A cemetery dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, visible remains of a motte, a cycling route, and Gaudes production at Moulin Taron give Chaussin different points of interest for a stay. Its historical traces reach far back; for active days, there is an easy cycling route and canoe routes of varying lengths.
Church, Motte and Earlier History
The Church of Saint-Maurice in Chaussin is mentioned in a document from 1092. The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas is the only surviving part of Chaussin’s original church and now serves as a sacristy. The two places offer different historical connections: Saint-Maurice is notable for its documentary mention, while the chapel stands out for its preservation and present-day use.
The historic settlement included an artificially constructed motte with its own ditches and a fortified castle built on top of it. A motte here is the raised mound on which the castle stood. Today, the motte and part of the surrounding ditches are still visible; the castle itself has not survived. This makes it possible to distinguish the visible traces in the landscape from the former structure.
Chaussin’s archaeological highlights also include a cemetery dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, exceptional for the region. It adds a much earlier period to the area’s religious and fortification-related history. Visitors interested in history can explore several themes: archaeological remains, churches, and traces of an earlier fortification.
Cycling Route Between the Finage Plain and the Bresse
Chaussin is one possible access point for the Voie de la Bresse Jurassienne. The 49.2-kilometre cycling route is classified as easy and follows the route of a former railway. It runs between the Finage plain and the Bresse ponds. The length and difficulty provide a guide when choosing a route; the former railway line and the two landscapes define its distinctive character. As route details may change, check the latest route information before setting out.
Canoeing in the Basse Vallée du Doubs
The Canoë-kayak Basse Vallée du Doubs offering in Chaussin includes canoe routes from 6 to 52 kilometres for individuals, pairs, or groups of four. The route passes through the Natura 2000 site of the Basse Vallée du Doubs, an area home to 170 bird species. The canoe routes therefore differ from the cycling option in their range of lengths and available group formats, while the cycling route has one fixed overall length. Canoeing is seasonal; check availability for your dates before travelling.
Gaudes and Moulin Taron
Moulin Taron produces traditional and organic Gaudes from roasted cornmeal. The meal is roasted over a wood fire and then ground on a stone mill. According to Moulin Taron, it is the last mill in France to produce Gaudes using traditional methods. This local product is defined not only by its ingredients but also by two specific steps in its production.
The Boucle 3: Tour de la plaine jurassienne route recommends stopping at Moulin Taron in Chaussin to learn about Gaudes. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. A guided tour is available by appointment for 3 euros per person. Visiting the shop and taking a tour are separate options: a tour requires an appointment in advance. Check opening hours and availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Mouchard, La Balme-D'épy, Dole, Salins-Les-Bains, Fontainebrux, Chille, Pratz, La Favière
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
