Between the Entre-Roches Parade upstream and the pools that lead to the waterfall of Leap of the Doubs downstream, Morteau is at the heart of an open landscape where the Doubs River meanders peacefully. These meanders, resembling a "dead water," gave the town its name. Today, it is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly its famous sausage MorteauThe city boasts a wealth of expertise, a testament to its watchmaking history and a proximity to natural sites exceptional.
©Once Upon a Movie
From the church square to the Nautique on the banks of the Doubs, a stroll through the streets of Morteau, labeled “City of character in Burgundy-Franche-Comté”It takes you on a journey between heritage and nature. Here are some sites not to be missed during your visit.
Located on the heights of the town, the church square offers a lovely view of the Val de Morteau, as an introduction to discovering the city. The church is part of the city's Cluniac history; built in 1409, it retains the Gothic choir from that period. The bell tower dates from the 16th century.e century and the nave of the 17the century.
Built in 1590 by local lords, this beautiful building has housed the town hall since 1791.
This Renaissance-style castle was built in the 1570s by the Cuche family. Today it is undergoing extensive renovations to house the Cité des Horlogers (City of Watchmakers).
Nature is never far away. After exploring the local history and architecture, a delightful stroll awaits you along the banks of the Doubs River, following its peaceful meanders. It's also possible to reach the neighboring village of Montlebon by taking this pleasant path.
©Geoffrey BarretThis sausage, an essential product of our regional terroir, was born right here, in the heart of our Montagnes du Jura and more specifically in the local farms known as tuyé farms. It is indeed in these farms and more particularly in the central room which ends in a chimney called "tuyé" that the old-timers smoked pieces of meat to better preserve them.
Identifiable by its regular cylindrical shape and its wooden peg which closes one end, the sausage of Morteau is made from pork and is recognizable by its taste smoked taste.
It is now protected by a PGI label (Protected Geographical Indication) and is part of the tradition of cured and smoked meats. It is this smoking process, achieved using resinous wood and a slow smoking method, that gives this such a distinctive taste to this sausage.
An essential feature of our mountain landscapes, the farms with smokehouses They are recognizable by their large roof, which must withstand the snow and store the fodder needed for the cows during the winter. The tuyé is both the central room of the farmhouse and the chimney that completes it.
Watchmaking is developing in the Pays Horloger from the mid-18th century to supply neighboring Switzerland with components and labor. This was followed, from the 19th century onwards, by a Golden age for watchmaking in our sector up until the 70s which will mark the decline of this beautiful euphoria.
Today, about ten factories are still operating, mainly in Swiss subcontracting, manufacturing, or assembling watches. Many watchmakers, trained to Morteau at the Edgar Faure high school, and residents in the Pays Horloger work in Switzerland and France manufacturing watches.
This exceptional expertise will soon have a setting worthy of its excellence, in the City of Watchmakers Morteau, currently being implemented within the current Château Pertusier, which until recently was the city's watchmaking museum.
A 27-meter waterfall which one discovers after a surprising journey. This unmissable site only reveals itself after an astonishing walk through the heart of the valley, along the edge of the Lake Chaillexon then between the steep cliffsEver-changing landscapes that never cease to amaze us. The Doubs Basins and the Saut du Doubs waterfall are waiting to be discovered. On foot or when cruises on the river which then border between France and Switzerland.
©Laurent ChevietOver several kilometers between Ville-du-Pont and MorteauThe Doubs has shaped an astonishing canyonThe road follows these steep gorges during a journey through magnificent landscapes that will lead you to the astonishing Remonot cave chapel.
To enjoy these stunning landscapes, why not take the Watchmakers' Line? TER train who links Besançon à La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, going through the train station of MorteauYou can also take advantage of the Mobigo bus line which connects Pontarlier to Montbéliard.
Find here the list of restaurants in the city of Morteau, partners of our tourist office.
Hotels, campsites, large-capacity accommodation sites, holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts… a wide choice of accommodation is available for to stay at Morteau and in its surroundings.
Mont Vouillot, Mont Châteleu, Meix Musy, are the gentle mountains that frame MorteauAccessing it will give you the opportunity to gain altitude and observe the Val de Morteau.
