Best attractions and places to see around Montarlot-Lès-Rioz include historical sites and natural features within this commune in Haute-Saône, France. The area is characterized by its rural landscape, nestled between river valleys and forest areas. Visitors can explore local heritage, including 18th and 19th-century architecture, and experience the tranquil environment. The region offers opportunities to discover historical washhouses and the sources of local rivers.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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In Frondremand, the source of the Romaine River springs at the foot of the village and feeds a covered washhouse dating from the 19th century. Built of stone, this washhouse is a well-preserved example of rural utilitarian architecture. The site, bordered by greenery, marks the beginning of the Romaine River, which flows through the Haute-Saône.
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Destroyed in 1477 by the troops of Louis XI, the fortified house was rebuilt in the 16th century by Étienne de Labrey. The building is now occupied by a farm. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1977. WIKIPEDIA
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The grand lavoir-abreuvoir in Geneuille is a historical monument dating from the 19th century. It was built in 1829 and restored in 1876 by the architect Ducat. This lavoir-abreuvoir, located on the rue de l’Abreuvoir, is a covered washhouse with a large abreuvoir running along the facade. It has a large esplanade for easy access. The complex consists of a fountain, a washhouse and a abreuvoir, and is an important vestige of the social life and work of our ancestors. The water enters via a canal and is collected in a large space with a beautiful vaulted structure.
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Etuz is a commune in the Haute-Saône department. Etuz is located on the Ognon River, which forms the border with the Doubs department. Etuz is part of the urban unit of Cussey-sur-l’Ognon and the attraction of Besançon. Etuz has a fountain and two wash houses dating from the 19th century. It also has a church dedicated to Saint-Martin, which was built in the 18th century on the site of an older church. Etuz is a rural commune, where agriculture and forestry are mainly practiced.
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Parish Church of the Beheading of Saint-Jean-Baptiste (rebuilt at the beginning of the eighteenth century on medieval foundations of the thirteenth century): Latin cross plan; three naves; cross vault; numerous paintings, sculptures.
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The site of Oiselay-et-Grachaux, the "bird hill", has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of a Neolithic station. In ancient times, Oiselay was located on the Roman road linking Besançon to Langres. Until the eighteenth century, the Lord of Oiselay ruled the area. Stephen II of Oiselay, head of the younger branch of the House of Burgundy, had a fortified castle built in 1227 AD. * Fontaine-lavoir (xixe siècle) : basin ; borne fontaine ; stone of the waist ; columns. * Chapelle du cimetière recouverte de lierre. * Numbers of old houses and farms. * Croix de chemin du 19th century. * Mairie-school, du 19th century. * Ruins du château-fort were renovated during the twentieth century, dating from the seventh century during the armies of Louis XI and dismantled during Louis
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Built in the 16th century, the fortified house is made up of buildings defended by loopholes which form a closed courtyard. This fortified house has now been transformed into a farm. It has retained its keep and its chapel, as well as a mill from the beginning of the 18th century. Very well preserved, it is listed as a Historic Monument.
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The region offers several historical sites. You can visit the Fortified manor of Sorans-lès-Breurey, a 16th-century fortified house with a preserved keep, chapel, and an early 18th-century mill. Additionally, the village of Oiselay-et-Grachaux, with its ancient history and ruins of a fortified castle, provides a glimpse into the past.
Yes, traditional washhouses are a significant part of the local heritage. You can discover the large washhouse-trough in Geneuille, a 19th-century monument that served as a vital social hub. Another beautiful example is the Historic Washhouse of Frondremand, where the Romaine River springs.
Montarlot-Lès-Rioz is characterized by its rural landscape, nestled between river valleys and forest areas like the Forêt de Sorans. The Source of the Romaine River in Frondremand is a key natural feature, marking the beginning of the river's journey through Haute-Saône. The area also features tranquil ponds, such as at Lieu-dit "la Tréfilerie".
Many of the historical sites and natural features are suitable for families. Exploring the traditional washhouses like the large washhouse-trough or the Source of the Romaine and Historic Washhouse of Frondremand can be an engaging educational experience. The village of Etuz, with its fountains and washhouses, also offers a pleasant family outing.
The area around Montarlot-Lès-Rioz offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can find several road cycling routes, including the 'Les Côtes des Granges Loop' or the 'Aurêtre Pond – Montcley Castle loop from Rioz'. For those who prefer off-road adventures, there are gravel biking options like the 'View of Recologne – Les Étangs de Noironte loop from Geneuille'. You can explore more routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Montarlot-Lès-Rioz guide or the Gravel biking around Montarlot-Lès-Rioz guide.
While specific hiking routes are not detailed for Montarlot-Lès-Rioz itself, the broader area around Rioz offers opportunities for hiking and cycling, allowing visitors to experience the preserved natural environment. The 'Fontaine au Grand Pierre' is listed as a point of interest for those exploring hiking trails in the vicinity. You can find various cycling routes that also offer scenic walking opportunities in the Cycling around Montarlot-Lès-Rioz guide.
The Mairie-Lavoir is a distinctive building in Montarlot-Lès-Rioz that serves a dual purpose as both the local town hall and a traditional communal washhouse. It is recognized for its picturesque appearance and is often described as a "beautiful, well-flowered building" within the village itself.
The village church is the Église Saint-Maurice. It was reconstructed in the 18th century and is notable for its square pyramidal bell tower, standing as a central piece of the commune's architectural heritage.
The Château des Chaffoy is an elegant 18th-century residence located in Montarlot-Lès-Rioz. It contributes to the historical landscape of the commune, showcasing the architectural styles of that period.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil environment and the well-preserved examples of rural utilitarian architecture, such as the stone washhouses. The blend of historical sites and natural river sources, bordered by greenery, offers a peaceful and engaging experience, as highlighted by community members who have shared photos and upvoted these locations.
Yes, the commune of Etuz, located on the Ognon River, is another rural commune where agriculture and forestry are practiced. It features a fountain and two 19th-century washhouses, as well as an 18th-century church dedicated to Saint-Martin. The village of Oiselay-et-Grachaux also has a rich history, with medieval foundations and old houses.
The region's gently undulating landscape, nestled between river valleys and forest areas, is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. These seasons offer mild weather suitable for exploring historical sites, walking, and cycling, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and rural charm.


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