Baume-les-Dames is a town in the Doubs region in Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, about 35 km northeast of Besançon in the direction of Montbéliard.
The locality takes its name from the many surrounding caves in the valley of the Doubs and the "ladies" canons of the abbey founded in the Middle Ages (from the fifth century according to some sources) and symbol of the wealth of the city.
Baume-les-Dames was fortified in the 12th century and was then dominated by the lords of Neufchâtel-Urtière.
But it is the abbey that gives impetus to the rise of the city. A paper mill was created in the 15th century and viticulture developed. Although the local castle was destroyed under Louis XI, the Renaissance then the modern period, during which the city was given a bailiwick (a civil administration, as it were), saw the edification of remarkable buildings and a new church Abbey church was built in the 18th century. Textile and pipe manufacture developed in the 19th century, and during the second half of the 20th century, Baume-les-Dames, which today has nearly 5,500 inhabitants, also highlights its natural and heritage assets for tourism. One of its economic vectors.
It is a city of character and a green resort and is a must for anyone visiting or staying in the region.
If the Sainte-Odile abbey was closed to the Revolution, its furniture and conventual buildings sold (which served as a grain market, hall and even garage), the abbey church was preserved and is the first site heritage to visit during a discovery of the city. Rebuilt between 1738 and 1760, it has undergone extensive rehabilitation since the beginning of the 21st century and the church has regained its former glory, thanks to the use of noble materials (marble, stucco). The white marble columns that Napoleon had transferred to the Tuileries were replaced by limestone columns from the region. The building is now a site dedicated to culture (exhibitions, concerts). It can be visited during events that punctuate the cultural season, or by reservation at +33 3 81 84 27 98.
See also, the church of St. Martin (rebuilt in the sixteenth century on the bases of a church of the eleventh) with country stones. Gothic style, the bell tower was built between 1825 and 1828. The dome and the lantern were destroyed during a fire in 1920. So that the church seems to have a roof terrace...
But there is another masterpiece, the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, which dates from 1540. In Gothic style, it was first intended to accommodate the parishioners victims of the plague. Inside, there is a representation of the sepulcher (entombment) of the thirteenth century, and on both sides of the altar, small pools raised by 50 cm for the use of the priest to wash his hands during the service. Busts in polychrome wood of Saint Martin and Saint Germain of the twelfth formerly kept in the abbey church and an amazing statue of St. Acumbus (twelfth), who had prayed God to upright and adorn with a beard to stay Virgin, once the subject of a pilgrimage, are also visible in the chapel.
On the civil level, the mansion of Neufchâtel Sires, Renaissance style, houses an atypical collection retracing peasant and seigniorial scenes. Open to individuals in July and August every day, except Tuesdays from 2.30pm to 6pm. All year for groups on request. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
All these sites and other testimonials of Baume-les-Dames's rich past mark a tour of the city's picturesque historic heart through a digital app, brochure or guided tours. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
In a different register, it is possible to visit the typography workshop of Les Affiches Moilkan with traditional know-how (with exposure and initiation to the art of engraving). Contact the +33 6 95 04 63 69.
In the same universe, the workshops Æncrages and Co house the house of typographic arts (traditional techniques). Visits in July and August on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12am and from 2pm to 4pm and out of season by calling +33 3 81 84 32 88.
Another testimony of the old craftsmanship of the city, the entire quarry site (extraction and size of stones). Free and free visit. Brochure and information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
To discover and enjoy the remarkable natural environment of the city and its surroundings, many hiking trails have been designed and marked. Maps and information on +33 3 81 84 27 98. Some take the towpaths or the GR 59 linking the Vosges to Savoy, which dominates the city and offers magnificent views of the Doubs Valley.
For cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, a multitude of routes and adapted tracks are available. Among them, the Eurovelo along the river.
For families, a recreation area in a green setting is accessible including sports field, mountain bike trail, skatepark, picnic area. Free access by rue des Bouleaux and rue du Moulin Vermoret. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
In summer, enjoy the outdoor pool with several pools and a park. Open weekends in June and every day in July and August. Price: from 1.10 to 3.50 euros. Information on +33 3 81 84 31 30.
The nautical base of Lonot makes it possible to initiate or to practice water skiing and other disciplines of motonautism. Contact the +33 6 74 92 26 41.
As for fishing and climbing enthusiasts, finally, they can also find their happiness in Baume-les-Dames. Information on +33 3 81 84 27 98.
May 8, flower market.
On the last Saturday of June, Zik en Terre festival: jazz concerts, participatory workshops, tales. Ropp pipe site, free entrance.
The last week of June and the first week of July, Pont Festival. Fairgrounds, place Jouffroy d'Abbans.
The 2nd Sunday of July, Summer sale place of the Republic.
From mid-July to the end of August, the Baumois Fridays program animations and free concerts in the Republic Square (musette, jazz, pop).
And in July and August, Thursday nights, Place de la République, a farmers' market awaits gourmets and gourmets.
18ème Festival TETRAKTYS à Baume les Dames
- On 31 may 2024
- 4 Place de l'Europe, Collège René Cassin
- "The Bremen Musicians - A famous tale by the Brothers Grimm to be enjoyed by the whole family, with music by Rameau, D'indy and many others. - Join us at 6pm at Cassin College in Baume les Dames for a concert as part of the 18th TETRAKTYS festival.
Concert de Benji et Turt Chez Capsule et Bouchon
- On 31 may 2024
- 6 Esplanade du Breuil
- Aperitif Concert Benji et Turt from 7pm - Outdoor concert, weather permitting - Special beers - wines by the glass - aperitif board
Exposition sur le Parlement Européen
- From 31 may to 8 june 2024
- 1 Place de la Loi
- On Sunday 9 June 2024, European citizens will go to the polls to elect their representatives to the European Parliament. The PETR du Doubs Central, the Maison de l'Europe Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and the town of Baume les Dames invite you to discover an exhibition on the European Parliament. - Open during Médiathèque opening hours.
Foire Mensuelle
- On 6 june 2024
- Place de la République
- Several markets are organised in Baume-les-Dames town centre : - July and August : Summer Market providing local products from 5 pm to 9 pm. - All year : big market on the 1st Thursday of the month from 8 am to 12 am. - 8th May : Flower Market - 1st Thursday of Novembre : All Saints Fair (all day).
Vide-Greniers de l'USB Rugby
- On 9 june 2024
- Place Jean Ferrat
- Garage sale organised by USB Rugby. - Snacks and refreshments on site.
Ass'Matinée des Petits Lecteurs
- On 11 june 2024
- 1 place de la Loi, Médiathèque Jean Grosjean
- Readings and rhymes for children aged 0 to 3 years, accompanied by their childminder or parents.
Raconte Familles
- On 12 june 2024
- 1 Place de la Loi, Médiathèque Jean Grosjean
- On the menu : stories, tales and nursery rhymes for the young, the mediums, the adults, and even … the adults !
Atelier Adulte : Fleur Séchées
- On 14 june 2024
- 13 Faubourg d'Anroz, Jardin de Jade
- Dried flower workshop in the Jade garden - Adult workshop
Concert de Note'Rue Chez Capsule et Bouchon
- On 14 june 2024
- Esplanade du Breuil
- Apéro Concert Note'Rue from 7pm - Special beers - wines by the glass - aperitif board - Outdoor concert, weather permitting
Festival Pip'en Terre
- On 16 june 2024
- Rue des pipes, Site des pipes Ropp
- The GAIA association is organising a festive event with a market selling local and/or organic produce, workshops with local associations, musical groups and theatre. On the programme : festivities, music, encounters, solutions, food for thought… This year, let's imagine "tomorrow's world" together !
To see: the citadel of Besançon classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lion of Belfort, the Peugeot adventure museum, the Courbet museum in Ornans, the museum of time in Besançon, the chapel of Le Corbusier in Ronchamp.
To do: climbing (internationally renowned sites), hiking, Eurovéloroute Nantes Budapest, forest walk, swimming pool, motor boating club.
