Discover Beaujeu-Saint-Vallier-Pierrejux-Et-Quitteur

The local history of Beaujeu-Saint-Vallier-Pierrejux-Et-Quitteur is reflected in a wide range of subjects: a church window dating from 1481, the donjon, a remnant of a 12th-century castle, the Mairie-lavoir from 1828, and the Forge de Beaujeu, founded in 1679. There is also the landscape of the “Sur le Grand Creu” terrace in Quitteur and the Bief de Vereux, which flows through the commune.

Church and church window

The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church in Beaujeu was classified as a Monument historique by decree on 4 December 1913. A particularly tangible way to explore the area's art history is the church window that has stood in the church's central axis since 1481. It was donated by Guillaume de Montbard. The window in Bay 0 depicts the Annunciation and a kneeling donor.

Two distinct historical details can be distinguished here: the Monument historique classification applies to the church, while the year 1481, the donor, and the scene depicted provide more detail about the individual window. Those interested in religious art will find not only a subject, but also a named donor and a specific date.

Mairie-lavoir and donjon

The Mairie-lavoir dates from 1828 and was built to plans by the architect Louis Moreau. Its design is influenced by Italian villas. Its layout also brings together different functions: a vaulted washhouse is on the ground floor, while the council chamber and office are on the upper floor. The name Mairie-lavoir succinctly captures this combination of town hall and washhouse.

The donjon offers a glimpse into another chapter of local history. The tower of the former château is a remnant of a fortified castle from the 12th century. Unlike the Mairie-lavoir, whose spaces are described as a washhouse and municipal offices, the donjon is associated with the former castle complex. The buildings therefore differ not only in age, but also in what their histories tell us about the area.

Forge de Beaujeu and waterways

The Forge de Beaujeu was founded in 1679 by master blacksmith François Monnois, with the permission of the Marquis d'Hyenne, lord of Beaujeu. Its uses changed over time: it was initially a metallurgical works and grain mill, later a bean mill, and is now a hydroelectric power station. If its current use is important to your travel plans, check its status in advance.

The Forge de Beaujeu lies on the banks of the Saône, several kilometres north of the village and west of the hamlet of Pierrejux. The Bief de Vereux, which flows through Beaujeu-Saint-Vallier-Pierrejux-Et-Quitteur, is a separate feature. Each detail describes a different connection to the water: the Forge's location on the Saône and the Bief's course through the commune.

Landscape in Quitteur and information for cyclists

The “Sur le Grand Creu” terrace in Quitteur offers a different focus from the historic buildings. The ZNIEFF 430020271 covers 7.74 hectares there. The 2025 ecological description characterises the terrace as non-floodable and identifies very well-drained acidic sandy soil as well as pioneer and heat-loving habitats. This is a small-scale description of the landscape for orientation: it focuses both on the soil's properties and on the habitat types found there.

Accommodation is also listed in connection with a cycling route: on La Voie Bleue between Ray-sur-Saône and Gray, Le Domaine des Papillons – Chambres d'hôtes in Beaujeu-Saint-Vallier-Pierrejux-Et-Quitteur is listed as accommodation awarded the “Accueil Vélo” label. Since route and accommodation details may change, check this listing again before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Froideterre, La Proiseliere Et Langle, Mélisey, Leffond, Champagney, Pusy-Et-Épenoux, Lure, Gray-La-Ville.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Saône.