Dry stone path - Caborde - Champlitte - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Caborde|Maxime Naegely

Dry grasslands And the wash-houses of Champlitte

Haute-Saône is full of unique natural sites, and Champlitte is a fine example. Champlitte is best known for its eighteenth-century château, with its elegant Renaissance façade flanked by two neo-classical wings. It is also home to two other curiosities: the dry grasslands and the lavières.

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Dry grasslands A fragile and precious ecosystem

The dry grasslands of Champlitte, classified as a Natura 2000 zone, are true havens of biodiversity. These plant formations are home to remarkable flora and fauna, including some rare species. The shallow soil and outcropping rock create ideal conditions for plants and animals adapted to these particular environments.

Starting sign with route and explanation of the dry grassland interpretation trail at Champlitte - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Dry grassland interpretation trail|Office de tourisme des 4 Rivières

Among the emblematic species are the white orbit, the fly-orchid, a fascinating orchid, and the mountain inula.

The fauna is not to be outdone, with the presence of the red-backed shrike, whose characteristic song often resounds from the top of a juniper tree.

A natural heritage Shaped by man

Contrary to what you might think, these dry grasslands are not all of natural origin. Some have been shaped by human activity over the centuries, in particular by the establishment of pastures. Today, the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Franche-Comté, in partnership with the commune of Champlitte and local farmers, is working to preserve this precious ecosystem and maintain the balance of these threatened environments. More than half of France’s dry grasslands have disappeared since the beginning of the 20th century.

Children strolling through the Champlitte vineyards on the dry stone path - Cabordes - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Vineyards|Maxime Naegely

Wash basins : Witnesses to Champlitte's winegrowing history

Champlitte’s lavières offer another aspect of the local heritage. This locality takes its name from “laves”, the small flat limestone stones that make up the soil and were once quarried to cover roofs and build dry stone walls. The site took on its current appearance in the 17th century and tells the story of winegrowing in the region.