Montbéliard

Montbéliard is a commune in the Doubs department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, near the Swiss border in eastern France. The old town sits between two river arms and is overlooked by a hilltop castle made of pink sandstone.

The area became a county of the Holy Roman Empire in 1033 and belonged to Württemberg rule for more than five centuries. French troops occupied the town in 1793 during the Revolutionary Wars, with annexation following three years later.

The name recalls the long connection to the House of Württemberg, still visible in the urban layout today. Visitors notice half-timbered houses and towers typical of regions east of the Rhine, less common in eastern France.

The center can be explored on foot in about two hours, with well-marked paths leading down from the castle to the town. Most shops and services concentrate around the main squares, where cafés and benches offer places to rest.

A fountain in the market square features the reclining lion of Württemberg, while French eagles perch on nearby lampposts. This mix looks unusual at first glance but shows the dual heritage of a town between German empire and French republic.

Location: Doubs

Location: arrondissement of Montbéliard

Elevation above the sea: 348 m

Shares border with: Vyans-le-Val, Allondans, Arbouans, Audincourt, Bethoncourt, Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard, Exincourt, Grand-Charmont, Issans, Laire, Raynans, Sainte-Suzanne, Sochaux, Héricourt

Phone: +33381992200

Email: contact@montbeliard.com

Website: http://montbeliard.fr

GPS coordinates: 47.50972,6.79833

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04