NB : The man on the right is 1,85 m high
 xxx About a mile off Chevigny on the way to Auxonne, you will easily find a natural giant : the oak tree of "la Manche". Estimated age : 250 years, which means it dates back from the times of king Louis XV. Girth : 6 meters, height : 60 meters, weight : 80 tons. It still enjoys good health and as it survived the violent storms of December 1999 its life expectancy is likely to be...some centuries more.

 

Then you can start on a fine tour :

First you should not avoid sightseeing on foot one of the finest-ranked villages in France, MENOTEY, with its steep streets bordered with beautifully flowered, fine vine-grower or aristocratic homes. Do not miss two splendid, finely restored springs of the 15th century. The imposing church shelters statues of the Burgund school as well as interesting paintings.

Bonded Christ (16th C.)

Map of north Jura.
 

Auxonne

Taking back your way you'll soon get to Auxonne,on the banks of the river Saône, which deserves a detailed visit.

Aerial view of Auxonne.
 

The covered market in Auxonne (15th C).

The church of Auxonne in a rear-view mirror.

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Pesmes
 

Proudly overlooking the valley of the Ognon river, this town is really very attractive with its promenades above the river, its fine mansions dating from its glorious period (17th and 18th centuries), and especially its splendid neo-classical St Hilaire church.

The origins of the town are most probably very ancient as some specialists think there already existed a Gallo-Roman settlement.

To be seen time and time again.
 
St Hilaire church : decoration in carved marble from Sampans of the Andelot's chapel (16th C). Photos Agnès Revel.

Virgin and Child (Jean de la Huerta) 15th C

 

St Hilaire church : organ by Mourez

(18th C.)

 
Preaching pulpit (XVI°) by Denis Le Rupt. Detail.

 

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Offlanges

and its vineyards

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Thervay

and its queer spring with cast iron swans

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Montmirey le Château
Montmirey la Ville

The castle (private property, 18th - 19th C). On appointment you may admire the most important private library of Franche-Comté (local history and early printed books).
The village was built near Mont Guérin where remnants of a Neolithic camp can still be observed. There persists an old time atmosphere with fine mansions and springs.

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Frasne les Meulieres

and its springs and troughs

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Acey abbey
Founded in 1136, the abbey spread out considerably during the 12th and 13th centuries. Its architecture is typical of the beginning of the Gothic style in the area. The buildings were greatly transformed in the 18th century and mostly in the years 1970-72 when it became necessary to reshape the nave after a violent fire. The church itself gives an impression of austere monastic simplicity strengthened by the recent grey-hued stained glass windows by Jean Ricardon executed by P. A. Parot's workshop in Dijon(1991-94).

 

 

 

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