Valoreille: Montaigu, cheese-making tradition and heritage

Valoreille brings together a variety of themes for a stay: the panorama from Montaigu, nature observation, cultural history, cheese production and fishing on the Dessoubre. The named sites and visitor conditions described here can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Panorama and bird migration at Montaigu

The panorama from Montaigu is equipped with orientation panels for visitors. From there, the view extends to the Ballon d’Alsace, the Lomont, the Dessoubre gorges and neighboring Switzerland. The vista thus connects several named landscape features and reaches across the border. The Point de vue de Montaigu viewpoint is easily accessible by car. Montaigu is also of great ornithological interest because of its location in a migratory bird corridor. Here, wide-ranging views and a nature theme centered on bird migration go hand in hand.

Architectural history and cheese-making tradition

The Maison des Seigneurs—also called the Château—dates from the early 16th century; both names refer to the same building. The church also towers above Valoreille, and some of its elements are classified. The two buildings offer different points of interest: the Maison des Seigneurs stands out for its date, while the church is notable for the status of some of its elements. You can include these two different aspects of the local heritage in your travel plans.

There are two historical reference points for cheese-making: a fruitière, or traditional cheese dairy, is documented in Valoreille as early as 1841; the Valoreille cheese-dairy building was constructed in 1927–1928. The earlier date refers to cheese production, while the later dates the dairy building. The Fruitière de Valoreille-Fleurey has a shop selling Comté aged on site and homemade Morbier; product availability may vary. Tours are available by prior reservation. If you want a tour to be part of your trip, book ahead; if you are coming for a particular cheese, check its availability.

Fishing on the Dessoubre

The Dessoubre offers opportunities for fishing in a first-category river. Fishing regulations and access conditions may change, so check the current rules and access arrangements if you plan this activity. This adds a distinct activity focus to the panorama, architectural history and cheese-making tradition.

Nature or heritage?

If nature is your priority, Montaigu combines far-reaching views with ornithological interest in one named destination. For heritage, two different features stand out: the early date of the Maison des Seigneurs and the classified elements of the church. This comparison can help you shape your trip around your main interest. The Point de vue de Montaigu is easily accessible by car; cheese-dairy tours require a reservation.

Discover more destinations: Grand'Combe-Châteleu, Villers-Le-Lac, Sochaux, Fleurey, La Chaux, La Cluse-et-Mijoux, Lods, Rennes-Sur-Loue

For the main travel overview: Doubs.