Saint-Hippolyte travel guide

Visit Saint-Hippolyte (Burgundy-Franche-Comté, France)

The small town of Saint-Hippolyte is in the north-east of the Doubs department near the border with Switzerland and south of Montbeliard. It is in an attractive location at the confluence of the Dessoubre river and the Doubs river.

It is the parts of Saint-Hippolyte along the waterfront that are the most attractive and most interesting to visitors, and the scenic backdrop of the forested hills and cliffs adds further to the charm of the village.

Note that the village is also referred to as Saint-Hippolyte-sur-le-Doubs.

Explore Saint-Hippolyte in Doubs

The most important historic monument in the town is the Collegiale Church of Notre-Dame de Saint-Hippolyte on the banks of the Doubs river. The collegiale church was built in the early 14th century on the site of an earlier chapel.

One unusual feature is the domed belltower in the style known as 'clocher à dôme à l'impériale' - you will see this traditional local style throughout the Franche-Comté region. The one in Saint-Hippolyte was built in the 17th century after the original gothic style tower had been destroyed during the Ten Years War. Inside, the original furnishings were all destroyed during the Revolution so what we see today has been added since.

Between 1418 and 1452 the Turin Shroud (the 'suaire de Turin') was protected in this church during the later part of the Hundred Years War.

The substantial building next to the bridge across the Doubs river in Saint-Hippolyte also has religious origins, having been built as the Convent of the Ursulines in the early 18th century. The arcaded gallery at ground level along the side facing the river is the main point of architectural interest. This convent was also closed at the time of the Revolution and later used as a town hall, a police station and a school.

After seeing these two monuments take the time to stroll along the river banks looking at the houses and gardens, and to walk through the town centre and its main square, which has a fountain in the centre. Elsewhere in Saint-Hippolyte you will also see medieval houses, leaded windows (fenêtres à meneaux), a traditional washhouse as well as various small architectural features such as a sundial and a fountain.

On the edge of the village you can also see the small 16th century Chapel of Notre Dame du Mont. Although the chapel is not necessarily enhanced by a new looking porch, there are lovely views across the countryside from outside the chapel.

Other activities

Most leisure activities in and around Saint-Hippolyte are also based around exploring the Doubs and Dessoubre river valleys, with hiking, canoeing and fishing among the most popular.

Cyclists might like to follow the route south from Saint-Hippolyte along the D437 to the junction with the D437B. Known as the 'Route of the Maison Rouge' this is a fairly steady climb of about 5% that continues about eight kilometres - so quite challenging but not impossible!

Enthusiasts of traditional churches are also spoiled for choice with several nearby of interest such as those at Chaux (with ceiling frescoes), Vaufrey, Fleurey and Montécheroux.

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You can find more travel ideas in the Doubs guide and the Franche-Comte guide.