Faverney

Discover Faverney, a Cité de Caractère in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, with its architectural treasures and peaceful atmosphere. This charming village in Haute-Saône has a rich heritage, with historic buildings and bucolic landscapes.

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The Benedictine Bridge

As soon as you arrive in Faverney, you’ll be greeted by the Pont des Bénédictins. This stone bridge, with its nine elegant arches, spans the river La Lanterne and dates back to the 18th century. It offers a lovely view of the tranquil waters flowing through the village. Enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of the area as you stroll along the river.

View of the roofs of a beautiful residence in Faverney - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Faverney|Maxime Naegely

Faverney abbey church, view of the stained glass windows - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Faverney|Maxime Naegely

Faverney Abbey Church - City of character - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Faverney

An abbey with a rich history

The Abbey Church of Notre-Dame de Faverney, founded in the 8th century, is without doubt one of the town’s most precious jewels. This Benedictine abbey is bursting with treasures: the imposing nave, the magnificently sculpted porch, the antique furniture, the paintings and statues.

The cloister, with its interior garden and nineteen semi-circular arches, is a place of meditation and contemplation where time seems to stand still.

Although the abbey is now privately owned, an association, “Les Amis de l’Abbaye de Faverney”, is working to preserve and promote it.

With its pine trees reminiscent of Tuscany, the abbey is well worth a visit.

The history of this abbey is marked by an extraordinary event: the Eucharistic miracle of 1608. On 25 May, after the celebration of Pentecost, a fire destroyed the church’s repository, but the monstrance containing two hosts miraculously remained suspended in mid-air for thirty-three hours. This phenomenon, observed by over a thousand witnesses, revived Catholicism in the region and was officially recognised by the Catholic Church in 1864. Since then, the remaining host has been venerated as a relic in Faverney.

Houses with character

Faverney is also renowned for its many houses dating from the 15th and 18th centuries. The Maison des Hôtes on Place Sainte-Gude, with its mullioned windows and braces, was once home to the lay guests of the Abbot of Faverney. The Maison Wagner features a polychrome Virgin Mary and a carved door. As you stroll through the streets of the town, you’ll also come across the old gendarmerie, the old barracks and the mill district near the River Lanterne.

Beautiful waterfront houses - Faverney - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Faverney|Maxime Naegely

To conclude the visit in style

Don’t miss the old covered market, built in 1700 by the Benedictine monks. Now converted into private homes, the halls have retained their original structure with arcades and an open-air courtyard, bearing witness to the bustling commercial life of yesteryear.