Loop 1: The Val d'Amour – four major Jura Mountains

This first easy loop to follow, evolves in the bucolic setting of the south of the Dolois country. You will ride on easy terrain following the course of the Loue river, and also that of the Cuisance, taking remarkable valleys nestled between vast forests.

You leave from the village of Vieille-Loye located south of the forest of Chaux, one of the largest forest areas in France.

The first break will be on the left bank of the Loue at Arc-et-Senans. By visiting the imposing buildings of the Salines Royales, you will understand the importance that L'or Blanc represented at the time. Rock salt had indeed, because of its rarity, a great monetary value, which engendered trafficking and smuggling.

Designed and built in the 17th century by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, architect to King Louis XV, the Salines represented a real technical feat in its time. They are rightly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.

The route then passes on the right bank of the Loue and follows the meanders of the river as closely as possible by small roads without traffic until Port-Lesney. The place lends itself to a break. This is good because you will find in Port-Lesney, a bistro and a beach, which will make you understand even better why this little corner of paradise is called the Val d'Amour.

Shortly after, passing through the village of Mouchard, you will not miss its famous clothespin: a huge wooden structure located in the center of the village. Mouchard, due to its location, exploits the surrounding forest and is recognized as Cité du Bois.

Arrived at kilometer 49, come and taste the cheeses and Jura specialties of the Cooperative fruitière de la Ferté. After this visit, Morbier and Comté will have no more secrets for you.

After this gustatory stop, all you have to do is walk through part of the Armançon national forest, then cross the Loue again to return to your starting point.