Chamblay – the Loue, timber rafting and heritage

Chamblay can be understood through its relationship with the Loue and the history of timber rafting: the river crosses the northern part of the village, while the church, Grande Rue and themed trails explore different aspects of local history. This offers several points of focus for planning your trip—architecture, the history of timber rafting, or trails along the Loue. Two hikes differ considerably in length: the Sentier des Radeliers is 15 kilometres long, while L’homme et la Loue is 4.4 kilometres and takes one hour.

Church of Saint-Étienne and Grande Rue

The Church of Saint-Étienne was completed in 1775. It is a neoclassical hall church designed by Anatoile Amoudru, an architect from Dole. Three restored 18th-century paintings are also among the church’s distinctive features. Its architectural design, date of construction and artworks provide several specific points of interest if you are interested in the village’s architectural history.

Grande Rue also tells the story of Chamblay’s past: renovated old farmhouses and former manor houses have been preserved there, dating from the time when the village served as a timber shipping port. These buildings add another facet of local history to the perspective offered by Saint-Étienne. Rather than a single building, the focus here is on a street with several preserved building types.

The history of timber rafting at the museum and on the trail

The small Repaire des Radeliers de la Loue museum was established in Chamblay in 2014. Its exhibits include model rafts, tools and boat remains, as well as documents and eyewitness accounts. Material evidence and personal memories of timber rafting come together here.

The Sentier des Radeliers runs for 15 kilometres into the Forêt de Chaux. Information boards along the trail explain the history of timber rafting. This allows you to explore the subject beyond the museum: the museum brings together objects and accounts, while the trail connects the history with a route through the forest.

The Confrérie Saint-Nicolas des Radeliers de la Loue holds various events throughout the year. These include raft reconstructions, navigation, exhibitions and conferences. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.

Trails along the Loue and their features

The route description for L’homme et la Loue, updated on 20 November 2025, follows the Loue and starts in Chamblay. Seven information boards explain traces of former river courses and introduce characteristic bird species found in the habitats along the route. The loop is rated very easy; it is 4.4 kilometres long and takes one hour. The church car park is listed as both the arrival and departure point.

The Morte des Fontaines is an old river channel separated from the Loue. It is considered a potentially important spawning and refuge area for fish. The river channel adds an ecological perspective on the waterscape to the themes covered by the trails.

Fishing, group activities and getting there

The Gaule du Val d’Amour offers fishing and nature workshops for leisure centres, schools and organised groups. Each year on National Fishing Day, it also organises an introduction to various fishing techniques for children and young people. Check the current dates when planning your visit, and check the applicable booking arrangements for groups. The designated fishing area of the Gaule du Val d’Amour is in lot no. 5 on the Loue.

By road from Dole, travel via Parcey and Mont sous Vaudrey; the route then joins the D472 towards Mouchard and Salins-les-Bains. This provides a specific reference point for your journey without specifying a travel time or current road conditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Laurent-En-Grandvaux, Clairvaux-Les-Lacs, Montigny-lès-Arsures, Châteauneuf, Bois-D’amont, Champagnole, Mournans-Charbonny, Pupillin.

For the broader travel overview: Jura.