Hôtel de Franquemont

Hôtel de Franquemont is a 16th-century town mansion in Montbéliard, listed as a French historic monument, standing at 42 Rue de Belfort in the heart of the old town, in the Doubs department of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.

What will you see?

The building's signature feature is its staircase tower, where the date 1559 crowns the doorway — marking the year the mansion was entirely rebuilt. Faded coats of arms remain carved beside the inscription, hinting at former owners now hard to identify. The right wing was reworked in the 18th century, while the left wing gained an extra storey only in the 20th century, so the façade reads as a layered timeline rather than a single period piece. In the courtyard's southeast corner sits an old well, and the cellars beneath the main building preserve remnants of the town's medieval ramparts — a reminder that Montbéliard was once a fortified seat of its own county. Today the façades, roofing, staircase tower, well and cellar with its rampart fragments are all protected as heritage elements.

History of the building

The mansion takes its name from the Franquemont family, descended from an illegitimate branch of the counts of Montbéliard, who also gave their name to a nearby lordship. The family held the property from 1397 to 1580, and it was under their ownership, in 1559, that the building was rebuilt from the ground up into the form still visible today. After the Franquemonts, the house passed through several hands — the Gueldrich, Sponeck, Forstner and Villars families each owned it in turn, before further alterations followed in the 18th and 20th centuries. The Hôtel de Franquemont was officially listed as a monument historique by decree on 6 October 1989, recognizing it as a key witness to Montbéliard's urban architecture.

How to get there?

The building stands at 42 Rue de Belfort, right in central Montbéliard, a town well connected by rail and road to Belfort and Besançon. The train station is a short walk away, and the old town centre, including the square in front of the town hall, is easily reached on foot. The mansion serves private purposes today, so visitors mainly admire the façade and staircase tower from the street — these remain the highlight for anyone passing through.

When to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times to walk through old Montbéliard and take in the mansion, when mild weather suits strolling the historic centre and daylight brings out the detail of the 1559 façade. Summer makes the town a convenient base for exploring the wider Doubs area, while winter lends the compact old-town streets an extra quiet charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hôtel de Franquemont? A 16th-century town mansion in Montbéliard, rebuilt into its current form in 1559 and listed as a French historic monument.

Where does the name come from? From the Franquemont family, descended from an illegitimate branch of the counts of Montbéliard, who owned the building from 1397 to 1580.

What exactly is protected under heritage listing? The façades and roofing, the staircase tower, a well in the courtyard's southeast corner, and a cellar containing remnants of the old town ramparts.

Can you visit the interior? The building serves private purposes, so visits are generally limited to viewing the façade and staircase tower from outside.