Ornans, Champagnole and les Cascades du Herisson

After a relaxing two days in Dole, we headed to Ornans, a beautiful little village with balconied houses overhanging the river Loue, where we had a cheeky stopover by the river.  The food and wine in this area is delicious with some new tastes for us, including savignan, a zesty white, poulsard, a light and delicious red and the uniquely perfumed vin jaune.

To walk off all this delicious food, Mr B persuaded me that a post lunch hike up the Via Ferrata was a good idea . . . .

And yes, we did make it to the top!

Next day we drove through some of the most gorgeous chocolate box scenery I've ever seen, with perfectly green meadows grazed by tiny cows, placed as though on a toy farm set.  We visited the source of the River Loue, and hiked to Mont d'Or, where there are views across to the Swiss Alps (and no camper vans allowed up to the car park, hence the hike and a grumpy photo face at the top!)

Next stop, a campsite in Champagnole, tucked away at the back of the town and one of the nicest we've stayed on.  Early in the season travelling is clearly a good move, since we are sharing a 240 pitch site with just 4 other vehicles!  This is a great spot for visiting the 'lake district' here and we've had a happy couple of days travelling around, drinking in the fresh air and beautiful views.

Yesterday we went here, the Cascades du Herisson:

More hiking! and well worth it too.  A fabulous day :)  More updates soon.

J.