A couple discover Gray town hall - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Gray|Maxime Naegely

The upper town De Gray

Gray is a town steeped in history, where it is pleasant to stroll and explore its picturesque streets and rich heritage. Gray, cradled by the waters of the Saône, is a town steeped in history, where it’s pleasant to stroll and explore its picturesque streets and rich heritage. This city reveals its treasures to you on a tour that allows you to immerse yourself in its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

©Vesoul-Val de Saône logo

Along the Saône Gray's quays and river heritage

The route begins along the banks of the Saône, a vital artery that has shaped Gray’s history. The landscaped quays offer a pleasant walk, a reminder of the importance of river trade in the town’s development.

The route then leads past private mansions such as the Hôtel de Conflans, built in the 16th century. Built in the Renaissance style, it epitomises the opulence of Grayling’s residences at the time. Its remarkable stair tower (or viorbe) is impressive in its size.

The Saône

A couple picnicking on the grass on the banks of the Saône at Gray. A pleasure boat, bridge and buildings can be seen in the background - Gray - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Gray|Maxime Naegely

A couple head for Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier - Gray|Maxime Naegely

A couple contemplate the Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier - Gray|Maxime Naegely

Revolving staircase in a wooden cylinder, leading to a small Renaissance room at the top of the Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier - Gray - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Tour-Saint-Pierre-Fourier |Maxime Naegely

Woman looking out of a window of the Tour Saint-Pierre Fourier, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Gray - Cité de caractère - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Gray|Maxime Naegely

Further on, the Hôtel-Dieu was built in the 18th century in the shape of a Greek cross. Its central chapel enabled patients to follow the service from their beds. The building added to the complex in 1854 is adorned with a pediment featuring three sculptures by local sculptor Constant Grangirard.

Don’t miss the most unusual visit of your walk: the St-Pierre Fourrier tower. This is a pivoting wooden staircase which, when turned, conceals the entrance to a room. This room was a studiolo, a study, which served as a hiding place for St-Pierre Fourrier, a cleric who fled Lorraine in 1936, when it was invaded by French troops.

Discover

The Town Hall features a roof of brightly coloured glazed tiles. Its 37-metre façade is adorned with Corinthian and composite columns. An engraved and painted sundial adds a touch of elegance to this iconic building. The arcades that open onto the square bear witness to the building’s dual function: the first floor was used for municipal affairs, while the ground floor was used for markets. A finely engraved and painted sundial adorns the west façade. The building to the east, set back, houses the library and its precious collections.

Two fountains decorated with sculptures by Constant Grandgirard were added on either side in the 19th century.

Aerial view of Gray town hall - Magnificent coloured and glazed tile roof - in the background, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Gray - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Gray|Maxime Naegely

Visitors discover the exterior of Gray's Town Hall with its glazed tile roof, a reminder of the town's proximity to Burgundy - Vesoul-Val-de Saône — ©Town Hall|Office de tourisme Val de Gray

Historical treasures From the Basilica to the Baron Martin Museum

Aerial view of the heights of the town of Gray - You can see the Basilique Notre-Dame de Gray and many manor houses - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Gray|Maxime Naegely

View of the bell tower of the Notre-Dame de Gray basilica - Vesoul-Val-de Saône — ©Notre-Dame Basilica|BothBetter

Exterior of the Baron Martin Museum - Gray - City of character - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Baron Martin Museum|Office de tourisme Val de Gray

A couple contemplates paintings at the Baron Martin Museum - Gray - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Baron Martin Museum|Maxime Naegely

Just a few steps away is the town’s highest point: the 15th-century Notre-Dame basilica. Its neo-Gothic porch and tympanum sculpted by Grandgirard make it a must-see part of Graylen’s heritage. Opposite the church, you can still see the portal and some of the buildings of the Annonciades convent, which was also used as a prison during the French Revolution.

Housed in a former château, the Baron Martin museum is well worth a visit for its remarkable architecture. The Paravis tower, a vestige of the old fortress, marks the entrance. Inside, art and history lovers will appreciate the collections on display.