Réserve naturelle nationale du ravin de Valbois

The Valbois Ravine extends over 234 hectares of limestone cliffs, forest slopes, meadows, and streams in the Loue Valley, 25 kilometers south of Besançon.

The sunny slopes were covered with vineyards until the late 19th century, when phylloxera disease and wine imports led to agricultural abandonment and reforestation.

Local residents maintain biodiversity through grazing activities, while vocational trainees and youth from Loue Lison participate in manual maintenance work.

Groups of up to nine people can access the reserve freely, while larger groups must request permission 15 days in advance.

The reserve contains over 6,500 plant and animal species, including 4,700 arthropods and 900 fungus species within its diverse natural environments.

Location: Chassagne-Saint-Denis

Location: Cléron

Inception: 1983

GPS coordinates: 47.08417,6.09472

Latest update: June 23, 2025 10:00