The region

In the area

BLOIS-SUR-SEILLE

Stunning views
There are several lovely walks from the door, both gentle and strenuous. Saunter along the path to the mill and beyond , or walk up through the wood to Chaumois Boivin and see the lovely view of the village from the belvedere, before descending via the path through the woods behind the cottage. Walk across the plateau to Grange-sur-Baume and see, not only the stunning view of the abbey below but the ancient, tear-drop shaped shepherds’ shelters, then on to the spectacular Cirque de Baume. Climb up the wooded path to Chateau Chalon and reward yourself with lunch.

https://www.blois-sur-seille.com/

BAUME-LES-MESSIEURS

Abbey and Caves
Use a map to find several good walks here. The view from the belvedere at Crancot is worth seeking out. As well as the beautiful Abbey to explore, there is the dramatic waterfall to see on the way to the caves. It’s at its most breathtaking, needless to say, after rain. Take the steps to the right of the waterfall and see the river which feeds it. Alternatively, you can go on to the area of the grottes and walk next to the river and back down to the waterfall. A tour of the grottes is really worthwhile. It lasts about 45 mins and you need a jacket even on a hot day.

http://www.baumelesmessieurs.fr/

CHATEAU CHALON

Vinyards and views
Wander round this beautiful village, with its stunning views over the vineyards to the surrounding chateaux, towns and villages and right over to Burgundy. Discover the old church and the ruins of the nunnery which admitted only noble women who had 16 aristocratic forbears’ emblems on their coats of arms!

Château-Chalon

FRONTENAY

Magical chateau
This is in a superb setting and although the chateau is not usually open, the grounds and exterior of the house may be visited. We were lucky enough to catch a tour of a small part of the chateau with the very elderly Comtesse, which was memorable ! There is magical avenue of lime trees near the little chapel.The nearby Grotto is of interest. A pretty route to Frontenay is from Chateau Chalon and through Menetru but it is easy to find from Domblans too.

CHATEAU D’ARLAY

18th century chateau
The medieval site has an 18th century chateau and some winding footpaths to explore. There is also friendly,informative wine-tasting’

CASCADES DU HERISSON

Astonishing waterfalls
An absolute must! There is a choice of walks of varying difficulty beside some astonishing waterfalls. Take signs to the falls from Doucier, turn onto the D326 and park at the Eventail carpark. From there, the main path takes you to all the cascades. Do wear sensible footwear ! See relevant pamphlet and map in the house.

Towns

ARBOIS
An interesting old town about 40 mins. away. You can visit the house where Louis Pasteur was brought up and to which he returned regularly throughout his life. There are some excellent restaurants and a famous choclatier, Hirsinger. Good boulangerie a few doors away. Town walk.

DOLE
An attractive old town about 40 mins away and Pasteur’s birthplace. There is a Pasteur museum in the house in which he was born, interesting artefacts related to the tanners and some lovely 18th century buildings and pleasant river walks.

LONS-LE-SAUNIER
This is a small, friendly spa town with little fountains in the main square which the children love to run in and out of. Great new swimming pool – indoor and outdoor with a sliding roof–but boys have to wear speedo type trunks- not shorts! On the Place de La Liberte you will find Pelen with its delicious chocolates and scrummy cakes. They have refurbished their upstairs salon, so a good place to indulge on a dull day. The historic rue du Commerce with its covered walkways and interesting shops has a romantic ambience, particularly in the evening. The traditional spa baths , the theatre, the the colourful market on Thursday mornings are all worth going to.

BESANCON
The large county town about an hour away. Vauban’s Citadel, the zoo and museums make this a good day out for a family. Plenty of information in the house.

POLIGNY
Renowned for its cheese, this historic little town has a Maison du Comte and a cheese festival, too.

DIJON
Full of beautiful, historic buildings and good shopping and restaurants. An hour from Blois-sur-Seille.

SALINS-LES-BAINS
Do go to the Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans with its zany gardens and Ledoux’ s great architecture.