Ancient geological upheavals have made this landscape one of the richest and most remarkable of all Franche-Comté. Walkers and nature lovers will want to come here, to explore the plateaux and valleys.

Perched atop the high belvederes, you will have fabulous views over the 'reculées' or narrow valleys carved into the rock by the sources of the Seille: Baume-les-Messieurs also has caves *** with pretty little cavities to explore. 

Set in an area of rocky hollows, verdure, waterfalls and rivers, Baume-les-Messieurs gives you a warm welcome. It is on the list of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", and listed as a "Small picturesque Comté City".  This village with its Cluny Benedictine site, is a good base for discovering the treasures of the reculée (ravine) du Dard: the caves, the Imperial Benedictine Abbey, the cirque of Baume-les-Messieurs, the waterfall and its quaint houses. Baume-les-Messieurs has an exceptional natural setting, formed by the meeting point of three valleys, including the splendid ravine of the cirque de Baume.
 

Caves of Baume-les-Messieurs

Discovered in 1610, these caves were formed in the tertiary era thirty million years ago. Situated at the at the very end of the reculée of Baume-les-Messieurs, they open on to 500 metres of galleries accessible to the public at 120 metres below ground, with illuminated rooms some 30 to 80 metres high, featuring unusual ceilings with upturned marmites.

When it rains, water forms a beautiful waterfall at the entrance to the cave. whose church and most of whose abbey buildings are still visible.
 

The Abbey of Baume-les-Messieurs