Franche-Comté: 5 reasons to visit Montbéliard in winter

1. Visit the City of Princes
Today Montbéliard is classified as a city of art and history. It was a German principality for four centuries.
The city, nicknamed the City of Princes, has retained its identity, shaped by its Protestant culture and rich architectural heritage.
Admire the castle of the Dukes of Württemberg dating back to the 13th century. Today, this castle houses a museum, which presents, in particular, collections of natural history.

Many tourists book a car in France online in order to get a favorable rental rate, see more attractions and not depend on excursion groups. At Nice the cost of a compact class car starts from 15 euros per day, at Paris the cost is about the same - from 14 euros per day.

In this Protestant land, discover the Temple of Saint-Martin, built at the beginning of the 17th century. It is the oldest French building dedicated to the culture of the Reformation era. This building, a symbol of the triumphant Lutheranism coveted by the Duke of Württemberg, is traditionally lit on public holidays.

Another notable religious building, the Church of Saint-Meibeuf, built in 1850, has a neo-Renaissance façade. It reflects the return of Catholicism to this Protestant land in the 19th century.

A hiking trail called "Heinrich Schickhardt and His Time" is laid in the very center of Montbéliard to acquaint visitors with the achievements of the famous architect, Duke of Württemberg.

2. To sample regional culinary delights
Another good reason to visit Montbéliard in winter and learn about Franche-Comté gastronomy and regional products.

Local delicacies mainly consist of cheeses and cold meats such as Conte and Morbier, smoked cured ham and Montbéliard sausages.
Winter is, of course, the best time of the year to try morbiflet, raclette comtoise, Jura fondue with Conte and morels, Mont d'Or soft cheese, tartines or even Franche-Conti sauerkraut.

Also in this region you can taste the latest traditional Burgundy snails.

3. To discover local crafts
Another good reason to visit Montbéliard and its region in winter is to bring some original Christmas gifts from your trip.
Among the handicrafts of the city, it is worth mentioning the woven fabric that is characteristic of the region.
This fabric, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was used to cover pillows, cushions and featherbeds, as well as tablecloths and napkins.

Today this know-how has been rediscovered and the tourist office wants to restore the craft to its former glory.
Find tablecloths, towels, pillows, aprons and napkins from this traditional plaid fabric in two or three colors (white, blue and red).

4. Visit the Christmas market
Located at the gateway to Alsace and Germany, Montbéliard perpetuates Christmas traditions and, in particular, the German tradition of the Christmas market.

The market called "Christmas Lights" is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France, along with the markets in Strasbourg and Colmar.
This market, with small stalls decorated and lit in the spirit of Christmas, stretches between Rue Georges Cuvier (the city's main shopping street) and Place Saint-Martin.

5. Experience the magic of year-end celebration
In Montbéliard, Advent is especially magical, and not only because of the famous Christmas lights market!
Illumination, Christmas carols and street entertainment also add to the magic of the city's festivities.

Every year during this period, the castle of the Dukes of Württemberg is illuminated with Christmas colors.
The city of princes also perpetuates its own traditions with the participation of Saint-Nicholas and Fouetard's father, as well as Arye's aunt, good fairy and Christmas mother of the Principality of Montbéliard.