tonnoguh
- Location: Fontain (25660)
- Gender: man
- Website: https://echiquierbisontin.fr/
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Published route(s)
Pugey Fort
A pleasant walk around Fort de Pugey, taking in the views overlooking the Doubs valley. Several beautiful vantage points line the route: towards Besançon, nestled in the hollow of its hills, but also downstream, where the view stretches as far as the first peaks of the Jura mountains. The route also offers a few points of interest, including the Chère headland, a small cave and the remains of the old fortifications. A varied walk, taking in pastures, forest tracks and ridge paths.
The medieval castle of Montfaucon
Starting from the Belvédère des Alpes, this circular walk offers superb panoramic views of the Doubs valley, the hills around Besançon and the citadel. The route takes us to the ruins of the feudal castle, its old keep, the remains of the medieval market town and the former parish church. We then explore the Fontaine de la Dhuit and the cliffs, before reaching Fort Woirol and its former signal station. A route steeped in history.
The Thuyère Viewpoint
Explore the village of Montgesoye and its heritage: stop off briefly at the Church of Saint-Gengoul, the patron saint of the cuckolded, at Montgesoye Castle and at the village’s old fountains before a steep climb up to the wooded cliff ledges and the Belvédère de la Thuyère, offering superb views over the valley. The return journey, which is more leisurely, crosses pastures and orchards before gradually leading back to the village. A varied walk, combining heritage, woodland, cliffs and panoramic views over the Loue.
The Ully Cliffs
Starting from the Ornans cemetery, this walk climbs rapidly up to the heights overlooking the Loue valley. The route takes in several viewpoints overlooking the white rocks of the cliffs framing the ‘Little Venice of the Comté’. It will take you off the beaten track along the small, rugged cliffs of Mont d’Ully, honing your sense of direction as you head towards the Lachenaud ravine to reach the meadows before descending through the Châtelet woods. A beautiful and varied circular route, combining panoramic views, cliffs, woodland and the heritage of Ornans.
The Croc Chapel and the Rocher de Colonne
A short forest walk starting from the Bois des Lavanches, between Malbrans and Cléron, offering several beautiful views over the Loue valley. The route takes you past the Chapelle du Croc, the Rocher de Colonne and Cléron Castle, against a backdrop of the valley’s cliffs and Castel Saint-Denis. The route alternates between stony paths, woodland tracks, sharp limestone pavements and small roads.
The Tangelet cliffs and the old vines of Vuillafans
From the Sainte-Gertrude Chapel and its viewpoint over the Loue Valley, let yourself be guided by the beautiful path along the steep cliffs of the Tangelet and its numerous viewpoints overlooking Vuillafans, Montgesoye, Ornans and the valley. The path through the old vineyards, lined with dry-stone walls – a remnant of the terraced farming of days gone by – offers a superb, unobstructed view of both the upper and lower reaches of the valley.
The sinkholes of the Bois du Mont
A short walk through the Bois du Mont to discover the untamed charms of our Comtois karst forests, amongst sinkholes, sharp limestone pavements and rocks with sometimes astonishing shapes that some might mistake for dolmens. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful wash-house fountains, a ‘caborde’ (a type of covered shelter), an arboretum, a viewpoint overlooking the Saône plain, and the Chapel of Saint-Maximin, where, it is said, medieval pilgrims led a joyful life. A walk through the countryside and woodland, combining heritage with natural curiosities.
Les Chandeliers and the Lison
A short, unspoilt circular walk in the heart of the Lison Valley, amongst fir forests, moss-covered sharp limestone pavement and limestone cliffs. The route leads to the impressive ‘Chandeliers’ – large rock columns shaped by erosion – and then offers a lovely view over the Lison Gorges. The walk continues past the Brue fountain and along the riverbank.
The Nouailles Gorges, the Source de la Loue and Notre-Dame des Anges
This walk offers a superb exploration of the Nouailles Gorges and the source of the Loue. The descent to the source is particularly spectacular: wild, steep and punctuated by magnificent views over the gorges, it is the highlight of the route. The path runs at the foot of the cliffs and beneath rocks sculpted by the river. This descent, which can be tricky at times, is therefore only suitable for hikers with sure-footedness and requires great caution. After the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel, the route continues through pastures and woodland before returning to the ledges overlooking the gorges.
The viewing points at the Monts d’Ornans and the Grand Barmaud
A lovely walk along beautiful paths through pastures, forests and cliff ledges overlooking the Loue Valley. The route offers magnificent views from the lookouts at Monts d’Ornans, La Roche Thiébaut and Le Barmaud. You’ll also discover the spectacular Facle, a small rocky gorge carved out by the river. A varied route, though at times rocky and exposed, which requires caution on the cliff-edge sections.
Along the Goulue
Starting from Cussey-sur-Lison, this lovely circular walk combines heritage, woodland and Jura landscapes. After exploring the village and its Saint-Christophe church, the path leads to the Croix and Chaux viewpoints, offering beautiful views of the valley, the cliffs and Mont Poupet. The walk then descends into the heart of the Goulue gorge, following the stream and its small waterfalls. A varied and peaceful walk, taking in limestone cliffs, woodland and rural heritage.
The Rocher du Tourbillon and the Brême Valley
From Bonnevaux-du-Haut, you’ll descend along lovely paths to the Rocher du Tourbillon viewpoint overlooking the charming little Brême valley, then walk through a beautiful, sun-drenched forest slope and return to the village via sun-drenched pastures with views of the Jura mountains.
The Aiguillon de Brasse
Explore the Gorges de Nouailles. Picturesque paths, running along wild ledges and winding through a beautiful, sun-drenched forest, will lead you through peaceful clearings and offer magnificent panoramic views over the Loue valley. Along the way, you’ll discover the Moine de la Vallée, the Aiguillon de Brasse and the majestic Roche de Haute-Pierre.
The Côte Blanche
This short walk allows you to discover the most beautiful natural sites in Beure. Starting from the Côte Blanche, the route follows ancient paths with ruts carved into the rock, runs along the cliffs and offers superb panoramic views over the Doubs valley. It leads to the Baume Martin, the Bout du Monde waterfall, and then into the heart of the old village with its wash house and Saint-Hippolyte church. A varied, unspoilt and heritage-rich route.
The Moulin Caillet Stream and Notre-Dame du Mont
Discover a secluded valley through which the Ruisseau du Moulin Caillet winds, before a steep climb towards the ridges overlooking the Doubs valley. The route alternates between forest tracks, wild paths and sections through sharp limestone pavements, offering magnificent panoramic views of Montferrand Castle and the Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel. A short detour also offers the chance to see a mysterious ancient underground passage carved beneath the cliff face. A varied and charming circular walk, suitable only for walkers with a sure footing for the sections along the cliff edge.
Mont d’Arguel
Set off to explore the viewpoints overlooking the Doubs valley. The route follows paths that are at times steep, leading to the ruins of the old Arguel Castle, several spectacular promontories and the Chère viewpoint. Amidst cliffs, forests, pastures and traces of the past, the route offers a wonderful variety of landscapes. Sections along the cliff edge require caution, but the 180° panoramic views more than make up for the effort of the climb.
The cabordes of the Combe de l’Œillet
Until the 19th century, Rosemont Hill was cultivated using dry-stone terraces, on which vines, amongst other crops, were grown. The ‘cabordes’ served as shelters for the winegrowers. In the 20th century, these steep slopes were gradually abandoned. This walk allows you to explore the ledges, scree slopes and beautiful panoramic views over the Doubs valley, bearing witness to a landscape shaped by human hands.
The Baume Cave
Discovering the natural and heritage treasures of the Vallon de Sancey. After passing the Basilica of Sainte-Jeanne-Antide Thouret, the route winds its way up the peaceful Vallon de la Baume to its impressive cave, nestled at the far end of a deep ravine. The route continues through forests, past streams and hamlets before offering magnificent views of the medieval Belvoir Castle. A varied walk, alternating between the cool shade of the woodland and the discovery of historical heritage.
The Valbois valley and Castel Saint-Denis
Starting from Chassagne, this hike takes you on a journey of discovery through the Valbois valley, in the heart of a preserved natural environment. The route alternates between forest tracks, pastures and balcony paths offering magnificent panoramic views of the limestone cliffs, the Loue valley and the village of Cléron. You’ll also discover the ruins of Castel Saint-Denis, an ancient medieval castle perched on its rocky promontory. A varied and wild circular route, combining historical heritage with the typical landscapes of the Jura Comtois.
The ancient pass of Chalamont
This circular route around Chalamont takes you on a journey of discovery to a remarkable historical site: the ancient Chalamont Passage, where the ruts carved into the rock are a reminder of the carts of yesteryear. The route alternates between forest paths, wilder trails and clearings offering beautiful views of Mont Poupet, the valley and the Boujailles plateau.
The Montferrand keep ridge trail
This hike offers magnificent views of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warlike with the ruins of the feudal castle of Montferrand, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont. You will walk along a beautiful, rocky ridge, punctuated by numerous viewpoints over the valley.
The Bout du Monde waterfall in Beure
A lovely short but varied loop. After the Cascade du Bout du Monde waterfall and a detour to the old wash house, the trail climbs steeply through rocky, green surroundings to the Cascade de la Pisseur waterfall. You can still see traces of the old iron-wheeled carts here, before enjoying superb views of the mountains and the Doubs valley.
The water cycle and natural environments of the Saône marshlands
This easy loop takes hikers on a journey of discovery through forests, pastures and preserved wetlands. You will pass through the typical hamlet of La Couvre, peaceful woods and pretty wooden pontoons will lead you to the ponds of Prés Neufs, La Vaivre, and Creux sous Roche, which drains water from the Bisontins to the source of Arcier. The route offers a variety of settings: old farms, romantic ruins, streams and clearings. Between the reflections on the water, the croaking of frogs and the rural landscapes, the walk charms visitors with its diversity and tranquillity. Accessible to all, it is an ideal nature walk for families.
The feudal castle of Montfaucon, Fort Woirol and the Fontaine de la Dhuit
Between forest paths and old walls covered in ivy, this hike immerses you in nature and heritage: from the Vue des Alpes viewpoint to the cliffs overlooking the Doubs valley, the route offers panoramic views of the Citadel, the Jura Mountains and the Saône plain. Along the way, history unfolds: Fort Woirol, marked by a tragic explosion, the optical post and its anti-aircraft batteries, as well as the imposing remains of the feudal castle, testimony to a rich medieval past.
The boxwood trail
This hike starts at Notre-Dame de la Libération, built in 1945, and offers a varied route combining heritage, panoramic views and forest trails. From the very first steps, you can see the old town of Besançon dominated by its citadel, before opening up to the countryside and the Jura mountains. With its steep paths, rocky ridges and wilder sections, this short circuit is no Sunday stroll, but a real hike just a stone's throw from the city centre.
The corniches of Mont Dommage
Starting from Silley-Bléfond, this loop combines forest trails, rocky ledges and viewpoints over the Doubs valley. You will discover Mont Dommage, the Chassignole viewpoint and enjoy magnificent views of Baume-les-Dames, the Roches du Quin and the Roche du Rechevet. A varied and panoramic hike, with a few sections requiring caution.
The vineyards of Montigny
This walk in Montigny-lès-Arsures invites you to discover the soul of a wine-growing village in the Revermont region. Between the rows of vines that shape the Jura landscape, the beautiful winegrowers' houses with their vaulted cellars and the picturesque Tour du Zouave Coco, the route reveals a rich and living heritage. All along the way, superb views open up over the Arbois vineyards, providing an ideal setting for a walk combining nature, culture and local history.
La Roche Lahier
There is a short climb to the Roche Bottine, immortalised by Courbet in his painting "La Vallée de la Loue par temps d'orage" (The Loue Valley in Stormy Weather). Its unusual shape, reminiscent of an old boot standing on the edge of a precipice, gave it its name. This viewpoint offers a 180° panorama of Ornans, the Vierge de la Roche du Mont, and the upper and lower reaches of the Loue Valley. Along the way, you will discover the Roche Lahier viewpoint, a natural viewpoint overlooking the upper reaches of the Loue Valley towards Montgesoye.
The Norvaux valley
Discover one of the unique features of the Jura mountains: the reculées, narrow, deep valleys lined with high, steep walls, formed at the end of the ice ages by a gradual retreat of the valley floor into the plateau, ending in wild cirques. The Norvaux reculée ends in three cul-de-sacs carved out by the Pomme Gaude, Fontaine des Cassards and Fontaine de Fer streams.
La Roche du Grand
From the site of the former castle of Ornans, which overlooks the old town, the route climbs towards the pastures offering beautiful views of the upper Loue valley and Mont Poupet. The return journey takes you along cool, pleasant forest paths to La Roche du Grand, a viewpoint overlooking the lower Loue valley, then to the Fontaine aux Vipères, where you can still hear the gossip of our Franche-Comté "cancouaines" (local women).
The Chanois and Dame Blanche viewpoints
You’ll climb towards the wild viewpoint of Le Chanois on the rocks of La Dame Blanche, following in the footsteps of this eerie woman who haunts these places after dark, passing the ruins of an old mountain hut along the way, Then, following a beautiful ridge line overlooking the Ognon valley, you’ll reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint overlooking the Vosges. From the ancient fortifications, you’ll descend towards Tallenay along paths overlooking a picturesque forest slope, ending with the peaceful Sentier du Facteur, which will lead you to a forest boundary marker dating from the time of Louis XV.
The Fox’s Cave
Lime production in Chalezeule is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 12th century; it was the village’s main economic activity, and its name, Calisola, was derived from the word for lime. After exploring the lime kilns, this walk offers superb views of the feudal castle of Montfaucon, the Doubs valley and, following a short detour to the Grand Désert – a vast expanse of scree – our Citadel and the old town nestled within its circular shape. Then, after a fascinating stroll through the fort’s moats, you’ll venture, just a stone’s throw from the bustling town, onto quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of budding boxwood, for a visit to the Grotte du Renard.
The Chemin des Batteries
This ‘Sentier des Batteries’ trail will take you along peaceful forest paths to the Fort des Epesses and the Rattes and Avancée batteries. Then, as you cross the beautifully named ‘Combe aux Bâtards’, you’ll take a leap back a thousand years to reach the superb viewpoint overlooking the feudal castle of Montfaucon and the Besançon mountains.
The Grand Finale
Perched on its rocky outcrop, overlooking the Doubs valley, Abbans Castle likely replaced a Roman castrum. The oldest parts date from the 12th century. It was at the top of the keep that Claude Dorothée de Jouffroy d’Abbans set up his study and forge, where he built his steamboat. A short stroll through the countryside in this place steeped in history, taking in the cool Sentier du Ruisseau, the peaceful Grande Fin valley and the monument commemorating the long-forgotten rag-and-bone men of the 1870s.
La Côte du Cerf
From the old, isolated farmhouse of La Perdrix, right in the heart of Le Sauget, you’ll reach the hamlet of La Fresse and climb towards the ridge of Les Rochers du Cerf, a picturesque rocky path dotted with gentians, boundary stones and numerous views over the secluded Théverot valley, Mont Châteleu and the Swiss mountains.
Le Rosemont and La Roche d'Or via the Combe de l'Œillet
Via the Rosemont ledges, offering views over the Besançon hills topped by the massive, distant silhouette of Mont Poupet, you will climb up to the winegrowers’ huts of the Combe de l’Œillet, these dry-stone constructions built without mortar where winegrowers stored their tools and sought shelter from storms. You will descend back into the valley via these scree slopes, formed by the natural weathering of the cliffs and the piles of stones left by our ancestors who cultivated the terraced hills of the Besançon region. Then, one final effort to climb the Roche d’Or and return via the Chemin de l’Œillet and its houses nestled in the greenery of our city, which knows how to embrace its rural side.
The Upper Loue Valley
Starting from Lods, one of the most beautiful villages in France, a lovely hillside path will offer you magnificent views of the sun-drenched cliffs of La Roche de Hautepierre, Le Moine de la Vallée and the Gorges de Nouailles, and will take you to Mouthier, another charming little village in the Franche-Comté region with its medieval statues. Then comes a short, challenging climb to the Sucrue promontory, with its panoramic views over the lower reaches of the valley and the cliffs of the Haute Loue.
The Chatelard and Saut du Doubs viewpoints
You will walk through the beautiful forests of Mont Châtelard, interspersed with high, wild cliffs reflected in the green waters of Lac de Moron, an artificial lake created by the Châtelot dam. Then, descending into the gorge, you will walk along its steep banks, guided by the murmur of the waterfall towards the unmissable Saut du Doubs.
The Gunpowder Trail at Fort Woirol
As you make your way down the wild Nacra gorge along a path—timid in autumn, hidden beneath the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring—you may catch a glimpse of the Vouivre river reflecting in the green waters of the Fontaine de la Dhuit. Then 1,000 years of military history, from Fort Woirol – with its powder magazines, signal post and anti-aircraft batteries – to the feudal castle and, finally, the ‘Belvédère des Alpes’ viewpoint overlooking the Doubs valley, the Citadel and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.
The cliffs of the Haute Loue
Starting from Lods, one of the most beautiful villages in France, a lovely hillside path offers sumptuous views of the sun-drenched cliffs of La Roche de Haute-Pierre, Le Moine de la Vallée and Les Gorges de Nouailles, leading you to Mouthier, another charming little village in the Comté region with its medieval statues.
La Baume Martin and the Gorges de la Pisseur
A short, challenging hike for busy city dwellers who want to explore the wild corners of our mountains around Besançon. However, it is rich in the Baume Martin (from the Gaulish "balma", meaning a rock shelter), the superb cornices of the Bois de Peu overlooking the Doubs valley, the Gorges and waterfalls of the Pisseur and the Cascade du Bout du Monde.
The Gratteris viewpoint, from sharp limestone pavement to dolmen
A walk through the countryside and woodland to discover the untamed charms of our karst forests and their sinkholes and sharp limestone pavements, which some would like to believe are dolmens. Along the way, beautiful wash-house fountains, a viewpoint over the Saône plain and the Chapel of Saint-Maximin, where medieval pilgrims led a joyful life.
The Roches d’Ornans
This short but challenging walk will take you past the white rocks of the cliffs framing the ‘Petite Venise Comtoise’, offering four vantage points over the Loue Valley. It will lead you off the beaten track along the small, rugged cliffs of Mont d’Ully, helping to sharpen your sense of direction.
At the end of the world... in Besançon
From the small chapel overlooking the Citadel and the Besançon circular route, you’ll follow the ditches of the old fort—which looks like a haunted forest—to reach the Bout du Monde and its waterfall. Along the way, an ancient Roman road, several viewpoints over the Mercureaux Valley and the Doubs Valley and its hills: the Côte de Planoise, Chaudanne, the Citadel, Bregille and the old feudal keep of Montfaucon.
Belvoir Castle and the Hautes Roches
Discover ‘Bévoi’, its 14th-century market halls, and its castle, which dominates the Val de Sancey with all its feudal severity, watching you warily as you pass beneath the irreverent Mâdge-Fâ, poised to unleash a few fragrant projectiles. Then, a circular route through the dry grasslands, accompanied by sheep and goats, will lead you to the Sainte-Anne Chapel and its viewpoint, before returning via the charming little wild valley, dominated by the massive and impressive silhouette of the Hautes Roches.
The Chaudanne Goat Trail
A short walk on one of Besançon’s seven hills, Chaudanne, with its unspoilt natural beauty, shaped by both nature and man, featuring its fort and views over the Citadel, the old town and the southern Doubs valley, framed by the Besançon hills. Although the distance is short, this is a challenging walk – certainly not a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll: it features some steep climbs and rocky paths through scree slopes and dry grasslands.
Between the lakes of Chambly and Chalain
Lake Chalain, nestled in a valley flanked by high cliffs, is the largest in the Jura. After a walk through rural valleys offering beautiful views of Lake Chambly and the Jura mountains, you will walk along the cliffs overlooking its turquoise waters.
The Rock of Valmy and Fort Pugey
This gentle stroll to the Rocher de Valmy, a key site in the Franche-Comté Resistance, offers views of the lower valley where the Doubs river forms one of its most charming meanders. Then, between pastures and beautiful forests, you will discover the Belvédère Martelin overlooking Avanne and the Côte de Planoise, the Roche Trouée, a wild gateway opening onto the valley, and finally, the ruins of Fort de Pugey, the Grotte de Malpertuis and the massive, distant silhouette of Mont Poupet.
The Gorges du Doubs
Nestled between steep, seemingly impassable cliffs, the Franco-Swiss Doubs Valley features steep paths, the ‘Couleuses’, which allow you to explore the wild, verdant gorges of this torrent as it surges between the enormous moss-covered rocks that have tumbled from the cliffs over the millennia. Return via picturesque cliff-top paths, passing three viewpoints overlooking the valley.
The Crampoulotte, the Old Females and the Ladders of Death
The ladders will probably be closed until autumn. Along picturesque, steep paths, winding through a jumble of mossy rocks, La Crampoulotte and its old ladies offer wild views of the Doubs valley. After a stop at the old charcoal kiln, you will walk along the peaceful banks of the river, a haven for ducks and fishermen. Then, facing the Échelles de la Mort (Ladders of Death), which turn out to be comfortable family stairs, you will make a sporty return via the evocative Couleuse aux Loups.