Situated above the Doubs Valley, Dampierre overlooks the river valley. A straight section of a canal also runs through the village. Other features include the Étang du Patouillet in the Dampierre forest, medieval traces of iron ore mining, and religious heritage. The village’s features offer different points of interest: landscapes and waterways alongside architectural and local history.

Doubs Valley and canal: two features of the village

The Doubs first defines the setting: Dampierre lies above the valley and overlooks it. The canal provides a different point of reference. A straight, two-kilometre stretch runs through the village. It is part of the Canal Napoléon, later known as the Canal du Rhône au Rhin. The valley and canal thus highlight two distinct features of the village: views of the landscape and the waterway running through Dampierre. If you are weighing up the village’s landscape and historical character, it is worth considering these features separately.

Étang du Patouillet and traces of ironworking in the forest

The woodland and waterways take centre stage at the Étang du Patouillet. The five-hectare pond lies in the Le Bourgeois forest area of the Dampierre forest. It is significant both for fishing and ornithology, giving it its own natural character alongside the Doubs Valley and the canal. Fishing is permitted for holders of a fishing licence. If you plan to fish, check the local fishing regulations in advance.

Medieval iron ore mining areas have been identified in the Bois Bourgeois. Iron slag and other iron residues suggest the presence of one or more furnaces. These archaeological traces offer insights into both ore extraction and the possible processing of iron. They add a distinct perspective on the village’s history to the natural setting around the Étang.

Religious heritage and historic uses of water

The present-day church in Dampierre is dedicated to Saint Peter and was consecrated in 1738. The Beaux-Arts classified its altarpiece as a historic monument in 1958. The holy water font is the only surviving relic of the original church. Together, these details reflect different periods: the consecration of the present-day church, the later classification of an individual furnishing, and a surviving piece of the former church.

The historic use of water is also part of Dampierre’s story. At the Lavoir des Minerais, a spring that supplied drinking water was diverted in 1900; a livestock watering trough was also built along the Chemin de la Plaine in 1900. The spring and trough represent two specific uses of water: drinking water supply and watering livestock. Unlike the religious buildings, these details turn attention to the practical use of water in the village.

Sunday morning market

A market is held in Dampierre on Sunday mornings. If you would like to include it in your stay, check the date before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Chapelle-Voland, Le Deschaux, Lavigny, Longchaumois, Dompierre-Sur-Mont, Lons-Le-Saunier, Choisey, Fay-En-Montagne.

For the wider travel overview: Jura.