes and 13 photos.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Saint-Hilaire Gate
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Forges of Pesmes
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
For the "Musée des Forges" there are only guided tours for groups of at least 4 people.
Please inquire here for more details:
Phone 06 79 85 59 87
email: CAP.Pesmes@free.fr
The Château des Forges, which is directly opposite the ironworks, dates from the late 17th century and was the residence of the ironworks owner. It is privately owned and cannot be visited.
Please make sure to do the small island hike. The footbridge, the barrage of the Ognon and the island that the Ognon forms here are well worth seeing.
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Pontailler-sur-Saône
Highlight • Settlement
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Pesmes: Medieval town.
Highlight (Segment) • Other
Former strategic place on the way leading from Gray to Dole, Pesmes knew a turbulent history by the various occupations of which it was the object before becoming French only in 1678. The city has nonetheless preserved a rich heritage: remains of the castle, Saint-Hilaire church from the 13th and 16th centuries... doors. Along the charming Ognon river, the residences of notables and winegrowers' houses evoke the wine-growing past of the village.
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Royal House
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15th - 16th century
Monument
The initial function of this building remains obscure. The Royal House was probably integrated into the city's fortifications, constituting a real barrier between the border district and the town. This defensive role is suggested by the presence, on the southeast facade (river side), of loopholes and firing points. The large interior volume also suggests that the building was used as a warehouse.
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It was through the Saint-Hilaire gate that, in 1477, the French soldiers of Louis XI invaded the town. Using the Trojan Horse ruse, Marshal de Craon brought carts filled with barrels and wheat from the villages of Mutigney and Chassey. The inhabitants of Pesmes allowed the carts to enter, and as soon as they passed through the gate, the soldiers appeared.
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For over 300 years, the blast furnaces, renowned throughout France, produced cannonballs initially for the King's army and later for the armies of the Republic. From the 19th century onward, this industry shifted to manufacturing small agricultural and winemaking tools. Guided tours are available by reservation through Culture et Animations Pesmoises.
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With its imperial bell tower typical of the Franche-Comté region, the Church invites you to travel back in time through its construction where the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries intertwine and offers you a journey through varied artistic influences: Burgundian, Comtois and Champenoise.
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A good place to stay overnight if you can find a free room.
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The town offers everything you need for a pleasant break: shops, refreshments at the bars, a safe swimming area at the beach, a charming marina, playgrounds for children, and a lovely view of the Saône.
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The Saint-Hilaire church originally dates from the 12th century and was remodeled in the late Gothic style in the early 17th century. It is richly decorated: an alabaster altar in the side chapel of d'Andelot (15th century) decorated with Renaissance-style marble, a marble statue of Mary (15th century) by Jean de La Huerta, a triptych (16th century) by Jacques Prévost, furniture, paneling and statues from the 16th to 18th centuries, a pulpit (16th century) by Claude Le Rupt and numerous tombstones. The former priory chapel has also been preserved. A stone cross from the 14th century stands in the cemetery; other stone wayside crosses from this period can be found in the town.
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15th century fortified house Private historical monument Guided tours by appointment from May 1 to September 30 Tel: 03 84 31 23 23
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Royal House 15th - 16th century Monument The initial function of this building remains obscure. The Royal House was probably integrated into the city's fortifications, constituting a real barrier between the border district and the town. This defensive role is suggested by the presence, on the southeast facade (river side), of loopholes and firing points. The large interior volume also suggests that the building was used as a warehouse.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy along the Saône River in Pontailler-sur-Saône?
Pontailler-sur-Saône, nestled at the confluence of the Saône and other rivers, is ideal for various nautical activities. You can enjoy boat rentals from the marina, go fishing, or try water skiing from June to September. The village also features a beach with supervised swimming during July and August. For those who prefer land-based activities, the Voie Bleue, an 80 km route along the river, is perfect for hiking and cycling.
Are there good hiking or cycling trails in the area around Pontailler-sur-Saône?
Yes, the region offers a variety of trails. The Voie Bleue is an excellent option for both hiking and cycling along the Saône River. For dedicated hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Ponds - Lamarche-sur-Saône loop' or the 'Pontailler-sur-Saône – lock n°18 d'heuilley loop'. Cyclists have options such as the 'Pontailler-sur-Saône — Arc-sur-Tille — loop' for road cycling or the 'Pontailler-sur-Saône – Remarkable Oak loop' for mountain biking. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, road cycling, and MTB guides.
Where can I find panoramic views near Pontailler-sur-Saône?
For stunning panoramic views, you can ascend Mont Ardoux. From its summit, you'll be rewarded with expansive vistas of the Saône plain and the distant Jura mountains to the southeast. The statue of the Virgin Notre-Dame du Mont Ardoux also stands at this viewpoint.
What historical sites can I visit within Pontailler-sur-Saône?
Within the village of Pontailler-sur-Saône, you can explore the 18th-century Saint-Maurice Church, which is a significant part of the local heritage. There are also two restored 19th-century washhouses along the Vieille Saône. Additionally, the historic Royal House, dating from the 15th-16th century, features defensive elements like loopholes, suggesting a past role in the town's fortifications.
Are there any notable historical sites in nearby villages worth visiting?
Absolutely. Just 12 km east, Pesmes is recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages. Here you can see the 13th and 16th-century Saint-Hilaire Church and the 16th-century Saint-Hilaire Gate, one of only two remaining gates. Pesmes also hosts The Forges of Pesmes, an industrial-era monument with a museum. About 13 km away, Auxonne features a Louis XI castle and the Bonaparte Museum. For a grander historical experience, Dijon, 28 km west, offers the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne.
What facilities are available at the Pontailler-sur-Saône marina?
The marina in Pontailler-sur-Saône, created in 1994, provides 35 pitches for boats, making it a popular spot for river tourism. It's also a pleasant area for strolls. Boat rental is available, catering to those who wish to explore the Saône River by water.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Pontailler-sur-Saône?
Yes, Pontailler-sur-Saône is quite family-friendly. The village has a supervised beach for swimming during July and August, as well as playgrounds for children. The marina area is also a nice place for family strolls. Nearby, the medieval town of Pesmes offers historical exploration that can engage older children, and the small island hike around the Ognon river's barrage is a pleasant outdoor activity.
What is the best time to visit Pontailler-sur-Saône for outdoor activities?
The summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for enjoying the full range of outdoor activities in Pontailler-sur-Saône. During this period, the beach offers supervised swimming, and water skiing is available. The weather is generally pleasant for hiking, cycling along the Voie Bleue, and other river-based activities. Spring and early autumn also offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the natural beauty of the Val de Saône.
Where can I find local markets in or near Pontailler-sur-Saône?
Pontailler-sur-Saône hosts a weekly market every Saturday, where you can find local produce and goods. Additionally, other nearby towns often have markets on different days, offering more opportunities to experience local flavors and crafts.
What is the Val de Saône, and what makes it special?
The Val de Saône is the wider natural heritage area surrounding Pontailler-sur-Saône. It's an ecologically rich region characterized by flooded wet meadows, numerous islands, ponds, and alluvial woodlands. This diverse environment provides a vital habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species, making it a significant area for nature observation and appreciation.
Can I rent a bicycle in Pontailler-sur-Saône to explore the area?
Yes, bicycle rental is available in Pontailler-sur-Saône. This allows visitors to easily explore the scenic routes like the Voie Bleue or other local trails, enjoying the verdant environment at their own pace.
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