General Information The Loue Valley is located in the Doubs department, east of Besancon. Stretching over 126 km, the Loue River, a resurgence of the Doubs River, has carved its bed in the plateaus of the Jura before merging into the Doubs River downstream from the city of Dole (Jura). The valley is most interesting between the source of the Loue and Ornans, the capital of the Loue high valley. The river drops 229 m in altitude over a distance of 20 km. The water flows along a deep, mostly wooded gorge in the Jura plateau and offers some remarkable scenic points. Typical villages are scattered along its course. The Loue River is considered to be one of Europe's finest trout and grayling fishing rivers. The even course of the Loue is easy to explore by canoe. The river's winding course, a few rapids, and the picturesque charm of the banks make for a pleasure voyage.

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	Ouhans A village surrounded by pastures and forests, near the Loue River source, on the road to the scenic points of Renedale and Moine. These scenic points dominate over 350 meters the Nouailles Gorges, formed by the Loue River. Mouthier-Haute-Pierre A charming village, set in an amphitheater of large natural rocks. The name Haute-Pierre (High Rock) is derived from its largest rock, Haute-Pierre-Roche (882 m). The village church was built in the 15th century and contains some beautiful carved woodwork. The Marsotte dark cherries used to distill a famous Kirsch are grown here, in the area known as the "Loue Orchard". Lods One of the most beautiful villages in France. The Loue River tumbles over several small bed faults as it passes through the riverside village. Many remains of its prosperous past, such as the church overlooking the small winegrowers houses and one single arch of an old medieval bridge across one of the floodgates, still stand today. Vuillafans-Chateauvieux An old town overlooked by the remains of two feudal fortresses. A restored mill, ancient wine-makers' houses and a 16th Century bridge spanning the Loue, create a charming atmosphere. The winding road going to the village of Echevannes offers spectacular views of the valley. The town's renown wine is the only one made in the region and can be tasted locally. Montgesoye Here, the Loue River, easily accessible, is thoroughly enjoyed by hikers and fishermen. The village houses a museum of authentic regional costumes and other local collections. Ornans Rocky cliffs make a magnificent backdrop to the capital of the valley, sometimes called "Little Venice of Franche-Comte" for its picturesque rows of wooden and stone houses lining the Loue River, and best seen from the bridges. The town is known as the birthplace of painter Gustave Courbet, the French Realist master, who painted every view of the town. Scey-en-Varay A village dominated by the remains of the Scey feudal castle. At the "Miroir de Scey", the castle's image is reflected in the river calm waters. Cleron A village situated alongside the Loue River with a feudal castle from the 14th Century renovated in the 19th Century. The cheese called "Edel de Cleron" is produced in the village and the "Hameau du Fromage" (Cheese Hamlet) presents all the cheeses from Franche-Comte.
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