FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Despite research by experts, the origin of the term “Saugeais” remains a mystery.

Some have suggested a connection to the word “Savoie,” the region from which many of the settlers who cleared the abbey’s lands originated: indeed, Savoie—meaning “land of fir trees,” or “sapaudia” in Latin—is known as “sadget” in the local Franco-Provençal dialect…

As for the very first written mention of the word “Saugey,” it can be found in a papal bull dated 1199.

Yes, you can visit Montbenoît Abbey year-round: in July and August, guided tours depart every 45 minutes from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM; from September through June, self-guided tours of the abbey are available during the Montbenoît Tourist Office’s opening hours.

For groups, guided tours can be arranged by making a reservation with the tourist office only.

The Haut-Doubs region, home to the Saugeais area, is a fantastic playground for winter activities!

When snow covers the La Perdrix and La Chaux areas, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, not to mention sledding, which is a favorite among families.

Those of you looking for the thrill of downhill skiing should head to the nearby resort of Métabief, where you can hit the slopes to your heart’s content.

In Franche-Comté, summers can be hot but rarely stifling, which is why most outdoor activities remain accessible year-round: mountain biking, hiking, trail running, Nordic walking, horseback riding… it’s up to you to choose the best way to explore the lush landscapes of the Saugeais region.

If you are planning to clear customs at Saugeais, please feel free to contact us using the form provided: we can discuss the logistics together.

Of course not! Going through customs is a fun, lighthearted formality designed solely to ensure you have a pleasant time with our volunteer customs officers.

You will not face any penalties if you cross the borders of Saugeais without having registered, but you will also not have the personalized pass signed by the President of the Republic of Saugeais.

That's too bad, isn't it?

By definition, our mobile customs unit can intercept your convoy anywhere within the territory of the Republic…

However, we will work with you to determine the most suitable location for this event, taking your constraints into account.

Within the Franche-Comté region and the Haut-Doubs area, the Saugeais is unique in that it consists of a group of villages that have been under the jurisdiction of Montbenoît Abbey since the 12th century, forming what was known as an “ecclesiastical seigneury” until the 18th century.

That is why the residents have developed a shared identity, rooted in the language and traditions unique to the Saugeais region.

The Coutumier du Val du Saugeais is a kind of “rural code” that codified these traditions as early as 1458.

The Republic of Saugeais is a micronation whose legal status is based on a nonprofit organization established under the French Law of 1901.

Although it has a president, a government, and many other features that appear to be very official, it is, in fact, a fictional republic!

Nevertheless, the eleven municipalities that make up this “folkloric republic” do indeed share a history and customs that bring them together.

This is one of the things that sets us apart: above all else, we value the dedication and volunteer spirit of our leadership, who devote their time and energy to serving our great Republic on a voluntary basis.

We welcome anyone willing to help!

Simon Marguet has been President of the Republic of Saugeais since 2022. He succeeded Georgette Bertin-Pourchet.

Of course! Join the dedicated residents of Sauget-les-Bains who keep our association and our Republic alive—we’d be delighted to welcome you.
Send us an email via our contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.