Rioz is a town of Haute-Saone, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, located equidistant (25 km) from Vesoul in the northeast and Besancon in the southwest.
The municipal territory is renowned for its hydrographic wealth (numerous streams and springs), and remains mostly covered with forests and agricultural land (livestock, cereals).
The site has been occupied for more than two millennia. Remains of a Gallo-Roman villa (farm) have been discovered and the Roman road connecting Besançon to Plombières also passed through Rioz.
A small city with a rural and artisan vocation having suffered from the Thirty Years War under Louis XIV, Rioz became famous in the 19th century thanks to its pottery. It closed just before the First World War.
The village of about 2300 inhabitants remains a dynamic market town (trade, small industry, agro-food), but Rioz has also become a popular tourist stop for its environment and its leisure offer.
In terms of built heritage, a stage at Rioz includes the discovery of several buildings such as the Saint-Christophe church, rebuilt in the eighteenth century, adorned with a remarkable bell-tower with bulb typical of the Franche-Comté tradition. Inside, to see also, a statue of Saint Christopher of the eighteenth century also.
In the village too, the Saint-Roch chapel is worth a look. It was built at the expense of a local notable in 1853. While stone, the building has the distinction of having a bedside which forms an apse whose choir houses the altar. The nave is lit by two oculus. Note also the canopy, slightly arched, consisting of stone slabs resting on walls.
More modest heritage elements but testifying to the hydrographic wealth of the locality, the fountains and wash houses of the nineteenth century that still mark out the streets and the center of Rioz.
From the environmental point of view, we will enjoy walking in the park recently converted in the heart of the village, a space of one hectare where grassed areas near massive flower. The site includes a "discovery area" consisting of a pedestrian circuit of 900 m punctuated with bridges that span the brook Noirfond and which runs along a protected natural wetland area. A playground for young children, petanque and a small green theater complete this pleasant walk.
Another green space and recreation, the lake of faience that feeds the brook Rapigney. Quiet area, you can go around (about a mile) or fish (contact +33 6 77 82 91 93).
To fish in the rivers that cross the communal territory, inquire at +33 3 84 76 51 41.
The village and the green surroundings of the town can give rise to multiple hiking trails or mountain biking. Tours have been marked on various themes (heritage, railway history, natural chasms). They are lined with orientation tables and didactic panels. Documentation and information on +33 3 84 91 84 98.
For swimming or lounging, the outdoor pool has a large pool, a slide but also turf areas. Open from the end of May to the end of August. Information on +33 3 84 91 92 77.
For a game of tennis, it is advisable to reserve a court on +33 6 85 31 45 80. As for the teenagers, they can have a skate park and a track of bi-cross. Information on +33 3 84 91 84 84.
On the cultural level, finally, at Rioz, the media library has a digital space and programs animations (stories). Inquire at +33 3 84 77 73 83. As for the cultural center Robinet, it regularly offers shows and quality exhibitions for all audiences. Information on +33 3 84 77 72 12.
To conclude the spring break, in April, the Carnival of "Rio... z" brings together hundreds of participants and attracts thousands of spectators in the streets of the small city.
On July 13, in the evening, on the occasion of the national holiday, fireworks on the site of the lake Faience.
Finally, the first and third Friday of the month, in the afternoon, the local market is an ideal opportunity to discover the gourmet treasures of Franche-Comté.
Projet Vidéo Pour Ados & Séniors
- On 3 may 2024
- Au CCSL
- If you'd like to take part in the intergenerational video project, you can sign up now. 6 workshops with a teenager and a senior to make a 2-minute film on the theme of love, friendship and music, past and present. - The film will be screened on 27 June at 6pm at the CCSL in Rioz.