Attractions and Places To See around Monteplain - Top 20

Monteplain is situated on a plateau offering views over the Doubs river. The Cliffs along the Doubs / Rhône–Rhine Canal provide picturesque views and picnic spots. The Grabusse Stream also meanders through the communal territory, contributing to the area's natural beauty.

Yes, Monteplain has significant historical depth. Archaeological findings in 'Les Combes' revealed human remains and artifacts from an extensive ancient settlement. The Roman road known as 'Via Agrippa,' which connected Lyon to the Rhine, also traversed Monteplain's territory, with its path still visible on cadastral maps as the 'ancienne route des Romains.' You can also see the old town hall (ancienne mairie) in the village center.

The area is excellent for cycling. The Canal du Rhône au Rhin is a popular cycle route and part of the EuroVelo 6 stage, known for its well-developed path and scenic views. Another highly recommended section is EuroVelo 6: Doubs and Rhône-Rhine Canal from Beure to Ranchot, which offers a beautiful landscape with no car traffic. For more cycling routes, explore the Cycling around Monteplain guide.

Many attractions are suitable for families. The cycle paths along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the EuroVelo 6: Doubs and Rhône-Rhine Canal from Beure to Ranchot are well-developed and safe for all ages. The Cliffs along the Doubs / Rhône–Rhine Canal offer picturesque views and picnic spots, perfect for a family outing. The Ranchot Island Campsite also provides a quiet and green setting with a small shop and rest areas.

Monteplain and its surroundings offer various trails for hiking and running. You can find several routes, including the 'Dampierre Lock loop from Ranchot' and 'Bois de Monteplain loop from Ranchot,' which are moderate in difficulty. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the Running Trails around Monteplain guide.

The Canal du Rhône au Rhin is a significant waterway and a popular cycle route that passes between the Doubs river and small towns. It's part of the EuroVelo 6 stage and is highly regarded for its well-developed path, scenic views, and the opportunity to discover a bucolic section of the Doubs Valley. Visitors appreciate its beauty and the absence of car traffic.

Yes, the Osselle Cave is a notable natural monument about 20 km from Besançon. It is one of the oldest tourist caves in the world, discovered in the 13th century. You can explore its 1200-meter length, underground river, dry gallery, and incredibly colorful geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites, on a guided tour.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of the area. The well-maintained cycle paths along the Doubs and Rhône-Rhine Canal are highly praised for their beautiful landscapes and lack of car traffic. The Cliffs along the Doubs / Rhône–Rhine Canal are noted as a very pretty passage with pleasant picnic spots. The historical significance, such as the traces of the Via Agrippa, also adds to the appeal.

While Monteplain is a small commune, the nearby Ranchot Island Campsite offers a quiet and green place to stay, with a small shop in the village for essentials. The 'Le Moulin des Malades' (The Mill of the Sick) locality, believed to be a former leper house, now hosts the 'Rendez-vous de la Marine' restaurant, offering a dining option with a historical touch.

The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and comfortable temperatures for cycling and hiking along the canal and trails. Autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter can be colder, but the landscape still holds a unique charm, though some outdoor activities might be less accessible.

Yes, there are several mountain biking trails in the vicinity. Routes like 'Camping du Pasquier – Houseboat harbor loop from Ranchot' and 'Château d'Étrabonne loop from Dampierre' offer moderate challenges. You can find more options and details in the MTB Trails around Monteplain guide.

The 'Le Moulin des Malades' (The Mill of the Sick) is a locality in Monteplain that holds historical significance. It is believed to have been the site of a former 'maladrerie' (leper house), offering a glimpse into the area's past and its role in caring for the sick centuries ago. Today, it hosts a restaurant.

The Osselle Cave is visited via a guided tour, which covers a 1.2 km length. The constant temperature inside is 13 degrees Celsius. While it is a natural cave, it is one of the two oldest tourist caves in the world, suggesting it is set up for visitors. It is also noted as dog-friendly. For specific accessibility concerns, it's advisable to contact the cave directly.