Mollans

Mollans is a commune in Haute -Saône in the Franche -Comté.

Geography

Mollans situated at an altitude of 303 m above sea level, 10 km west-southwest of Lure and about 17 km east of the town of Vesoul (air line). The village is located in the central part of the department, in the hollow of the Ruisseau de la Prairie on the southern edge of the height of the Bois de Venet.

The area of ​​13.45 km ² municipal area comprises a section in the rolling countryside between the basin of Vesoul in the west and the level of Lure in the east. The western part of the area occupied by the Alluvialniederung of Lauzin, which provides for drainage south to Ognon. He takes from the north, the Ruisseau de la Prairie ( village stream of Mollans ) on. The valley is on average 290 m and has a width of up to three kilometers. It is used primarily for agricultural purposes.

To the northeast, the terrain rises slightly to a plateau ( around 320 m). This is from the wooded heights of the Grand Bois de Mollans ( with 358 m the highest elevation of Mollans ) flanked and the Bois du Fays. The northeastern boundary is marked by the brook Razou. In geological- tectonic terms, the terrain consists mainly of an alternation of sandy- marly and calcareous sediments that were deposited during the Lias ( Lower Jurassic ). In some places in the Grand Bois de Mollans also limestone comes to light from the Middle Triassic.

Neighboring communities of Mollans are Genevreuille and Amblans -et- Velotte in the North, Vy- lès -Lure in the east, Arpenans and Justin Mont -et- Velotte in the south and Liévans Pomoy and in the West.

History

Remains of a Roman traffic route point to an early inspection and settlement of the area. In the Middle Ages Mollans belonged to the Free County of Burgundy and in the territory of the Bailliage d' amont. The existence of a noble family called Mollans is attested since the 11th century. Together with the Franche -Comté reached the place with the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678 definitively to France. After the French Revolution Mollans was capital of the canton of the same name, which, however, was incorporated in 1801 in the Canton of Lure. Today Mollans is a member of the 14 localities comprehensive community association Communauté de communes des Franches - Communes.

Attractions

The village church of Mollans was built in the 17th and 18th centuries. For notable appointments include a statue of Mary (18th century), paintings on wood (17th century), furniture and paintings from the 18-19. Century, including two beautiful confessionals, and several grave slabs. The iron cross at the rectory was built in thanks for the for the village in front of a plague epidemic. At the northwestern outskirts of the village stands a stately home in the 19th century. Also worth seeing are the three Lavoirs from the 19th century, whose roofs are supported by numerous pillars. They served as a laundry and watering cattle.

Population

With 246 inhabitants ( 1 January 2011) Mollans one of the small towns in the Haute- Saône. After the population had decreased significantly in the first half of the 20th century (1906 614 persons were still counted ), only relatively small fluctuations were recorded since the early 1970s.

Economy and infrastructure

Mollans was until well into the 20th century a predominantly by agriculture (crops, orchards and livestock ) and forestry embossed village. Today, there are some establishments of local small businesses. In recent decades the village has been transformed into a residential community. Many workers are therefore commuters who do their work in the larger towns in the area and agglomeration in Vesoul.

The village has good transport links. It is located near the main road N19, which runs from Vesoul via Lure to Belfort. Further road links exist with Noroy -le- Bourg, Pomoy, Vy -lès -Lure and Arpenans.