Loue Valley
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Loue Valley

Loue Valley

French river valley in Doubs known for limestone gorges, the source of the Loue, and Courbet's Ornans.

The Loue valley, in the Département of Doubs, is one of the most beautiful river valleys in France. The source of the Loue is immensely dramatic — pools and waterfalls in a limestone cirque, where the river emerges in a rush from solid rock — and from there the river winds through a gorge that is a delight at almost every turn.

The village of Ornans is worth a visit: it has a museum dedicated to Gustave Courbet, who was born here and painted the valley repeatedly. The Musée Courbet is the main cultural attraction in the valley and one of the best small art museums in eastern France. The Château de Cléron, dramatically sited above the river between Ornans and the source, is one of the finest privately owned castles in the Franche-Comté.

The stretch from the source down to Ornans is the most spectacular, but the lower reaches are well worth continuing through. The Loue is also one of France's great fly-fishing rivers, drawing anglers from across Europe for its trout and grayling.

Guide

Getting There

The Loue valley is most easily reached from Besançon, the capital of the Franche-Comté, which is about 25 kilometres north of Ornans and served by TGV from Paris (about 2 hours 20 minutes). From Besançon, a car is almost essential for exploring the valley properly — the villages along the river are small and public transport is limited. Ornans has a bus connection from Besançon but services are infrequent.

Cycling is an excellent option: the valley has marked cycle routes, the gradients are manageable, and the distance from Besançon to the source and back can be done in a long day. Bike hire is available in Besançon.

Guide

Things to Do

The Loue valley is primarily a place for walking and cycling along the river, visiting the dramatic source, and taking in the landscape at a slow pace. Ornans, the main village, has the Musée Courbet and is attractive in its own right. The valley is particularly well suited to fly fishing — the Loue is one of the finest trout rivers in France.