On the road between Morteau and Montbéliard, Saint-Hippolyte is a very pretty village on the banks of the Doubs, with a rich architectural heritage including a 14th century church and an old Ursuline convent.

It is part of the Pays Horloger ("Watchmaking Country"), a beautiful region which includes Morteau and its delicious sausage, Villers-le-Lac and its Saut du Doubs, Maîche and its Saint Peter church, and many other interesting destinations.

Its architectural heritage is clustered around the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and a few restaurants with terraces invite you to take a break. However, as all the activity is concentrated in this square, you may have trouble finding a free table!

Behind the town hall you can visit the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Saint-Hippolyte, built in 1308 on a chapel dating from 1040. From 1418 to 1452, it housed the Holy Shroud, which is now venerated by Catholics in Turin, to protect it from the mercenaries who ravaged the country during the Hundred Years' War.

On the banks of the Doubs stands a former Ursuline convent built in 1700, which was abandoned by the nuns during the Revolution and which later housed the sub-prefecture, the gendarmerie, the court and the prison. Two wings are currently occupied by the primary school. Massive and rather sinister, this historic monument cannot be visited.

The historic centre of Saint-Hippolyte is very small, so you will quickly get around it, but you will not fail to fall under its charm.

To park, cross the old town and the bridge over the Doubs, then turn right immediately. If you are in a camper van, you can even spend the night... if you can find room!

Useful links

French Region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté - Wikipedia