Attractions and Places To See around Mathay - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mathay, a commune in the Doubs department of eastern France, offer a blend of natural landscapes and access to cultural sites. The region is characterized by its waterways, including canals and rivers, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. While Mathay itself is a smaller locale, its proximity to the Montbéliard area expands the range of available attractions.
Best attractions and places to see around Mathay
- The most popular attractions is Montbéliard–Haute-Saône Canal beside the Allan, a river and canal system that provides excellent routes for cycling. This waterway was historically important for transporting goods.
- Another must-see spot is Étupes Lock on the EV6, an interesting bridge and lock system on the canal. This section of the canal is primarily used by pleasure boats.
- Visitors also love Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve, a strip of nature with waters and wet meadows. This reserve protects wetlands and various species of fauna and flora.
- Mathay is known for its natural features like canals and nature reserves, as well as nearby cultural sites and parks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from cycling routes to natural spaces.
- The attractions around Mathay are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and 48 photos shared.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Montbéliard–Haute-Saône Canal beside the Allan
Highlight • River
The Haute-Saône Canal, still called the Montbéliard Canal in the Haute-Saône, is a waterway that begins in the north of the Doubs department, crosses the south-western part of the Territoire de Belfort and an unfinished section, is located in the eastern part of Haute-Saone. It is after the loss of Alsace in 1871 that the government of the Third Republic decided in 1878 the construction of canals in the East of France to allow the circulation of the goods, and in particular the Lorraine steel products towards Franche -Comté, between the region of Nancy and those of Burgundy and Franche-Comté. One of the first projects concerned the construction of the Eastern Canal, which began around 1875 and was completed in 1887, and that of the Haute-Saône Canal, which was to link the French part of the Rhone-Rhine Canal to the Eastern Canal. . The goal was also to serve the coal mines of Ronchamp and to evacuate the coal produced in its wells. fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canal_de_la_Haute-Sa%C3%B4ne
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Chemin de Halage Allenjoie, EV6
Highlight • Cycleway
The village now lives to the rhythm of boating and sports and leisure activities developed along the canal, including the bike path on the old towpath. This track is an integral part of the EuroVelo 6 cycle route linking Saint-Nazaire to Constanţa. It can reach many other cycling routes in Alsace, Franche-Comté, Switzerland and Germany. fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valdieu-Lutran#Histoire
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Étupes Lock on the EV6
Highlight • Structure
This section of the canal between Mulhouse and Montbéliard today is too narrow for commercial transport, it is used mainly for pleasure boats, in a month about 150 boats. In dry conditions, the water level in the canal must be lowered, and the boats must pass the locks in groups of 4 boats together.
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Parc du Près-la-Rose
Highlight • Other
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Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
It preserves wetlands and the many species that live there, ranging from birds to amphibians. Thus, you may see gray woodpeckers, black kites or even kingfishers.
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful green paradise between the highway and the city. The birdsong even drowns out the highway noise.
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A beautiful strip of nature with waters and wet meadows, between the motorway and the city, for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.
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Avoid sunny weekend afternoons; it gets far too crowded. Mornings are preferable.
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A "chemin de halage", in German "treidelpfad", which runs alongside the waterway right next to the bed of the river or canal, was an indispensable part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Before ships could move using motor power, horses ran along the bank and pulled the ship against the current. This was called "treideln", and this is how the "treidelpfads" got their name, which has been passed down to this day. Where these paths directly on the bank have been preserved, they are often used by hikers and cyclists.
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An interesting park area where the EV 6 also runs.
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Beautiful scenery and nice cycle path.
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Very nice and quiet place.
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Nice, very pleasant walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Mathay?
The region around Mathay offers several natural highlights. You can visit the Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve, a beautiful strip of wetlands and meadows known for its diverse fauna and flora. The Wood of Mathay also provides opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, the Montbéliard–Haute-Saône Canal beside the Allan and the Chemin de Halage Allenjoie, EV6 offer scenic routes along waterways.
Are there good cycling routes near Mathay?
Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The Montbéliard–Haute-Saône Canal beside the Allan and the Chemin de Halage Allenjoie, EV6 are popular choices. The Chemin de Halage is part of the larger EuroVelo 6 cycle route, offering pleasant rides along the water. You can find more cycling options in the Gravel biking around Mathay guide.
What historical or cultural sites are worth visiting near Mathay?
While Mathay itself is smaller, its proximity to Montbéliard offers cultural sites. You can explore the historic Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg in Montbéliard. For those interested in industrial heritage, the Peugeot Adventure Museum is also located in Montbéliard. The Centre Culturel Simone Veil hosts various events and workshops.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions around Mathay?
Absolutely! The Parc du Près-la-Rose in Montbéliard is a large park with over 100 varieties of flowers, walking paths, a hedge maze, a skate park, and play areas for children. It also houses the Pavillon des Sciences. The canal routes like the Montbéliard–Haute-Saône Canal beside the Allan are also suitable for family bike rides.
Where can I go for a walk or run near Mathay?
You can enjoy walks along the Chemin de Halage Allenjoie, EV6, which offers pleasant routes along the canal. The Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve also provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. For dedicated running trails, check out the Running Trails around Mathay guide, which includes routes like the Gravière de Mathay loop.
What is the Étupes Lock on the EV6, and what can I do there?
The Étupes Lock on the EV6 is an interesting bridge and lock system on the canal. This section is mainly used by pleasure boats and is part of the EuroVelo 6 cycle route. It's a great spot for observing the canal system and enjoying a bike ride or walk along the towpaths.
Are there any gardens to visit in the Mathay area?
Yes, for garden enthusiasts, the Jardin jc passion in Colombier Fontaine, located about 7.2 km from Mathay, comes highly recommended. It offers a beautiful setting to explore.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve?
The Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve is a protected wetland that preserves many species of fauna and flora. You might spot various birds such as gray woodpeckers, black kites, or even kingfishers, as well as amphibians.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mathay?
Visitors particularly appreciate the well-maintained bike paths along the canals, the beautiful scenery, and the opportunity for tranquil nature walks. The family-friendly aspects of parks like Parc du Près-la-Rose and the natural beauty of the Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve are also highly rated.
Are there mountain biking trails available near Mathay?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity. You can find various routes in the MTB Trails around Mathay guide, including routes like the 'Mandeure Viewpoint – Ancient Theatre of Mandeure loop' or 'Rue du port à Bourguignon loop'.
What is the best time to visit Mathay for outdoor activities?
The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural landscapes are in full bloom or displaying vibrant fall colors. Cycling along the canals and exploring nature reserves are enjoyable during these seasons.
Can I find viewpoints to enjoy scenic vistas near Mathay?
Yes, the Savoureuse Valley Nature Reserve offers viewpoints to appreciate the natural surroundings. Additionally, some of the running and mountain biking routes, such as the 'Mandeure Viewpoint' trail, suggest scenic vistas of the Montbéliard region.
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