Montbarrey combines a clear connection to the river with a woodland landscape and a distinctive craft. The Loue flows through the southern part of the town; Montbarrey is also one of the nine Val d’Amour communes that are part of Forêt de Chaux. At L’Arbre aux Fouletots, net making and net embroidery take centre stage. This gives your stay a variety of points of interest: a designated bird protection area, the history of former forest occupations and a craft tradition in Montbarrey.
River, forest and history
Forêt de Chaux is designated as a special protection area for birds within the Natura 2000 network. This gives the forest a clearly defined connection to nature. It also has a long history of use: timber from Forêt de Chaux has been transported by raft since the 17th century. Timber rafting offers a historical perspective on the forest; the Sentier des Radeliers also draws attention to the region’s former forest occupations.
These details are not interchangeable when it comes to the forest’s history: timber rafting refers to the transport of timber, while the walk focuses on former forest occupations. Together, they offer two perspectives on the history of the forest’s use and complement its present-day designation for bird protection with a historical viewpoint.
Hiking and cycling
The Sentier des Radeliers is a PR® circular hiking trail through Forêt de Chaux. Along the route, you can discover the region’s former forest occupations, with a focus on historical work in the forest. The route directions lead along the Chemin des Riottes to Montbarrey, then continue on the D7 towards the church. This provides specific directions to the town as well as information about the forest. The circular route is a clear point of reference for planning: the Sentier des Radeliers is a hike through Forêt de Chaux.
The Boucle du Val d’Amour cycling circuit follows a different sequence of roads: from Dole, the route goes via Montbarrey along the D7, then continues on the D940 towards La Vieille-Loye. The outdoor options therefore differ in their mode of transport and route: the Sentier des Radeliers focuses on hiking and former forest occupations, while the Boucle du Val d’Amour is a cycling circuit following the D7–D940 sequence. If you are choosing between the two, you can use these different points of focus to guide your decision.
Discover local crafts
In Montbarrey, L’Arbre aux Fouletots invites you to discover the art of net making and net embroidery. The personalised workshops and courses are led by qualified embroidery artists. The 18-hour Point de Toile course has a particularly clear format: it includes the loan of professional materials and the making of a Brise-bise. Its duration gives the course a set time frame, while the loaned materials and finished piece make the practical element tangible. If you would like to make the course a fixed part of your trip, arrange a suitable date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Fay-En-Montagne, Dole, Saint-Lothain, Lajoux, Champrougier, Foncine-Le-Haut, Saint-Germain-Lès-Arlay, La Chassagne.
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
