Châteauvieux-les-Fossés, commune in Doubs, France
Châteauvieux-les-Fossés is a tiny village in the Doubs region with around 12 residents, surrounded by fields and forests. Narrow streets lined with old stone houses lead to an 18th-century church and a fountain from 1826, while the landscape features streams and forested hills.
The village began as a medieval stronghold on a hill overlooking the Loue valley and was ruled by various lords, from the Seigneurs de Salins to Montfaucon. The castle was destroyed in 1807 after the French Revolution, but some remains and depictions of historical crafts are still visible today.
The village's residents are known as Castelvétusiens, and community life centers on the small square where people gather for local festivals with food and music. The tightly built stone houses and the 18th-century church reflect a heritage of simple rural traditions passed down through generations.
The village is easily reached by car or bicycle from nearby places like Ornans, about 9 km away, with scenic countryside drives available. The area is suited for walking, picnicking, and exploring nearby caves and waterfalls such as the Tuffière caves and the Bief Blanc waterfall.
The village features a notable stone sculpture depicting the crafts and trades of the past, reminding visitors of the area's working heritage. The landscape around the village also hides lesser-known natural wonders like the Cuves de l'Enfer, a deep valley with waterfalls and mossy rock walls hidden in the forest.
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