At the confluence of the Saône and the Doubs from Saunières

The start of this circular route is at the car park on the Esplanade Daniel Galuzet, next to the town hall and the church in Saunières.

(S/E) Head left towards the town hall and follow the Doubs on your right for 900 metres. You will reach the D154 road.

(1) Carry on and take the road on the left. Go straight ahead along the stony path for 1.6 km. You will come to a grassy path; carry on straight ahead.

(2) At the junction, first turn left then right. Staying on this path, follow the D154 road, then take the street behind the houses to enter the village of Les Bordes. At the junction, turn right then left, following signs for Île du Château.

(3) Pass the island’s car park, turn right and head towards the Saône below, then continue straight on for 2.7 km. During this section, you will cross pastures along the Saône. Please remember to close the gate behind you and be mindful of the herds of cows as you pass them.

(4) Take the path on the right to cross the embankment. Continue straight on for 2.2 km to return to the starting point (S/E).

Signposting: follow the signs (SAU1) and the yellow markings (walking and hiking trail).

Safety instructions: ensure you are well equipped (rucksack, first-aid kit, suitable clothing, good footwear, etc.). Bring a bottle of water and protect yourself from the sun. Carry a mobile phone. Do not leave any litter in the countryside. Take care when crossing roads. Do not stray from the marked trails. Keep clear of forestry work. Respect crops, livestock, private property and current regulations. Take care during the hunting season (September to February).

If you notice anything unusual on this trail, please report it to us using Suricate. We will be notified of your report and will endeavour to rectify the issue as soon as possible.

Between Saunières and Sermesse, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a floating mill that sank in the Doubs at the end of the 17th century. This may have occurred during an exceptional flood. This is the first time in Europe that such a floating mill has been found. The oak hull, which is very well preserved, is being studied in minute detail. These floating mills, moored along the riverbanks, used the force of the current to turn their wheels and grind the grain. The one at Saunières, remarkably well preserved, bears witness to the ingenuity of the millers of yesteryear and the vital role of the Doubs in the local economy.

As you walk along the Doubs, you’ll pass close to Île du Château, a designated Sensitive Natural Area. This protected site is home to a wide variety of species typical of wetlands. A family of beavers lives there quietly, occasionally leaving a few traces of their presence. The island is also a refuge for many birds, such as herons and kingfishers.