Walk in the Saint-Léger State Forest

The origins of Lamarche are unknown. Nevertheless, the discovery in 1887 of polished stone axes and flint knives by Viscount Raoul Legouz de Saint-Seine suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period, although it seems that these tools, found at the confluence of the Bèze and the Saône, were carried here by the floods of these rivers.

This peaceful stroll through the national forest is a truly relaxing experience.

Details

2935410
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.33 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 35 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 33 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 223 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 186 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking is available in the car park in front of the church and the town hall.

(S/E) Take Rue des Écoles and walk up past the church. At the junction just after, take Rue Basse opposite and continue until you reach the chapel on your right.

(1) Continue for a few dozen metres, turn left into Rue des Étangs, then take the first right, Rue du Pays Neuf, and follow the railway line. At Rue Saint-Léger, turn left to cross the level crossing and follow the road straight ahead.

(2) At the bend to the left, turn right onto the white track and keep to the right at the next fork (elevation 205). Stay on the main track until you reach Étang Basset.

(3) Leave the white track and take the path on the left that runs alongside the pond and soon turns into a grassy track. This section can be wet and muddy in places during winter.

(4) Leave the grassy path and turn left onto the white path. Continue straight ahead until this path turns left at a 90° angle.

(5) Leave the white track and turn right onto the grassy path. Then turn left into woodland section No. 36, then left again to return to the white track.

(6) Turn right and head straight on to La Sommière des Coutances.

(7) Turn left and continue straight on, crossing a clearing further on where there are a few buildings. Continue to the edge of the forest, to the first houses on Rue des Perchottes.

(8) Turn onto the path on the right and, at the next junction, turn left to join the Chemin de la Vie du Moulin. Continue along Rue des Étangs. Cross the railway line and immediately take the first path on the right to follow the Étang du Fourneau and rejoin Rue de Franche Comté.

(1) Turn right, keep to the right onto Rue Basse and cross Rue de l’Église to reach the car park for the church and the Town Hall (S/E).

Quote: “If you can’t think, walk; if you think too much, walk; if you think badly, walk some more.” Jean Giono

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 190 m - Church car park.
  2. 1 : km 0.36 - alt. 186 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 1.52 - alt. 209 m - Turn right at the fork.
  4. 3 : km 3.99 - alt. 191 m - Étang Basset, on the left
  5. 4 : km 4.75 - alt. 195 m - Crossroads, turn left
  6. 5 : km 6.08 - alt. 203 m - Crossroads, turn right
  7. 6 : km 6.85 - alt. 206 m - Return to the white path, on the right
  8. 7 : km 7.45 - alt. 214 m - Sommière des Coutances, on the left
  9. 8 : km 9.17 - alt. 216 m - Edge of the forest, on the right
  10. S/E : km 11.33 - alt. 190 m - Church car park

Notes

Avoid in strong sunshine, or bring a hat or cap. It can get hot on the white paths.
In winter, wear walking boots for the grassy sections, which are sometimes damp and therefore muddy.

(4) For your information: if you wish to see the Grand Étang, the first two forest paths branching off to the right – one after 20 metres and the other after 500 metres – will take you there. Take a photo and return to the white path to continue your walk.

Worth a visit

Cyclists can enjoy the “Vaux-sur-Crône to Lamarche-sur-Saône” cycle route and discover the region’s flora and fauna. Numerous signs indicating the paths to take have been installed along the route. The 15 km route follows roads with little traffic and takes forest paths.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
Philippe COULOT
Philippe COULOT

Thank you for the information.

Best regards.

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DROUILLOT
DROUILLOT
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this lovely walk; best enjoyed at this time of year when the ground is dry.
Please note that the Grand Étang (4) is completely dry, as is the Étang du Fourneau (8), which has been drained for maintenance work.

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Philippe COULOT
Philippe COULOT

Thank you.

Kind regards.

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MARTDomi
MARTDomi

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk in the woods.
Peaceful, relaxing, with no particular difficulty

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chappard
chappard

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A walk without any difficulty. The ground was a bit soft in places and had been dug up by wild boars. We came across some roe deer. A pleasant route despite the bitter cold and the day’s biting wind. Lovely views over the ponds.

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Caroline Sennecey Rando
Caroline Sennecey Rando

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Difficulty finding section 36.

A lovely walk through the forest, with a beautiful view of the pond at point (4).

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Philippe COULOT
Philippe COULOT

Thank you.
Yes, I think the grassy patch between the two ridges must have been damp.
A good 500 metres where you realise you need proper waterproof shoes.
Best regards.

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fdomrichard
fdomrichard

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

An interesting route to take when it’s rained heavily, as is currently the case.

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Philippe COULOT
Philippe COULOT

Thank you.
See you soon, somewhere else, for new discoveries.

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goulou43
goulou43

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A really lovely walk – one to do again in the summer. Thank you

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