Menotey reveals itself through various historical traces: sacred architecture, fountains, old winegrowers’ houses and an ensemble listed in the Monuments historiques inventory. Nature is also part of the village landscape: the Massif de la Serre Natura 2000 site partly includes the village centre. This offers a choice of different highlights: Menotey’s architectural and village history, and hiking destinations in the surrounding area.
Building history at the Église Saint-Pierre
The Église Saint-Pierre has been documented since 1354. It was partly rebuilt in the 16th century. The choir was completed in 1507; the bell tower with its portal bears the date 1604. The church combines Gothic construction principles with Renaissance and Classicist ornamentation. This makes it possible to consider an early written record alongside several later building phases, rather than reducing the church to a single year of construction.
There is also a two-sided cross dating from the late 15th century beside the Église. It was presumably moved from the former cemetery around the church. Its presumed origin remains part of its history; its date and distinctive two-sided form give the cross its own point of interest alongside the church architecture.
Fountains, the ensemble and winegrowers’ houses
Historic features can also be found beyond the church. The Fontaine des Bourguerins was renovated in 1992. The Fontaine de la Bourgoisotte ensemble, listed in the Monuments historiques inventory, is located north of the village centre at the entrance to Rue de la Bourgoisotte. It comprises a fountain, a washhouse and a wayside cross dating from the 12th century. Menotey is also home to numerous old winegrowers’ houses. The cultural and historical story thus ranges from sacred architecture and fountain complexes to the village’s homes.
Routes through Menotey
Several routes also pass through Menotey. The Route Tour du Pays de Dole and the circular trails La Croix Boyon and Le Loup Garou pass through the village. The Le Moulin des Vaux circular trail follows the Route de Menotey towards Croix Boyon. It starts from a designated parking area on the Départementale 79 between Gredisans and Menotey. For this hike, you can plan the direction of travel and starting point together. Trail and parking conditions may change; check them before setting off.
Nature in the village and the surrounding area
The Massif de la Serre Natura 2000 site also partly includes the centre of Menotey. In the wider region, the Grand Dole hiking trail network runs through the Massif de la Serre and provides access to caves, rocks, springs, quarries, ponds and nature reserves. Nature can therefore be explored on two scales: through a protected area that extends partly into the village, and through wider-ranging hiking destinations in the region. If you would like to include both in your trip, it is worth distinguishing the routes through Menotey from the more far-reaching destinations.
A historic walk in 2025
As part of the 2025 European Heritage Days, stops at the village’s fountains, squares, houses and monuments were set up along the Dorfsentier Baco in Menotey. This event, tied to a specific date, shows how different features of the village came together on a village walk. It complements the enduring architectural and village features with a specific example from the 2025 cultural programme.
Discover more destinations: Thoirette, Foucherans, Chaux-des-Crotenay, Prenovel, Foncine-Le-Haut, Chille, Saint-Lothain, Saint-Julien
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
