Fournet-Blancheroche combines watchmaking and technical history with trails through the countryside, fishing and regional specialities. For planning your trip, these offer different focal points: a mountain bike stage, a hike, the fishing spot at Biaufond and the Ferme Auberge each have their own appeal. First decide what interests you most; the specific details will help you choose the right activities for your stay.
Watchmaking and technical history
In 1956–1957, the Barrage du Refrain in Fournet-Blancheroche was rebuilt and raised by 2.89 m. The timeframe and precise increase in height give this technical landmark a clearly defined historical context. Two former watchmaking sites also tell of different uses.
The “Ferme, atelier d'horlogerie Dodane” at 12 route du Mont du Pré was rebuilt in 1880. The building housed a watchmaking workshop that produced cylinder wheels. The former watch factory locally known as “La Grande Maison” housed customs offices for a time and was later converted into a residential building.
At Dodane, the emphasis is on the workshop and its production; at La Grande Maison, it is on its temporary use as a customs office and its later conversion. This distinction brings the history of the two watchmaking sites to life without conflating them into a single place or a shared use.
Hiking, mountain biking and scenery
“La Combe de Biaufond” is a 10.37 km hiking route in Fournet-Blancheroche. It leads to the “Gorges de la Ronde”, a wild, lush gorge with high rock walls, stones, mosses and ferns. The gorge is a scenic highlight of the hike. Check local trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.
The “Les crêtes – n° 53” route leads into the village of Fournet-Blancheroche and then runs below climbing crags near the Belvédère de la Cendrée. Trail conditions and access may vary seasonally, so check conditions in advance. The Belvédère de la Cendrée takes its name from the colour of the limestone that makes up the massif. Its cliffs serve as nesting sites for several bird species. As the animals’ presence is seasonal, you should not expect to see them on every visit.
Another option is the Goumois–Fournet-Blancheroche stage of the “Grande Traversée du Jura à VTT”: it is 19 km long, with a stated duration of 1 hr 16 min. This makes the stage a separate option for planning your day alongside the hikes. Check the distance and duration again before setting off.
Biaufond and regional specialities
The access road to Biaufond branches off after Fournet-Blancheroche. Fishing is possible there from the bridge and from the French bank. A path to the access point starts about 75 m before the bridge. Check the applicable regulations before fishing.
At the Ferme Auberge Les Louisots, visitors can discover a tuyé and a garden with numerous species of flowers and plants. Specialities include goat’s cheese, fondue and homemade pastries. Check visiting arrangements in advance; menus and availability may change. This adds a culinary highlight to the scenery and fishing destinations, while keeping their respective visiting conditions in mind.
Discover more destinations: Bonnay, Pont-De-Roide, Mamirolle, Étupes, Villars-Sous-Écot, Rougemont, Pontarlier, Charquemont.
For the overview of the wider region: Doubs.
