Saint-Hippolyte, a small, nestled town at the confluence of the Doubs and the DessoubreA hilly natural setting and a well-preserved built heritageA crossroads town between the plateaus of the Haut-Doubs and the plain of the Montbéliard region, a clearly identified gateway to the Doubs Horloger Regional Natural Parknorth of Montagnes du JuraVisiting Saint-Hippolyte also means enjoying an ideal playground for practicing...outdoor activitieshiking, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing.
A stroll through the town center, defined by the ancient ramparts of this historic city, will lead you to discover a well-preserved architectural heritage . Saint-Hippolyte is designated a "City of Character" in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Located near the confluence of the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers, the church is the oldest building in the town . This collegiate church dates largely from the 14th century. Its massive architecture houses: an astonishing story about a Holy Shroud kept here in the 15th century, a floor paved with tombstones from the 14th to the 17th centuries, and figurative stained-glass windows , including the central window in the choir which recounts the history of the town.
Built in 1700 to house a girls' school run by the Ursuline Sisters, this imposing building has returned to its original purpose; today it houses the Saint-Hippolyte primary school.
On the banks of the Dessoubre stream, the Briot family tannery has been converted into apartments. It stands as a testament to the leather industry that was once well-established in Saint-Hippolyte. The Briot tannery operated until 1922.
Beautiful narrow facades, with mullioned and arched windows, bear witness to the buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Visiting Saint-Hippolyte also means gaining perspective and a higher vantage point with a walk to the Notre-Dame du Mont chapel, located 1,5 km from the center and up 100 meters in elevation. The view of Saint-Hippolyte from there is very pretty . The chapel's chancel dates from the 16th century, and the nave was rebuilt after a fire during World War II in 1940.
Ground markers, information panels… follow the heritage trail independently to discover the history of Saint-Hippolyte. An app will guide you on this walk.
On a hike, don't miss the Grotte de la Roche trail; it echoes the history of the town, as a castle once stood there. By bike , explore the area using the numbered junctions . By canoe , paddle on calm or whitewater on the Doubs River…
And let's not forget the long-distance runners! The Grandes Traversées du Jura (Great Jura Crossings) pass through here, whether hiking, cycling, gravel biking, mountain biking… Saint-Hippolyte is an essential stop on these Grande Traversée du Jura routes.
Numerous hiking trails crisscross this hilly landscape between valleys and plateaus. Here are our favorite hikes to do in the Saint-Hippolyte area.
An innovative network of cycle routes , the " Node Points ", allows you to map out your own route.
Stuck for inspiration? Here's one to try starting from Saint-Hippolyte.
A canoeing trail has been created on the Soulce-Cernay > Saint-Hippolyte du Doubs section for whitewater canoeing. If you prefer calmer waters, opt for the Brémoncourt > Glère section upstream.
The Great Jura Crossing (GTJ)), it is actually several routes crossing the Montagnes du Jura depending on the type of activities.
The GTJ mountain biking, gravel, cycling, and hiking routes pass through Saint-Hippolyte.
No Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) unlike its neighbors Morteau and Montbéliard, however the Saint-Hippolyte sausage is made according to the same salting and smoking processesThe recipe, kept secret, is what makes it special. The Sausage Fair celebrates this gastronomic heritage in early May.
From Saint-Hippolyte, go up the Dessoubre , to its source at Consolation , an exceptional natural site, not to be missed.
Next stop, Switzerland, this time heading up the Doubs valley. Yes, this river, which gives our department its name, makes a brief but entirely Swiss detour. Along the way, the town of Saint-Ursanne is well worth a visit.
To stay on the theme of heritage, enjoy a visit to the castle and village of Belvoir.
Find more restaurants near Saint-Hippolyte.
Hotels, campsites, holiday rentals… Choose your accommodation in Saint-Hippolyte or its surroundings.
A Mobigo bus line connects Montbéliard to Pontarlier (towns with a train station) via Saint-Hippolyte.
To visit Saint-Hippolyte, you must not get the postal code wrong!
/!\ There are many towns in France named "Saint-Hippolyte"!
Welcome to Saint-Hippolyte sur le Doubs, postal code 25190 😉!