Ornans is the main village in the Loue valley and one of the most attractive small towns in the Franche-Comté. The old centre sits directly on the river, with a row of Renaissance houses overhanging the water — reflected in the Loue below to form the image that makes Ornans one of the most-photographed villages in eastern France. The medieval bridge gives the best view, and at certain times of day the reflections in the calm water are near-perfect.
The village has a handful of good restaurants, a weekly market, and several small galleries. The Musée Courbet is the main formal attraction, but the town is worth exploring on its own terms for an hour or two before or after the museum.