Attractions and Places To See around Vellemoz - Top 19

The region around Vellemoz is rich in history. You can explore the picturesque village of Pesmes, known for its industrial heritage at the Forges of Pesmes. The city of Besançon boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Citadel and a historic cathedral. Other notable sites include the Collegiale Church in Dole, the 13th-century church of Saint-Remy and a 16th-century castle in Ouge, and the historical fortifications and church in Gy. Don't miss the Savoyeux Tunnel, an impressive 19th-century underground canal.

Yes, there are two significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby. The Citadel of Besançon, located approximately 30 km from Vellemoz, offers deep cultural and historical insights. Additionally, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, about 49 km away, is a remarkable example of historical industrial architecture and a planned ideal city.

Nature lovers can explore the beautiful Ognon Valley, listed as a Natural Area of Ecological, Floristic, and Faunistic Interest. Further afield, the Plateau des Mille Étangs, often called "Little Finland," is a unique Natura 2000 area in the Saône Vosges region. You can also visit the remarkable Parc de l'Etang or the Jardin du château du Talmay for cultivated natural beauty.

For a fun family outing, consider Foot Golf Noidans le Ferroux, which offers France's first recreational foot golf course. Many of the picturesque villages like Pesmes and Gy are pleasant to explore with families. The Harbor near Savoyeux is also a popular spot for water sports and boat trips, which can be enjoyable for all ages.

The village of Bucey-lès-Gy, designated a "Petite Cité Comtoise de Caractère," offers guided tours to discover its viticultural heritage and historical architecture. The "Patrimoine et Environnement" association in Bucey-lès-Gy also hosts artistic workshops throughout the year, including engraving, stone and wood sculpture, watercolor painting, and FABLAB activities like 3D printing.

The area around Vellemoz is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, mountain biking, and hiking. For cycling, explore routes like the "Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel loop" or the "Vincent Cheviet vineyard – Gy Castle loop." Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as the "Gy Castle – Vincent Cheviet vineyard loop." Hikers have options like the "Grasslands loop" or routes around Gy Castle. You can find more details and specific routes in the cycling guide, MTB guide, and hiking guide for Vellemoz.

Absolutely. Pesmes, approximately 28 km away, is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Franche-Comté, offering a quaint and picturesque experience with its industrial heritage and river views. Gy and Bucey-lès-Gy are also charming villages with rich histories and architectural character, offering guided tours to explore their unique features.

The Savoyeux Tunnel is an impressive underground canal completed in 1843, diverting the Saône river. Another notable engineering feat is the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel, a 681-meter long historical monument. The Vereux Diversion, a locked section of the Saône, also showcases historical efforts to make the river navigable.

The Harbor in Savoyeux, located on the Saône river, is a popular spot for water sports, fishing, and boat trips. The Saône itself is a major tributary of the Rhône and offers opportunities for inland waterway trips.

Yes, several nearby towns host markets on various days. You can find markets in Gray (Tuesdays & Fridays), Besançon (multiple days including Wednesdays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, Saturdays, Fridays), Vesoul (Thursdays & Saturdays), and Jussey (Tuesday mornings). These markets are great places to experience local life and find regional products.

The Plateau des Mille Étangs, meaning "Plateau of a Thousand Ponds," is a unique natural area in the heart of the Saône Vosges, often referred to as "Little Finland" due to its numerous small lakes and ponds. It's a Natura 2000 protected site, ideal for hiking and observing diverse flora and fauna. It's best explored by car or bicycle, with many trails available for walking.

For those who appreciate gardens, the Parc de l'Etang is a remarkable garden approximately 13 km from Vellemoz. Another beautiful option is the Jardin du château du Talmay, located about 30 km away, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

When visiting the Savoyeux Tunnel, you can find a resting point above the exit with a table, offering a good vantage point. The tunnel itself is an underground canal, 642.5 meters long, that diverts the Saône. It was historically navigated by pulling boats with chains attached to the walls, as there was no towpath. It also features a lock at its end.

The Ognon Valley is a picturesque valley in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, recognized for its ecological importance. It is listed as a Natural Area of Ecological, Floristic, and Faunistic Interest, making it a significant spot for biodiversity and natural beauty. It's an ideal area for gentle walks and enjoying the regional landscape.