Arcey (Doubs) walks

An easy walk through the woods and along small village roads, passing through Gonvillars and Villers-sur-Saulnot, and returning via the ‘Bois des Jonquilles’ in spring, between Villers and Arcey.

This is a short hike that is suitable for families, with no difficulty in terms of distance, elevation or risk of getting lost. It mainly follows the yellow-blue marked trails created by the Rupt Valley Hiking Association. It can be done by mountain bike, with a few sections where you will need to dismount.

Désandans, hike on the ridge, Chavanne side. Please note: at (4), as the path leading to Désandans is not currently maintained, you will need to return to Désandans via the same route you took to get there.

A loop around the Étangs des Princes, a series of ponds that bear witness to the former principality of Montbéliard. Abandoned in the 18th century, they were refilled with water in 1990 and since then have offered a landscape that changes with each season.

This is a good family walk to do outside of flood season, as the area along the Doubs river would not be passable. Apart from one or two poorly marked spots, the route is easy to follow, winding through fields and undergrowth. Most of the time, the paths are well marked (used by tractors) and widely accessible by mountain bike.

The Princes' ponds, named after the Württemberg family who ruled the duchy, are located in the heart of the Rupt valley. Drained two centuries ago, they were refilled with water in 1991 and then stocked with fish. Improvements have been made to secure the surroundings for visitors to this true haven of peace. After a tour of the ponds, the circular offers the opportunity to discover the heritage of Saint-Julien-lès-Montbéliard with a return trip through the villages of Issans and Raynans.

Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the Lougres Forest to discover the inter-municipal boundary marker.

A circular loop that allows you to experience a variety of landscapes and atmospheres. The woods boast a rich variety of plant life; do take the time to admire it throughout the seasons. But remember, look but don’t touch! Be an observer, not a participant.

A short, easy and accessible circular walk around Vyans-le-Val, a pretty little village in Haute-Saône.

Circular walk, starting from the cemetery in Vyans-le-Val.

Discover the bridges in Voujeaucourt: Bridge over the Doubs, railway bridge over the canal. An easy hike.

Located in Franche-Comté, the town of Montbéliard has a strong heritage. Its most famous site remains its castle. But there is also artistic and natural heritage, such as the Près-la-Rose. This route passes close to numerous museums, such as the Pavillon des Sciences and its workshop, as well as Montbéliard Castle. This walk also allows you to discover Saint-Martin’s Temple, Saint-Maimbœuf Church, and Saint-Georges Lutheran Church. Of course, before returning to the car, don’t hesitate to pick up the famous Montbéliard sausage.

A relatively easy circular route starting from Bussurel, returning via the Bethoncourt mine shaft route.

A short walk with views of Voujeaucourt, Mathay, Mandeure and, at the end, the Côte Roux fun trail, which will delight young and old alike.

This short country walk takes you through the village of Chagey with its temple, church and war memorial to the 1870-71 war: the Diaichotte. During the walk, you will discover a rolling landscape with crops, livestock and a beautiful forest. You will also discover the Virgin Mary of the Geais and, next to it, a menhir or Pierre de Saint-Desle. The route is signposted.

A walk on the Écot plateau offering a magnificent panoramic view of Lomont in the southern Vosges. This walk is best done on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, as the section running alongside the motorway will be more pleasant.

A short, easy country walk for the whole family with views of the Lomont wind turbines, the Chasseral massif in Switzerland (on a clear day) and a visit to the Brevilliers dolmen.

A walk starting from Brévilliers that will take you past various military structures, including the Fort du Bois d'Oye built in 1883, the Fort du Haut Bois (cave shelter), the Banvillars Battery, and the Verpillères fortification. These structures were part of the Belfort stronghold. You’ll return via the path marked by the boundary stones that once separated France from the Principality of Montbéliard. On the way back, as on the way out, you can take a short detour to see the Brévilliers dolmen. Difficulties encountered previously (3), see reviews for suggestions

Hike in the Héricourt area. You can explore the Fort du Mont Vaudois and its defences. You will descend the inclined plane that was used to build the fort. You will continue through an unusual landscape of old abandoned orchards along the Bois du Mont Vaudois with some very pretty views.

Hike through the mirabelle plum orchards and follow in the footsteps of iron mining.

Hiking route starting from the Town Hall. It takes you to the beer museum; near Place de l'Europe, the Peugeot Adventure Museum, the temple and the Prince's house. Then the Citédo and the sports park. It leads you towards Fort Lachaux, where you can enjoy the scenery. Next, you will cross the undergrowth and an educational farm. On the way back, you will discover the church of Sochaux and the redesigned Avenue du Général Leclerc.

This short hike will take you to the Roman Theatre and the Mathay plain via a path with views over the Doubs and all the biodiversity associated with this coastline: dry and wet forests, cliffs, scree and ponds are home to many protected species. Play areas, picnic areas and facilities are dotted along the route.

Short walk around the Bois Brûlé in Mathay. Pass through the hamlet of Lucelans with beautiful views of Ecot and the Pays de Montbéliard. Discover the Ecot motocross track. 17 February 2023: problem starting from (2) ==> continue along the road and go directly to (4).

A very pleasant 7 km hike north of Héricourt and 15 km south-west of Belfort. Superb countryside, beautiful forests and the pretty villages of Mandrevillars and Échenans-sous-Mont-Vaudois. The route is signposted.

This stage is the first stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura (or GTJ). It is the easiest. It can be done in a morning and can be combined with the next stage, which goes to Saint-Hippolyte. Most of the route is through forest. The starting point is in Mandeure. A detour to the Gallo-Roman theatre allows you to start with a touch of history. After an hour's walk, the stage passes near the Mandeure viewpoint before continuing through the forest. There are a few open spaces, but they are rare. The descent to Pont-de-Roide is then short and quick.

View of the wind turbines, the Vosges mountains and the Roches de Pont de Roide. An easy hike through fields, which may be subject to change.

This route will allow you to admire the fountains and flower beds of the village of Goux-lès-Dambelin. Magnificent views of the wind turbines, the Doubs valley and the Vosges mountains.

A short walk of almost 8 km starting from the Resistance Monument in Écot. We begin by following a narrow path through the woods, then a wider path downhill. A very short stretch on the road, then back into the woods via a much more secluded path: be careful, it climbs a bit!

This country walk starts in Lanthenans, a small village in the Comté region hidden away in the countryside, and takes you over hills and through valleys to the Roche du Châtelard viewpoint overlooking Lomont and the Doubs valley. The return route takes you through airy woods, which Marcel Aymé might have described as "the forest is still a little bit of paradise lost. God did not want the first garden to be wiped out by the first sin."

Cette jolie balade forestière offre de belles ambiances et vous permettra de découvrir un petit oratoire en sous-bois, non loin d'une borne de l'ancienne principauté de Lure, portant des croix de Templier.

You may be surprised by the siren that, according to legend, haunts the ponds along this route. A superb hike 15 km from Belfort and 10 km from Héricourt. You will also discover a pretty village with its church and temple, beautiful countryside and forest landscapes with numerous ponds. Along the route, information boards describe part of the history of this region and the legend of the mermaid.

This walk reveals a wealth of the region’s many attractions. It is located a few kilometres from Belfort. The route is signposted.

A sandpit, ponds, viewpoint over Bourguignon and the new power station.

A circular route allowing you to explore two villages near Belfort, both rich in heritage: Bermont, with the Church of Saint-Laurent, the Savoureuse Viaduct and the Fort du Bois d'Oye; and Dorans, with the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Chêne and the fountain route. There are numerous vantage points along the route.

Nestled in the heart of a small valley, this peaceful walk linking Dorans to Bermont is an opportunity for the whole family to discover these two charming villages steeped in history. The trail is marked with blue rings.

A pleasant walk through woodland and along the canal, covering two distinct sections. Best undertaken in dry weather or when the ground is well-drained. This walk can be shortened: see details in the description.

Discover the surroundings of Frahier via the Haute-Saône canal, the forest tunnel towards Châlonvillars, the Grosjean district, Le Thiamont (commune of Évette-Salbert) with a view of the Vosges Saônoise. For the return journey, walk through Les Grands Hauts, the old port of Frahier via the canal and the village centre.

This short cycle ride around Frahier and the neighbouring villages will allow you to discover the region’s varied landscapes: its woods, rolling meadows, streams and brooks, fountains and wash houses, ponds, hills and the old canal.

A lovely walk starting from Frahier et Chatebier, 10 km west of Belfort. This walk takes you through lovely countryside and woodland scenery. On the way back, it follows the old Haute-Saône Canal.

A pleasant walk just a stone's throw from Belfort, in the vicinity of Châlonvillars and Evette-Salbert. You can discover beautiful countryside and forest landscapes, as well as the village of Châlonvillars with its church and beautiful wash house. Along the way, you will have superb views of the Southern Vosges with the Planche des Belles Filles and the Ballon d'Alsace.

From the port of Frahier, stroll along the old canal, then discover the Grands Hauts and the panoramic view of the Ballon d'Alsace and the Planche des Belles Filles.

This hike is the second stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura. Although a little longer and more difficult than the first, it is one of the easiest stages of this crossing. Starting from Pont-de-Roide, the hike begins with an ascent to the Tour Carrée, passing by the Fort des Roches, which offers a superb view of the region. The hike then alternates between meadows and wooded areas, touching on the theme of the Second World War, notably with the Passage de la Douleur. The descent to Saint-Hippolyte is pleasant, with stops at Chamesol and the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Mont. Of course, once you arrive, don't hesitate to take a longer break in the beautiful village of Saint-Hippolyte.

Hike accessible to all. Can be done in all seasons with superb views.

In the heart of the Plaine de Belfort, this ideal family walk will immerse you in the magic of the enchanting forest of Le Mont (a hill very close to Belfort). The route is signposted.

A lovely circular walk along the cliffs overlooking the Doubs valley. Breathtaking views and distant panoramas (you can see the Ballon d'Alsace 50 km to the north). At the fort, the League for the Protection of Birds organises an annual monitoring of migratory birds. This walk is best enjoyed in good weather for the exceptional views and the feeling of being in another world, far from the valley below.

Between the Vosges and Jura mountains, discover the Salbert massif overlooking Belfort on a varied hike through forests, wide panoramas and interesting sites. At the summit, enjoy a superb 360° view of the Haute Saône, beautiful ponds at the foot of the Vosges mountains, the city of Belfort and the Alps in good weather. The route is signposted.

A very pretty walk through the woodland that circles a legendary spot, the Salbert, near Belfort. A short detour to the viewing platform offers a superb 360° view of the Haute-Saône, beautiful lakes at the foot of the Vosges mountains, the town of Belfort and the Alps on a clear day. This walk is signposted.