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Origin and history

The Ursuline convent of Saint-Hippolyte is a religious building built in the 1st quarter of the 18th century, more precisely from 1700, as evidenced by the foundation stone blessed on 13 May 1700 by spiritual director Ligier. Located in the heart of the village, on the edge of the Doubs, it was erected to replace a first establishment founded in 1618 by Ursulines sisters who had come to educate and support the local population, especially young girls through a boarding school. Its "U" architecture, with an open gallery on the north side and an inner courtyard, reflects its community and educational use.

During the French Revolution, the Ursulines left the site, and the convent was reassigned to sub-prefecture, then to gendarmerie and finally to school. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 7 August 1987 and retains protected elements such as its facades, its roof, a fireplace in the old kitchens and three stairs. Today owned by the Doubs department, its history illustrates the evolution of religious buildings into public spaces after secularization.

The dedication engraved on a wall ("Cy sous a este poses the first stone on 13 May 1700...") attests to its spiritual and educational origin. The site, although partially modified, remains a testament to the 18th century franc-comtoise religious architecture, marked by its integration into the urban fabric and its social role with women in the region.

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