Gray offers the visitor an architectural heritage of high quality, the main elements of which can mark out a pleasant discovery walk linking the two centers of the city, in the upper town and the lower town.
One can thus quote the old medieval castle of which the crenellated tower and the ramparts remain. Transformed into a residence after the annexation of Franche-Comté to France in 1674 and property of the Count of Provence, brother of Louis XVI, it was then adorned with worked ceilings, sculpted woodwork, pegged parquet floors, marble fireplaces and marble fireplaces. 'an ice cream parlor. It was further modified after the Revolution by Baron Alexandre Martin and became possession of the city in 1901. It now houses the Baron Martin museum, devoted to art and archeology. You can admire a collection of works ranging from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century (notably signed by masters of the Flemish school), archaeological treasures from the region (in the cellars) and exceptional exhibitions dedicated to major contemporary artists. (Dalí, Chagall, Buffet). Entrance: 5 and 6 euros. Information on +33 3 84 65 69 10.
Gray also has a splendid town hall erected from 1567 to 1572. Its main facade, approximately 37 m long, has two bays marked out by Corinthian-style columns composed in particular of red marble from Jura. The facade opens onto the square via nine arcades. The roof is spectacular, covered with polychrome glazed tiles of pure Burgundy tradition.
Also essential, the Notre-Dame basilica, which dominates the city. Completed in 1559, restored in 1996, we will notice its nave covered with a ribbed star vault, in a flamboyant Gothic style unique in the region. Still inside, two stained-glass windows, one of which evokes the miraculous statuette of the Virgin and Child, the object of pilgrimages in the 17th century. A 16th century alabaster statue, a 17th century organ, and 17th century paintings also enrich the ensemble.
This discovery trail will include the Italian-style theater from 1849 restored in 2006, with a magnificent radiant ceiling illustrated with muses and bacchantes and in a different register the Hôtel-Dieu (18th century) according to a plan in the shape of a Greek cross. It houses in particular an interesting chapel and an apothecary decorated with woodwork where more than a hundred pharmacy jars in earthenware or wood dated from the 17th to the 19th century are kept.
The many convents established in the city have left beautiful testimonies. The Jesuit chapel, the doors of the Ursuline and Annonciades convents or even the Carmelites… As for the Carmelite chapel, it now acts as a departmental repository of sacred art and offers exhibitions of permanent or temporary collections. Information on +33 3 84 65 69 10.
Finally, along the streets, several remarkable houses catch the eye. The Gauthiot d'Ancier hotel (16th century), and its wooden spiral staircase enclosed in an oak cylinder pivoting on itself, the house in the rue des Terreaux covered with a glazed tile roof (1566), the Hôtel de Conflans and its polygonal staircase tower or the public attic (16th century), with a Renaissance door, are good examples.
For guided tours or documentation in order to discover these different sites and the city's public gardens, contact +33 3 84 65 18 15.
On the cultural level, the remarkable Museum of natural history (collections of herbaria, fossils, rocks or minerals). Organization of ornithological outings. Information on +33 3 84 65 69 10.
You can also take a detour through the astonishing Esperanto Museum: archives, documentation and exhibitions related to the international language. Contact +33 6 21 51 38 69.
A stopover or a stay at Gray also allows you to enjoy your environment.
There are many possibilities for hiking and cycling. Documentation and information on +33 3 84 65 18 15.
For the pleasures of swimming and relaxation, the Capucins indoor swimming pool is available (information on +33 3 84 65 00 17) and the Christian Bergelin outdoor water sports center (pools and fun equipment) open from June to September, which has a swimming pool and a slide for children. It is the ideal place to come to bathe and have fun with family or friends during the summer. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult in bathing gear. To facilitate access to the Christian Bergelin watershed, a car park is located nearby. Information on +33 3 84 65 02 45. Want to swim all year round? Meet at the city's second swimming pool: the Capucins swimming pool.
On the Saône, the river stop has a boat rental point. Information on +33 4 68 94 42 40.
For kayaking, call +33 6 86 96 19 37.
As for fishing enthusiasts, they can find out about developed sites and regulations on +33 3 84 76 51 41.
With your guide "Strolling through the heart of the old town", which you will find at the Val de Gray Tourist Office, discover this town steeped in history (s) …
On the museum side… Start your walk with the Baron Martin museum. In a royal castle classified as a Historic Monument, the light paneling decorated with bouquets and playful children harmonize with the collections and with a romantic park hidden away by a rampart and a tower. 14 salons dedicated to the fine arts, an archeology gallery and an exhibition floor await you! More information on +33 3 84 65 69 10.
Also consider taking a tour of the "Nacia Eperanto Muzeo" museum: a unique center in France, including archives and numerous editions in this universal language. Guided tour by appointment. Information on +33 3 84 64 87 30.
Without forgetting the natural history museum housing a vast collection of insects, birds and fossils. Visit by appointment. Information on +33 3 84 65 06 15.
Crafts side... Follow the path of the creators to Gray to discover the artists and craftsmen of the city. An ideal walk to find the unique and original gift to offer or to offer yourself! On the program: sculpture, ceramics, wood, painting, leather goods but also biscuits.
And on the Saône side? How about a trip aboard the Audacieux promenade boat? In summer, departing from Gray, go on a 1.5 hour cruise with passage through a lock or enjoy the cruise with meals on board the boat. Information on +33 6 16 14 16 46.
You will also have the possibility of pedaling along the Voie Bleue, in complete safety and in a green setting! You are not equipped? Meet at the Longue Rive campsite at Gray to rent your mountain bike or electric bike!
And for the family? The discovery of the city center is finished? What about the Baron Martin museum? And the cruise aboard the Audacieux boat as well? Now discover the different nautical activities offered for the family. On the program: canoeing, paddleboarding, and many more! And for the snack break, find the shaded play areas!
And the hikes? The Val de Gray is the ideal place for hiking trails in the heart of the greenery.
And for mountain bike and hybrid bike enthusiasts (possibility of hiring at the Longue Rive campsite in Gray), follow the cycling loops offered to recharge your batteries.
Mardis du Terroir: Discover the rich heritage of Grayl (basilica, town hall, hotel Dieu, theater) and many other architectural treasures such as the incredible wooden swivel staircase, called Tour Saint Pierre Fourier, the only copy preserved in France! This visit cannot end without tasting the regional products! It is then in a context rich in encounters, that you will be able to taste the local specialties: charcuterie, cancoillottes, sour cherries, all accompanied by local wine from Franche-Comté! Meet in summer, every Tuesday at 10 a.m., at Espace Mavia. Reservation at the Val de Gray Tourist Office on +33 3 84 65 18 15 / tourisme@cc-valdegray.fr
Summer in Val de Gray: Thematic tours of places steeped in history or even theatrical tours of high places of Grayl's heritage await you! To discover the forges of Pesmes, the Commanderie de Montseugny or the church of Autrey-lès-Gray, do not wait any longer, meet this summer in Val de Gray! The "Théâtre Envie" Company will also be there to help you discover the library, the town hall or the theater!
Weekly market: Find every Saturday morning, at the Halle Sauzey, the market and its local products: cheeses, cold meats, Burgundy or Jura wines,..
The second Wednesday of month, discover the monthly fair, avenue des Capucins with in July, a competition of Comtois horses.
Rolling Saône Festival: At the beginning of May, over 3 days, the Rolling Saône festival welcomes you to Gray with a program of jazz and rock concerts. A festival for all tastes and for the whole family!
And many other events scheduled throughout the year! Find the calendar of events online on the Tourist Office website.
Bateau l'Audacieux - Croisières Promenades
- From 24 to 31 may 2024
- Quai Mavia
- A good way to discover the charms of the Petite Saône from Gray, on board a hybrid/electro-solar powered boat, with a capacity of 150 places on a cruise, and 70 on a cruise with meals. Air-conditioned and heated boat with upper deck.
Concert de Piano à la Bougie
- On 24 may 2024
- Basilique, Place de la Sous-Préfecture
- Take part in a unique and spellbinding musical experience with Audric de Oliveira's candlelit piano concert.
Le Printemps des Cimetières : Mémoire de Pierre et les Femmes
- On 25 may 2024
- Rendez-vous sur le site
- Strolling through the alleys of Gray's old cemetery, you'll come across sculptures, steles, obelisks and epitaphs dedicated to women, some of them very young, and some of them having played an important role in the society of the time.
Vide-Maison
- On 25 may 2024
- Big house sale in Gray.
Fête de la Nature
- On 26 may 2024
- Jardins partagés, Rue André Maginot
- A national event, the Fête de la Nature will be celebrated at the Jardins partagés de Gray. - On the spot discover : the plant fair, a local market, animations, workshops… - Find everything you need to have a good time with friends or family and discover the natural wealth of the area.
Fête de la Nature
- On 26 may 2024
- 1 Place Charles de Gaulle, Bibliothèque Gray
- To mark the Fête de la Nature, the town of Gray is organising a garden sale, activities for children and a concert. - Something for all ages.
Parcours des Arbres Remarquables
- On 1 june 2024
- Parking Mavia, Quai Mavia
- New in the Val de Gray : discover Gray's remarkable trees on a guided tour.
Fred et Voice and Dance Chantent Leurs Albums
- From 1 to 2 june 2024
- 1B Rue Moïse Lévy, Salle des Congrès
- Our Voice And Dance troupe is getting ready to transport you into a world of music, song and dance with the exclusive presentation of our two albums ! We are filled with palpable excitement at the prospect of sharing this unforgettable moment with you, our beloved audience. - Two days of pure enchantment await you, on Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June at the Salle des Congrès, so that everyone can join us in this musical celebration. - However, places are limited and we know you won't want to miss this unique opportunity. - We look forward to seeing you, sharing our passion with you and creating lasting memories together. Get ready for a world of sound and movement. - See you soon, dear friends !
Jardin du Quai Villeneuve
- On 2 june 2024
- 17 Quai Villeneuve
- This 2-hectare garden has remained unchanged since its creation in the mid-19th century. It is unique in that it comprises two distinct areas, a regular garden and a Romantic landscape garden. Henri Michel contributed to the design of this ensemble. Numerous ornaments punctuate its composition, and it features devices and organization to guard against flooding on the Saône.
Atelier Lecture à Haute Voix - Aline Petiot
- On 5 june 2024
- 1 Place Charles de Gaulle, Bibliothèque Gray
- Each participant will bring a short text, poem or an extract from a book or newspaper or any other written material and read it out loud. We will then talk about their choice for a few minutes, if they agree. - Reading aloud allows the reader to play a role and identify with the characters, to invest for a few minutes in a story that has challenged them. For the audience, it is a moment of sharing and a possible opening to future readings that may surprise or charm…
