Discover Novillard: River Routes and Village History

Novillard can be explored through two themes: the La Madeleine, which runs through the village, and an architectural history spanning everything from the church to farm buildings. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are mainly interested in hiking or in the river, the mill and historic architectural styles. Signposted hiking trails run through Novillard and offer family-friendly walks.

The La Madeleine and Routes Through Novillard

The La Madeleine runs through Novillard and rises in a village of the same name in the Vosges massif. In Novillard, the river is more than just a geographical landmark: the supply channel for the former mill is also fed by the La Madeleine. The river and the village’s history can therefore be traced through several distinct, specifically named features.

The Circuit de la rivière La Madeleine circular trail is 12 kilometres long and takes about four hours. It is considered easy and has only gentle inclines—details that can help you gauge the time required and the character of the route. The trail starts at the car park of the intermunicipal hall, 14 Rue Sur le Rond, 90340 Novillard. Along the way, it passes three villages and crosses the La Madeleine twice. Check the current route before setting out, as route information may change.

The Circuit de la Madeleine is a separate route. A description from 2024 takes it along the Autruche and La Madeleine rivers, through fields and forests. The route and landscape thus offer a different perspective on the area. As trail conditions and details may change, it is also a good idea to check the current route before setting out.

Church, Bell and Rural Architecture

The present-day Église Saint-Julien was built from 1748 onwards and blessed in 1781. These dates mark two different points in time: the start of construction and the later blessing. Anyone interested in local history can use them to place the church in a specific chronology, without treating construction and blessing as the same event.

A bronze bell in Novillard’s church was cast in 1766. It was listed as a protected monument on 7 March 1977. The casting date therefore falls between the start of construction of the present-day church and its blessing; the listing came much later. The bell, the church and these three different dates relate distinct stages in the local architectural and cultural history.

Rue du Moulin also links architectural traces with the river. The former Le moulin Made mill and a fountain are located there. The supply channel for the former mill is still there and is fed by the La Madeleine. These features reveal distinct aspects of the area: the mill’s former use, the surviving channel and its water source.

A farm complex dating from the 19th century stands on Grande Rue. Its deep overhanging roof shelters the entrances to the barn and stable—a practical function that is also a distinctive feature of rural architecture in the Territoire de Belfort. Another 19th-century house on the same street has the layout typical of the Territoire de Belfort, with the barn, stable and living area all on one level. The two examples showcase different architectural details: one has a protective roof, while the other has the different areas arranged beneath a single roof.

The options for choosing a travel focus therefore come down to specific differences: the trails feature rivers, fields, forests and the length of a longer circular route; the village itself offers the church, bell, mill channel and rural architecture. You can use these themes to guide your search for a hotel in Novillard according to what interests you most during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bessoncourt, Auxelles-Haut, Buc, Giromagny, Suarce, Offemont, Danjoutin, Rougegoutte.

For the broader travel overview: Territoire De Belfort.