Dole Things to Do

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Doubs (pronounced "dew") is an important part of Dole even today. Holiday makers can moor here with their craft and it gives easy access to this once important town.
There's even a section entitled little Venice. It never ceases to amaze me how people can call such areas this when they have absolutely nothing in common except water beside buildings. The worst example of this is Bourton on the Water in England where the "river" is barely a stream.
I digress; let this not detract from your enjoyment of the place because the man made canal was obviously once important for ferrying goods around the country.
You can still see a tanners house (indicated by a sign over the door) adjacent to the canal. The crumbling architecture in the area reeks of authenticity as well.

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One thing I enjoyed from time to time whilst walking the streets was a sculpture here and there. Some were quite unique and, for some reason I know not, I couldn't help but smile at the one in the opening picture.

During World War II the airport was used by the German Luftwaffe during their occupation of France as an Air intelligence training facility (Luftnachrichten-Ausbildungs-Regiment 302). It was attacked by the United States Army Air Force on often during the spring of 1944. After the airfield was finally liberated by Allied forces in early September 1944, the United States Army Air Forces IX Engineer Command repaired the airfield and made it ready for operational use by combat units. The field was made ready by 15 September.
Dole was an important base for alllied bombers during the latter part of the Second World War though the poor weather that created mud was often a problem.
If you're interested in the American base that was here, try this informative site - http://320thbg.org/history_dole.html

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I loved walking around here. A bit of history, some greenery, some placid water. It all combined to conjure up pleasant surroundings and create fresh interest with every step.
Canal des Tanneurs is flanked by the old tanneries whose traces are still self evident.
The main body of water is the canal joining the Rhine and the Rhone, of which the river Doubs is a part.

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Though Louis Pasteur is unquestionably Dole's best known son, there are others.
Marcel Aymé took inspiration from the fabric of the town for some of his finest novels (The Sorceress, The Mill on the Sourdine...). As for Pasteur, he has left his trace in a number of places in this picturesque town.
He was baptised at the Notre Dame Collegiale for instance and a museum in his honour at his former residence in a tannery house (that's what his father did) is a significant attraction in the town.

April to October: Daily except Sunday mornings, 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 (in July & August without midday break)
November to March: Saturday & Sunday 14:00-18:00

Website: http://www.musee-pasteur.com

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We chilled out (or would have had we not gone inside) and had a cuppa beside the church and watched the comings and goings before we went and had a look.
It's a lovely little tea house that sets you up for your visit to the Notre Dame next door. For a full history of the church, see my general tips.

The chemist Louis Pasteur was born in Dole in 1822. His birthplace, which is a typical tannery house, is now a museum. It gives information about Pasteur's life, his family and scientific works. When I came across the name Pasteur I first thought of "pasteurize". But he's also well known for finding a vaccination against rabies. Pasteur later lived in Arbois where you'll find another Pasteur museum.

Admission: Adults 5 €, students 3 €

Opening hours:
April to October: Daily except Sunday mornings, 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00 (in July & August without midday break)
November to March: Saturday & Sunday 14:00-18:00

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Something you cannot overlook in Dole is the collegiate church Notre Dame, with it's large and 75 meter high tower. The church was build in the 16th century and has a remarkable organ which was constructed by Riepp. The inside of the church is currently being renovated, so visits are limited.

The church is found on a hill with the old town next to it. It's nice to stroll around the small streets, and you'll see many old houses from the 15th to 18th century.

You'll also see remains of the Roman times in Dole: On the Doubs river, you'll see the arcs of an old Roman bridge. You can see it pretty could from the Avenue de Lahr (D973).

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The Canal des Tanneurs (tanner canal) is a small canal running parallel of the Rhine-Rhône-Canal nex to the old town. It's a nice place, with a promenade and flowers, trees and old tannery houses.