Villersexel lies on the banks of the River Ognon. The PAN nautical base makes it a great starting point for your canoe trip. The town itself, which has been awarded the Cité de Caractère label, is well worth a visit. Stroll through its picturesque streets and admire its architectural heritage, testimony to its rich past. Don’t miss the 18th-century church with its carved pulpit and precious reliquaries. Finally, round off your visit with a tour of the Château de Villersexel. In the style of Louis XIII, with its white stone and red brick facades, it will immerse you in the elegance of the 19th century.
A break by the river with a view of the canoe - Vallée de l'OgnonSpotlightsWhat to see along the river Ognon
Villersexeland its castle
Autumn landscape - A bridge spans the river Ognon, surrounded by forest - Ognon ValleyPont-sur-l'Ognon
As you canoe down the Ognon, get ready for an unusual surprise at Pont-sur-l’Ognon. Enigmatic columns pierce the vegetation, while a mysterious structure towers over the river. These intriguing remains are the silent witnesses of an abandoned dream: an amusement park on the theme of Paris 1900. Although this ambitious project never saw the light of day, its remains add a touch of mystery to your adventure. Today, the site has found a new, equally original vocation. Renamed “Le Domaine des 12 Ponts”, this atypical space can be privatised for unique family gatherings. Dare to be extraordinary for a surprising stopover!
A break at Lac de Bonnal
Take a well-deserved break at Lac de Bonnal. The estate, with its 150 hectares of greenery and lakes, is the ideal place to relax while enjoying a variety of activities. Explore the trails that wind around the lakes or take a refreshing dip in the water. There are also playgrounds, water sports (pedalos, paddles, etc.), picnic areas and fishing spots. There is a campsite nearby, as well as the Domaine des Grands Lacs, offering top-of-the-range accommodation on the water and in the trees.
Cabane Flottante Duo Corail with boat access - Cabanes des Grands Lacs - Coucoo Cabanes Vallée de l'Ognon
Cabane Spa Château - Cabanes des Grands Lacs - Coucoo Cabanes - Vallée de l'Ognon
In the middle of summer, people enjoy the fine weather on the beach and in the water at Lac de Bonnal - Vallée de l'Ognon
In the middle of summer, people enjoy the fine weather on the beach and in the water at Lac de Bonnal - Vallée de l'OgnonCoucoo Grands Lacs
Sleeping in the Grands Lacs cabins means enjoying a moment of reverie in the heart of nature, with accommodation perched in the trees or floating on the water. The new three-storey cabins for two have a roof terrace with a Nordic bath, perfect for recharging your batteries and savouring the view of the forest and lakes. A romantic getaway that’s perfect for unwinding.
Montbozon
Crossed by the River Ognon, Montbozon, a Cité de Caractère in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is packed with architectural treasures that bear witness to its rich past. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the former Maison Rousselot, a 16th-century residence that became a Jesuit college, with its Renaissance courtyard and fortified towers. Admire the fortified house, rebuilt in the 17th century and proudly dominating the village. At its foot, an elegant 19th-century fountain, adorned with a swan, adds to the charm of the setting.
During your visit, don’t miss a trip to theAtelier des Papilles, where you can discover a selection of local products. For lunch, you can also enjoy a snack bar on site.
The Swan Fountain, in pink sandstone in a hemicycle with a portico, in the Cité de caractère of Montbozon - Ognon ValleyCirey-lès-Belleveaux
A group of walkers discover Bellevaux Abbey in Cirey-lès-Bellevaux - Ognon ValleyIn Cirey, the village church still bears witness to the presence of the Cistercian monks from Bellevaux Abbey, founded in 1119. But the real surprise awaits you in the old wash-house: the Dan’s Beer micro-brewery has taken up residence there. Here, Daniel makes unique, unfiltered and unpasteurised craft beers using water from the Cirey spring. Let yourself be tempted by the wide range of beers on offer: white, blonde and amber, with a variety of flavours depending on the season.
Village andPin Castle
Following the course of the river, you reach Pin, where the château dominates the valley. Built in the 16th century, this building is distinguished by its elegant turret and lush parkland. Stroll through the village and you’ll discover no fewer than 13 fountains, wash-houses and drinking troughs.
View of the park and Château de Pin - Cité de caractère - Vallée de l'Ognon
Aerial view of Marnay, showing the river Ognon - Cité de caractère - Vallée de l'OgnonMarnay
The Woka Marnay leisure centre offers more than just water sports: archery, tree climbing, zip wires…
Don’t miss out on the charms of Marnay, both a Cité de Caractère and a Station Verte. Take a stroll through its streets, especially rue Gambetta with its “trajes”. Further along, you’ll find the Hôtel Terrier de Santans and the church of Saint-Symphorien, with its Gothic architecture and colourful stained glass windows.
For a gourmet break, head to Maison laGrange, where Vincent Ballot, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Torréfacteur, will introduce you to his coffees and teas made on the premises.
Moving from work to workat Ile Art
In Malans, Ile Art is an open-air contemporary art trail open all year round. This open-air museum invites you to take a unique artistic walk. The path winds its way through works created by 25 European artists, offering an experience combining culture and nature. Your walk will take you as far as Andréa Malaer’s sculpture park and the Château de Sainte-Marie, which is still inhabited.
View of a round sculpture on the Ile Art contemporary art trail in Malans - Vallée de l'Ognon, Haute-SaônePesmesThe city with 3 labels
Last stop on your journey: Pesmes, the town with 3 labels. Stroll through the cobbled streets to discover its architectural treasures. Explanatory signs will guide you through the historic buildings. The church of Saint-Hilaire, with its glazed-tile Comtois bell tower, bears witness to the history of this former strategic town. Take a walk along the ramparts to admire the panorama. Pesmes certainly deserves its three labels: “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, “Cité de Caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté” and “Station Verte”.
