Attractions and Places To See around Ovanches - Top 15

Ovanches and its surroundings are rich in history. A prominent site is the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel, a 681-meter tunnel-canal classified as a historical monument, built between 1838 and 1882 to bypass a long detour on the Saône River. You can also visit the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse, an 1844 monument featuring an unusual oval basin, typical of the region. The village of Ovanches itself boasts an 18th-century church with historical artifacts, an old chapel near the cemetery, and vestiges of a vast Gallo-Roman establishment.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Saint-Albin Tunnel and the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse are both considered family-friendly historical sites. For outdoor activities, La Trace du Courlis Greenway is a dedicated cycle path reserved for gentle mobility, making it perfect for family bike rides or walks through fields and woods.

The natural surroundings of Ovanches are largely shaped by the Saône River and its canal, which encircle the village, giving it an island-like appearance. The towpath along the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel offers scenic walks. Additionally, the Mare du Bançon is a local pond known for its fishing opportunities and protected fauna and flora, providing a tranquil natural escape.

The area around Ovanches offers a variety of cycling routes. You can find numerous options for road cycling, touring, and mountain biking. For example, there are Road Cycling Routes around Ovanches ranging from easy to moderate, with distances up to 54 km. For a more relaxed ride, consider the Cycling around Ovanches guide, which includes routes like the Saint-Albin Tunnel loop. Mountain bikers can explore MTB Trails around Ovanches, including routes that pass by La Trace du Courlis Greenway.

Yes, the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel, a significant historical monument, can be explored on foot via its towpath. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the engineering marvel up close and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Saône River.

Ovanches is known for its charming historic architecture. Beyond the 18th-century church with its imperial bell tower, you'll find beautiful old houses, traditional washhouses (including one with an unusual oval basin), and calvaries, some featuring surprising sculptures. The village's blend of 13th, 14th, and 16th-century elements in its church and other structures showcases its rich heritage.

Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and unique engineering of the Saint-Albin Tunnel, often describing it as a 'curiosity of river navigation' and a 'bombastic portal.' The Ray-sur-Saône washhouse is noted for its unusual oval basin and its representation of typical regional architecture. The overall charm of the villages and the peaceful natural settings are also highly valued.

Yes, the Chemilly footbridge is a notable point of interest. Located in the bucolic village of Chemilly, at the confluence of the Saône and Durgeon rivers, it allows access to Ferrières-lès-Scey. Nearby, you can also admire a bridge crossing the Durgeon, built in 1753, which features a rare statue of Saint-Jean Népomucène.

The Saône River and the canal are central to Ovanches' character. You can explore them by walking or cycling along the towpaths, such as the one accompanying the Saint-Albin Canal Tunnel. The wider region offers opportunities for fishing and boating, allowing you to experience the tranquil waters and scenic banks.

When visiting the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse, take note of its unusual oval basin, a distinctive feature of this 1844 communal building. While in Ray-sur-Saône, you can also explore the village, which is classified as a 'city of character,' and admire its church with a Comtois-style glazed tile roof. The medieval castle dominating the village can be visited via guided tours, which require advance reservations by phone or email.

The Haute-Saône department, known for its rural charm and unspoiled landscapes, offers a variety of outdoor activities. Popular options include walking, cycling (with numerous routes available for road, touring, and mountain biking), fishing in spots like the Mare du Bançon, and boating on the Saône River and canal. The region's greenways, such as La Trace du Courlis Greenway, are ideal for gentle mobility.