Visitors choosing Lods for a stay will find different ways to experience the town: architectural and everyday history sit alongside an easy circular walk along the Loue. The Saint-Théodule parish church, the Musée de la vigne et du vin and the Forges de Lods shed light on different aspects of its history; the Sentier de Lods offers an outdoor outing with a clearly stated route and approximate duration. You can choose what to focus on depending on whether you are more interested in architecture, the everyday life of winegrowers, industrial history or hiking.
Heritage in Lods
The Saint-Théodule parish church was built between 1733 and 1736 to plans by the Besançon architect Jean-Pierre Galezot. The church houses an altarpiece made by Fauconnet, as well as paintings by Etienne Charton d’Autun. Its construction dates, architect and works of art make it a specific point of interest for anyone interested in sacred art and the architectural history of Lods.
The Musée de la vigne et du vin is housed in an authentic 17th-century winegrower’s home. It displays tools and everyday objects that document the lives of winegrowers in the valley. This offers a different perspective on the town’s history: rather than architecture and sacred art, the focus here is on the work and everyday lives of winegrowers.
The Forges de Lods on chemin des Forges is an industrial heritage site and is now a hydroelectric power plant. It adds the theme of industrial use to the site’s historical and cultural offerings. Anyone wishing to explore the different aspects of Lods will find another point of interest here, alongside the church and winegrower’s home.
Walking along the Loue
The Sentier de Lods is an easy 6.3-kilometre circular walk taking about two and a half hours. Between Lods and Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, the route follows the Loue through orchards, meadows and woodland. The trail thus combines the river with several different landscape features. The approximate duration gives you a guide for planning your time; check the route details before setting out, as they may change.
The loop can start and finish at the Forges de Lods. The Sentier de Lods is also served by Mobigo line 204. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable in advance. Its easy rating, circular route and approximate duration give you several points of reference when deciding whether this hike suits your stay.
Natural surroundings and getting oriented in the village
Part of the municipality of Lods lies within the Natura 2000 site “Vallées de la Loue et du Lison,” a Special Area of Conservation identified by the code FR 4301291. The site was designated on 11 April 2016. The limited extent is important for context: it covers part of the Lods area.
A brochure for the Parcours ethnologique du village de Lods is available at the town hall. If you would like to pick it up in person, it is best to check the town hall’s opening hours beforehand. This gives you another specific point of reference for getting oriented in the village, alongside the heritage sites and the Loue loop.
Discover more destinations: Dommartin, Saint-Antoine, Buffard, Sochaux, Étalans, Chaux-Neuve, Hyèvre-Paroisse, Montbéliard
For the regional travel overview: Doubs.
