Arc-et-Senans walks

Third stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. From the Royal Saltworks in Arc-et-Senans to the Grande Saline in Salins-les-Bains, you will discover a unique sporting and cultural trail between the Doubs and Jura mountains, following in the footsteps of the great salt trade, with a stop in the village of Port-Lesney.

From the remains of the Old Bridge of Port-Lesney, you will climb up beautiful forest paths winding through box trees to the viewpoint overlooking the village topped by Mont Poupet. From this cool, mossy forest, you will emerge into the sunny vineyards, greeting the Saline d'Arc-et-Senans from afar, before returning, devoutly, to the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette perched on the cliff above the valley.

From Chapelle-sur-Furieuse, through forests, vineyards and meadows, you will reach the ruins of Vaulgrenant Castle and then return to your starting point along the Furieuse river via a long descent. You will pass through the small village of Onay, then the suburbs of Salins-les-Bains, via the Voie Verte, before reaching Marnoz and heading towards Château de Vaulgrenant. Enjoy beautiful views of Le Poupet and the forts of Salins-les-Bains.

From the beautiful church in Paroy, passing in front of the wealthy residences of this small village, then crossing sunny meadows, you will climb to the viewpoint overlooking the lower Loue valley. Along a pretty sunken path, you will descend towards Ronchaux, another picturesque little village with its old farms, waterfall and former tuff quarry.

A 30-minute climb will take you to the feudal castle of Vaulgrenant, where you can enjoy a 360° panorama. Then you will walk between valleys and woods, with ever-changing views of Mont Poupet. After Marnoz, you will discover a very pleasant path leading back to Pagnoz. It allows you to walk along the railway line without realising it (except at the beginning). A hike away from the beaten track and through varied landscapes.

A lovely little forest walk to the ruins of this medieval castle built in the 13th century, wiped off the map by the awful Louis XIV who, to punish us for our "Comtois, Rends-toi! Nenni, Ma foi!" ("Comtois, surrender! No way!"), dismantled all our medieval castles. At the top, there is a 360° view of the Chaux forest, the Val d'Amour, Mont de Pretin, the forts of Saint-André and Belin, and Mont Poupet. Return through beautifully rolling countryside, topped by Fort Saint-André in the distance.

This woodland walk offers three viewpoints over the lower Loue valley, the Jura mountains and Bartherans, nestled in wooded valleys overlooking the Lison valley.

A hike for experienced walkers, with the chance to discover the village of Pretin, nestled in a valley, and magnificent views of Salins-les-Bains and its surroundings (Mont Poupet and Fort Belin in particular).

If you only have 1 to 1½ hours to let off steam, here is an idea for a short walk in Quingey/Cessey.

On its rocky spur overlooking the Doubs valley, Abbans Castle was probably built on the site of 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. Enjoy a short country walk in this historic setting along a pleasant ridge path, then through the Grande Fin valley, discovering the castle from different angles.

Discover the small village of Pretin on the heights of Salins and its beautiful old houses nestled in the valley. No fewer than six viewpoints over the Val de Marnoz, Mont Poupet and the Monts de Cernans dot the route to the imposing Fort Saint-André, a stern sentinel overlooking Salins-les-Bains.

Climb to the highest point of the extreme Jura at 851 m, with 360° views of the plains and mountains of the Jura and, on a clear day, even Mont Blanc. Set off from Salins-les-Bains on the banks of the Furieuse, long known for its salt mining. A scenic and slightly challenging hike without any major difficulties.

Fourth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. Right from the start of this stage, things get serious with a demanding route punctuated by steep ascents and descents in the limestone massif of Revermont. Then, through undergrowth, pastures and picturesque viewpoints, the second part of the route reveals itself to be full of charm and tranquillity, offering a perfect transition before reaching Montigny-les-Arsures, a superb wine-growing village where the vineyards come into view. A few more kilometres will take you to Arbois, the capital of Jura wines. Louis Pasteur had his family home here, which is still open to visitors. This colourful town is full of Jura wine tasting cellars and great places to eat for food lovers.

This circular route allows you to see both forts and the town of Salins from two different angles. The Roman Way is an excuse to get closer to Mont Poupet and increase the elevation. However, the great advantage of this walk is that it is shaded by trees, which is very practical in summer.

This circular loop climbs up to Fort Belin, where you can enjoy a majestic view of Salins-les-Bains to the north and the green hills of the Jura to the south, before crossing the charming village of Clucy and descending via the Roman road at the foot of Mont Poupet.

This hike, following in the footsteps of Marquis Claude François Dorothée de Jouffroy d'Abbans, naval architect and designer of the steamboat, will take you between the Loue and Doubs rivers, from oratories to churches, in the heart of our devout Comtois countryside, leaving you time to meditate on the twilight paths of our wooded mountains.