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Pesmes
Haute-Saône
Pesmes, a medieval village in Franche-Comté, on the banks of the River Ognon
On the banks of the River Ognon, Pesmes stands out as a fortified town on the road from Gray to Dole. The ruins of the lords’ castle, the winegrowers’ houses and Saint-Hilaire Church tell the story of the region’s rich history.
Below, the old forges serve as a reminder of a thriving past in crafts and industry. Take a stroll along the ramparts or the riverbanks and let yourself be charmed by this delightful village in the heart of Franche-Comté.
A medieval town in the Franche-Comté region
Stone ramparts and narrow winegrowers’ lanes guide you through the ages, into the heart of Pesmes’s history in the Comté region. So, are you ready to travel back in time?
Mairie de Pesmes
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Le Bouche à Oreille
Les Forges de Pesmes have taken on different roles over the years: factory, power station and then cultural venue… Today, they bring the Ognon to life with concerts, theatre workshops and film screenings.
Your experiences to live in Pesmes
©Val de Gray Tourist Office
Take a stroll along the ramparts
Stroll along the ramparts and take in the panoramic view of the Ognon Valley. In the golden light of late afternoon, enjoy a unique view of the village and the river.
©Pesmes Town Hall
Take a break on the Île de la Sauvageonne
Whether with family or friends, head to the relaxation area on Île de la Sauvageonne for a relaxing spell by the water’s edge. Games, pétanque, a picnic or a nap in the shade of the trees: here, you can savour the gentle Comtois way of life...
©Val de Gray Tourist Office
Take the guided tour of the village
Follow the guide through the narrow streets of Pesmes! Stroll through the medieval town and listen to stories about the history and heritage of the Comté region: the royal residence, mansions and defensive gates, winegrowers’ houses, old forges…
Ideas for everyone, all the time
The Oct. 24, 2026
Marche Octobre rose
Pesmes Town Hall and the Pesmes First Response Centre invite you to a ‘Pink Walk’ in aid of La Grayloise, which supports the fight against cancer. On the programme: a 4 km route and a 10 km route. Activities focusing on breast cancer prevention and screening are planned at the health centre. Refreshments available from 4 pm. A meal, organised by the Firefighters’ Association, is available upon booking.
Next dates:
- 10/24/2026
From Oct. 28, 2026 to Dec. 30, 2026
Marché de Pesmes
Next dates:
- 10/28/2026
Open every day - 11/04/2026
Open every day - 11/11/2026
Open every day
The Oct. 31, 2026
Concert Faycal Sahli
A Franco-Algerian and avid traveller, Fayçal creates urban music with a global flavour; it is exceptionally original, influenced by Andalusian folk music, rock and jazz, and is at once sophisticated, complex and accessible. He succeeds in creating a unique atmosphere and ambience.
Next dates:
- 10/31/2026
The Nov. 8, 2026
Appelez-moi George !
“Call me George!” But who exactly is George? Aurore Dupin? Baroness Dudevant? Or perhaps the journalist, the letter-writer, the socially-conscious artist, the friend to men and women alike, the nature lover and, above all, the gifted storyteller. All these figures make up George Sand, ‘the freest woman of her century’. The Théâtre Perché in Avrigney invites you to discover or rediscover ‘the Grande Dame of Nohant’, a free-spirited and passionate woman.
Next dates:
- 11/08/2026
The Nov. 18, 2026
Conférence débat L'avenir de nos rivières
One of the most visible consequences of climate change is the rapid and profound alteration of the water cycle. In France, droughts and floods have been occurring against a backdrop of poor management of water-related landscapes since the Second World War.
Next dates:
- 11/18/2026
The Nov. 28, 2026
Concert Red Barn
They have chosen to combine traditional bluegrass tunes with their own adaptations of American classics (Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Jim Hurst, Eddy Mitchell, Creedence Clearwater Revival…) alternating between songs (lead vocals and vocal harmonies) and instrumental pieces…
Next dates:
- 11/28/2026
The Dec. 4, 2026
Rencontre avec Cali Berthet, artiste et copiste pour le cinéma
Originally from the Haut-Saône region, Cali Berthet is a film painter: she works as a chief painter on set and acts as the painting consultant when artworks need to be reproduced during filming. But she has never stopped painting for herself. Now, she would like to be just as well known for her personal work. She has just received an award from the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
Next dates:
- 12/04/2026
The Dec. 5, 2026
Soirée Choucroute au profit du Téléthon
La Captivante invites you to a sauerkraut meal in aid of the Telethon.
Next dates:
- 12/05/2026
The Jan. 30, 2027
Le discours
In the middle of a never-ending family meal, between the gratin dauphinois and his brother-in-law’s anecdotes, Adrien is desperately waiting for a text message from his ex. It is at precisely this moment that he is asked to prepare a speech for his sister’s wedding. Through a hilarious, cynical and refreshingly cynical inner monologue, this one-man show dissects our neuroses, family dinners and heartbreaks.
Next dates:
- 01/30/2027
Canoeing and kayaking on the Ognon
Paddle with the family and enjoy Pesmes from the river! Between peaceful stretches and gentle rapids, the Ognon unfolds its unspoilt landscapes and reveals the medieval town as you drift along. A gentle and refreshing adventure, ideal for young and old alike.
The Forges Cycle Loop (No. 17)
Hop on your bike for a heritage and nature excursion around Pesmes! The Forges loop takes you from Pesmes through meadows, picturesque villages and castles. A 31 km ride to enjoy with friends, punctuated by lovely views of the Ognon.
Fishing on the Ognon
When the fine weather returns, the banks of the Ognon become a fisherman’s paradise. Pike, zander and perch await you in a peaceful setting, accompanied by the gentle lapping of the water and the glistening reflections on the surface.
Our recommendations
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
La Maison Royale
This 15th-century fortified house now offers guest rooms in an ideal location near the village, and the owners are renowned for their warm welcome.
Map of Pesmes
Extend the visit to near Pesmes
Prepare your stay at Pesmes
Office de Tourisme Val de Gray
Accessibility
Pesmes
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélo
# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année
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