Nicknamed the little Venice of France-Comté, the town of Ornans is very charming with its beautiful old houses built on stilts reflected in the waters of the River Loue. This picturesque scene can be admired from the Grand Pont bridge and the footbridge which span the river.
To visit: the Courbet museum, located in the birth house of the painter Gustave Courbet, which exhibits numerous works by the famous artist.
Sports fans can canoe-kayak on the River Loue to their heart's content.
Additional information
Ornans
Ornans, "Petite Venise Comtoise", capital of the canton of Doubs in Franche-Comté, located on the road D67 25 km from Besançon and 35 km from Pontarlier. Built in the sixth century in one of the most beautiful sites of Franche-Comté, on the banks of the Loue, it is also the birthplace of the painter and sculptor Gustave Courbet.
Bonnevaux-le-Prieure is crossed by Bremen and by the stream of Plaisir-Fontaine which takes its source in the cave of Plaisir-Fontaine, site classified since 1912. Bonnevaux-le-Prieuré is a peaceful village which counts several farms, A gourmet hotel-restaurant, lodges and a fish farm.
The valley of Bremen is a circus of greenery frequented by tourists who can admire the Tourbillon rock and the bell tower of the Priory (12th century), classified Historic Monument.
Things to see and do
The mirror of the Loue, which reflects in its clear waters the steeple of the church and nearby houses.
The rock of the castle, once the stronghold of Burgundy Counts, with its hamlet, the old chapel Saint Georges and justly renowned gazebo, where the view is magnificent on Ornans and the Loue Valley.
The nice and green valley with its Mambouc stream.
The rock of the Mount, including the imposing mass dominates the regular city; said walk "Courbet" lookouts of the Castle, Pine, of the Virgin.
The museum dedicated to Gustave Courbet to Ornans.
La Bottine rock, strangely shaped, and the nearby forest.
Walking and mountain biking can discover remarkable sites: some were immortalized by the painter Gustave Courbet.
The village feast of Bonnevaux-le-Prieuré is held on the 1st Sunday of June for the St Marcellin.
Exposition "Un Courbet Revisité" de Sébastien Riond
From 1 april to 31 may 2024
26 Rue Pierre Vernier, Galerie du bord de Loue
In 2022, Sébastien Riond completed his painting "Un enterrement à La Tour-de-Peilz", echoing Courbet's famous painting "Un enterrement à Ornans". - This new work is made up of 40 portraits, painted in oils, of his fellow contemporaries. - They have been digitally collaged with photographs, and printed life-size in the same format as the original (315 x 668 cm).
Présentation de l'Œuvre Originale “La Couleur qui Vibre", Peinture Cardio-Centrée, de Florence Klein-Parahy
From 1 to 30 april 2024
8 place Gustave Courbet, L'îlot - magasin, café, cantine
Presentation of an original creation designed specifically for L'îlot (shop, café, canteen) which, once "hung", could well reveal the vibrant energy of this convivial venue ! Florence Klein-Parahy's cardio-centric painting, an immersive experience ! Meeting and demonstration on Saturday 13 April at 5pm.
Exposition “Mille et UNE Feuilles”, Michèle Mazalto
From 10 april to 4 may 2024
8 place Gustave Courbet, L'îlot - magasin, café, cantine
Michèle Mazalto's artistic approach, always based on the same process of misappropriation, aims to bring the 'insignificant' into the world of poetry and humour. - A photograph of an element (natural or manufactured), often abandoned or destined to disappear, becomes the starting point for a conversation between the camera, her brush and Indian ink. The little heroes of an unlikely and fortuitous encounter, they escape today to confront your gaze.
Atelier d'Expression Libre par les Arts Plastiques
From 12 april to 21 june 2024
27 Rue Eugène Cusenier, Labo-Telier
This fun-filled workshop gives everyone the chance to discover techniques that will enhance their creativity. You don't need to have any artistic knowledge. It's all about trying, discovering, experimenting, being surprised, taking time for yourself and meeting other people… - The workshop takes place in a safe, caring environment. - All you have to do is dare to walk through the door and the magic happens. - Fridays in odd-numbered weeks : two possible times : 2-4.30pm and/or 7-9.30pm. - All materials are provided. However, you are welcome to bring anything you like.
Circuit Training
On 24 april 2024
Allée de la Tour de Peilz, Centre Aqualudique Nautiloue
During the spring holidays, come and take part in a circuit training session : aquabike, trampoline and aquagym ! - Registration required, 15 places.
Aquafitness
On 24 april 2024
Allée de la Tour de Peilz, Centre Aqualudique Nautiloue
For the spring holidays, the Nautiloue Aqualudic Centre is offering aquafitness sessions.
Concert Les Intemporelles
On 26 april 2024
23 Rue de la Corvée, Centre d'Animation et de Loisirs
In the same spirit as Les Marchands de Bonheur, and with the same passion for great French chanson, we're offering you a 2-hour trip with Les Intemporelles de la chanson ! A warm and friendly moment to share with all your friends and family !
Concert Intemporelles
On 26 april 2024
Salle du CAL, voie granvelle
Es Intemporelles is : - 5 musicians with a passion for songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s, who will have you singing along to timeless French chanson. - A 2-hour concert featuring : Brel, V.Sanson, Fugain, Aznavour, Piaf, Delpech, Johnny, Barbara, Sardou, Lenormand, Souchon, Starmania, Ferrat, J.Birkin, Lama, Nougaro and many more !
Prix de la Ville d'Ornans
On 28 april 2024
23 rue de la corvée, Centre d'Animation et de Loisirs
The cycling event is organised by the Vélo Club d'Ornans. FFC-licensed cyclists will take to the roads of the Vallée de la Loue in various categories. - 2024 programme : Please note the start at CAL - 8.00am : withdrawal of race numbers and final registrations - Le CAL* in Ornans - 9.00 am : Start of the Open 3 and Access 1 and 2 > 62 km race - 9.05am : start of the Access 3 and 4 > 62 km race - 11.15am : Finish at the Château d'Ornans - 11.45am : Awards ceremony at the CAL + return of race numbers to the CAL - 12.30pm : Collection of race numbers and final registrations - La CAL* in Ornans - 1pm : Meeting of the technical directors at the CAL - 13h30 : Start of the Open 1 and 2 races > 115 km - 16:30 : Finish at the Château d'Ornans - 5pm : Awards ceremony at the CAL + return of race numbers to the CAL - A refreshment area will be set up at the CAL after the 2 races ! - Open3 / Access course : - 62 km course - 1181D + - Open 1/ 2 Course - 115 km course - 2062 D +
Passage du bus de la Création d'Entreprise à Ornans !
On 4 may 2024
3 Route de Besançon, Sur le parking d'Emmaüs
For the fifteenth consecutive year, from 22 April to 4 May, the BGE bus will be travelling the roads of the Franche-Comté region to meet people who are wondering about their project or would like help in setting up or taking over a business. - This year, BGE will be meeting the residents of Ornans and the surrounding area on the morning of 4 May in the Emmaüs car park to answer any questions they may have about setting up a business, free of charge and without an appointment.
The numerous and deep secondary valleys, with streams, tributaries of the Loue.
La Peusse and its two picturesque and original waterfalls.
Chauveroche (rocks and cave difficult to access). Les Roches du Grand and Les Vannes (pleasant forest path and magnificent natural belvedere).
Le Saut du Chevalier, with possible extension to the Deffois waterfall (75 m).
The Barmaud rocks, route de Chassagne, beautiful panorama.
Hiking trails (old railway line Ornans - Hôpital-du-Grosbois). Erratic rocks of Saint-Roch of glacial origin (70,000 years old)
The Courbet road: From the Source de la Loue to Cléron: road with 7 stages, where reproductions of the works that Courbet painted on these sites are exhibited (map of Ornans available at the Tourist Office).
At 41 km, Les Fils d'Emile Pernot distillery in La Cluse-et-Mijoux: French specialist in absinthe, the distillery welcomes you in a unique setting and invites you to soak up the terroir of Haut-Doubs. Discover absinthe and its history on a guided tour and continue your adventure by discovering different flavors during a free tasting of the products.
