Best attractions and places to see around La Vernotte include historical sites and natural features within this small agricultural commune. Situated on a low plateau and bordered by the La Jouanne River, the area offers insights into its past. The name "La Vernotte" itself reflects the region's natural vegetation, derived from the Comtois word for "alder." Visitors can explore local landmarks and the surrounding landscape.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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The washhouse with the oval washbasin was built in 1844.
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Parish Church of the Beheading of Saint-Jean-Baptiste (rebuilt at the beginning of the eighteenth century on medieval foundations of the thirteenth century): Latin cross plan; three naves; cross vault; numerous paintings, sculptures.
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The site of Oiselay-et-Grachaux, the "bird hill", has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of a Neolithic station. In ancient times, Oiselay was located on the Roman road linking Besançon to Langres. Until the eighteenth century, the Lord of Oiselay ruled the area. Stephen II of Oiselay, head of the younger branch of the House of Burgundy, had a fortified castle built in 1227 AD. * Fontaine-lavoir (xixe siècle) : basin ; borne fontaine ; stone of the waist ; columns. * Chapelle du cimetière recouverte de lierre. * Numbers of old houses and farms. * Croix de chemin du 19th century. * Mairie-school, du 19th century. * Ruins du château-fort were renovated during the twentieth century, dating from the seventh century during the armies of Louis XI and dismantled during Louis
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The Saône is a river that flows through Burgundy and Franche-Comté. It is a major tributary of the Rhône and a popular spot for water sports, fishing and boat trips
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The village of Ray-sur-Sâone gives you a taste of Franche-Comté. Its church has a magnificent Comtois-style glazed tile roof. The village, classified as a city of character, is dominated by a medieval castle, which was the largest fortress in Franche-Comté in the Middle Ages. He counted no less than fourteen turns. The castle can only be visited as part of guided tours. Reservations for visits are required at 03.84.95.77.37 or via the email address chateauderay@haute-saone.fr. In the village square you will also find an elegant wash house, which has an unusual oval basin.
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The Notre-Dame-de-la-Charité Abbey of Neuvelle-lès-la-Charité, is a Cistercian abbey for men, founded in Franche-Comté in 1133 and disappeared in 1791. It is located in the current communes of Neuvelle -lès-la-Charité and Fretigney-et-Velloreille, in Haute-Saône, then in the diocese of Besançon.
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The spot offers not only a beautiful view, but is also an entry-point for a nice hiking-trail through cliffs and forrests along the Saône.
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Have you ever crossed a tunnel in a boat? You can here! (If you bring your own motorboat)
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The region around La Vernotte is rich in history. You can visit the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse, a man-made monument from 1844 known for its unusual oval basin. Another significant historical site is the Abbey of Our Lady of Charity of Neuvelle-lès-la-Charité, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1133. Additionally, the Oiselay-et-Grachaux Village Highlights offer insights into prehistoric and Roman-era settlements, including ruins of a fortified castle and an 18th-century parish church. Within La Vernotte itself, you can find a stone cross, which is the only religious heritage, and traces of a prehistoric site in Gilles Hamlet.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Ray-sur-Saône washhouse is an interesting historical stop. The Oiselay-et-Grachaux Village Highlights also offer a glimpse into local history with its old houses and church. For a unique experience, consider a boat trip on the Saône Canal, where you can even cross a tunnel by boat near the Bridge over the Saône Canal. In summer, La Vernotte hosts an annual picnic at the Log Cabin (Le Bois Rond), which can be a pleasant family outing.
La Vernotte is bordered by the small La Jouanne River, and the village name itself, derived from 'verne' (alder), reflects its natural vegetation. For scenic views, the Saône Viewpoint offers beautiful vistas and serves as an entry point for hiking trails through cliffs and forests along the Saône. The region is situated on a low plateau with varying terrain, providing diverse natural landscapes to explore.
The area around La Vernotte is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as 'The silence loop from Ray-sur-Saône' or 'Dérivation de Charentenay loop from Ray-sur-Saône'. For more challenging hikes, consider the 'Grotte de la Baume Noire – Pelouses Trail loop'. Mountain biking and gravel biking are also popular, with routes like 'Grotte du Captiot loop' for MTB or 'Wells loop from La Vernotte' for gravel biking. You can explore more options on the Hiking around La Vernotte, MTB Trails around La Vernotte, and Gravel biking around La Vernotte guide pages.
Yes, there are easy hiking options. For instance, the 'Dérivation de Charentenay loop from Ray-sur-Saône' is an easy 4.9 km trail. The Saône Viewpoint also marks the beginning of a nice hiking trail, which can be adapted for shorter, easier walks. Always check the specific route details on the Hiking around La Vernotte guide page for current conditions and difficulty ratings.
The Seven Fountains (Les Sept Fontaines) is a historically significant site in La Vernotte, as the village was known by this name until 1898. Visitors can see a painted white cross with a large heart in relief and a renovated fountain, reflecting the area's past and local heritage.
The village of Ray-sur-Saône, home to the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse, is dominated by a medieval castle. This castle, once the largest fortress in Franche-Comté, can only be visited as part of guided tours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 03.84.95.77.37 or emailing chateauderay@haute-saone.fr.
The Bridge over the Saône Canal is a popular spot for water sports and boat trips. The Saône is a major tributary of the Rhône. A unique experience here is the opportunity to cross a tunnel by boat, offering a different perspective of the waterway.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. The unique architecture of the Ray-sur-Saône washhouse and the historical significance of the Abbey of Our Lady of Charity are often highlighted. The scenic views from the Saône Viewpoint and the opportunity for water activities on the Saône are also highly rated. The komoot community has shared over 30 photos and given more than 100 upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for the region's diverse offerings.
Yes, there are various cycling routes for different skill levels. For gravel biking, you might enjoy the 'Wells loop from La Vernotte' (28.2 km, moderate) or the 'Château de Frasne-le-Château – Deer Enclosure loop' (22.7 km, easy). Mountain bikers can explore routes like the 'Grotte du Captiot loop from Bucey-lès-Gy' (24.2 km, moderate). More details and additional routes can be found on the MTB Trails around La Vernotte and Gravel biking around La Vernotte guide pages.
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the region's natural features and outdoor activities suggest that spring, summer, and early autumn would be ideal. Summer offers the annual picnic at Le Bois Rond. The diverse hiking and cycling routes are best enjoyed in milder weather. Winter scenes of 'Les Sept Fontaines' are also noted, suggesting a different kind of beauty for those who enjoy colder seasons.


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