Loop from Cognières to Rougemont via the Chapel of Montaucivey

A beautiful loop starting from the town hall in Cognières, combining nature, heritage and tranquillity. The route passes through Montagney and runs alongside the Ognon river before climbing gently towards the woods and the Saint-Hilaire chapel, then the Montaucivey chapel, offering superb unobstructed views of the countryside. Pass through Rougemont and its national necropolis. Between typical villages, forests and rural paths, ponds and rivers, this walk offers a beautiful variety of landscapes and a rich heritage to discover, in a calm and bucolic atmosphere.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 17.60 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 232 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 225 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 404 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 247 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Cognières (70230)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 47.492677° / E 6.290519°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3422E, 3422O
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Description of the walk

Depart from Cognières Town Hall (parking available on site), heading towards Montagney.

(S/E) With your back to the town hall, join Rue Principale (D376) and follow it to the right. Turn into Rue de la Riotte and continue until you reach the D76. Continue to the D49.

(1) Cross the road carefully and turn right to take a very interesting detour via the old forge, an unusual place that is not to be missed. There is an exhibition of old stoves, remarkable industrial architecture and a space conducive to relaxation. In summer, temporary exhibitions are organised here, combining heritage and culture. Then continue along the Route de la Forge towards the D302, in a pleasant and peaceful setting.

(2) At the junction with the D302, turn right and cross the bridge over the River Ognon to enter the village of Montagney, a small hamlet with discreet charm, surrounded by nature and rich in typical rural heritage.

(3) At the entrance to the village, turn left onto Rue du Bois de Lassus and continue towards the cemetery, skirting the Bois de la Côte. This section allows you to enjoy a green and peaceful environment, ideal for immersing yourself in the surrounding nature.

(4) As you approach the woods, turn left to enter. The path crosses a pleasant, cool and shady forest area. At the edge of the woods, head towards the small hamlet of Chazelot, then turn right onto the D436.

(5) Cross the D436 with caution, then continue left for a short distance. Cross the small bridge over the Morchamps stream. Shortly afterwards, turn right onto a country lane that leads to a forest crossroads.

(6) At the crossroads, turn right to re-enter the forest. Follow this pleasant, even woodland path until you cross the GRP® des Sept Rivières trail.

(7) Turn left and follow it. Continue along this well-marked path through the Bois de la Côte. You will soon reach the Chapelle de Montaucivey, nestled in the heart of the landscape. This site offers a beautiful view, perfect for a contemplative break. Enjoy the panorama that opens up over the surrounding valleys.

(8) Continue towards Rougemont. In the village, there are beautiful views of the church and the citadel. Take the time to enjoy the village, on the market square, next to the fountain, where there is a bar and restaurant available for a break or refreshment.

(9) After passing the citadel and the church, two iconic monuments of the village, walk gently down to the lower part of the village. Take the opportunity to admire the local architecture and picturesque streets lined with old houses.

(10) At the bottom, carefully cross the D113 and continue on Route de Cuse, then turn left onto Devant Rougemontot lane, or Ruelle du Sabbat, which leads to the greenway.

(11) Turn left onto the greenway towards the old railway station, now tastefully renovated into holiday accommodation. It is a place steeped in history, bearing witness to the region's railway past. Continue along the greenway, which will guide you through peaceful, green surroundings towards the Rougemont National Necropolis.

(12) We recommend taking a detour to the necropolis. This sober and moving memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who fell during the conflicts. It also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Continue along the greenway.

(13) After crossing a magnificent iron bridge, a remnant of the old railway line. Nearby, you can take a detour to the Montferney mill by turning right onto a path and then carefully crossing the D29, where you can discover a leather workshop and a small craft shop. Once you have finished your visit and detour, retrace your steps. Then cross a natural area with pretty ponds and a very pleasant tree-lined path. Cross the D29 with caution .

(14) At this crossroads, you have two options:
– Follow the greenway (marked route).
– Or take a farm track on the right. This is suitable for horse riders and mountain bikers and also leads to Cognières.
If you continue along the greenway, you can take a detour to the splendid Cognières viaduct, a true feat of engineering overlooking the valley. Once you have crossed the viaduct, descend gently towards the village of Cognières, where you will rejoin the main route towards the town hall.

(15) Continue towards the village of Cognières and join the crossroads near the D49.

(1) Follow the same route back to the car park near Cognières Town Hall (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 268 m - Cognières Town Hall - Église de la Nativité de Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Cognières)
  2. 1 : km 1.15 - alt. 284 m - D49. Crossroads of the circular
  3. 2 : km 2.19 - alt. 250 m - Turn off towards the bridge over the - Ognon (rivière)
  4. 3 : km 2.64 - alt. 254 m - Montagney
  5. 4 : km 3.82 - alt. 281 m - Entrance to the Bois de la Côte
  6. 5 : km 5.88 - alt. 256 m - Crossing the D486
  7. 6 : km 6.51 - alt. 285 m - Crossroads
  8. 7 : km 8.52 - alt. 338 m - GRP junction
  9. 8 : km 10.23 - alt. 368 m - Chapelle de Montaucivey (Point du vue)
  10. 9 : km 11.09 - alt. 294 m - Rougemont Citadel
  11. 10 : km 11.38 - alt. 258 m - Cross the D486
  12. 11 : km 11.62 - alt. 258 m - Greenway junction
  13. 12 : km 12.65 - alt. 255 m - Rougemont National Necropolis - Chapelle Saint-Hilaire (Montferney)
  14. 13 : km 13.94 - alt. 249 m - Bridge - Ognon (rivière)
  15. 14 : km 14.43 - alt. 255 m - D29
  16. 15 : km 15.57 - alt. 269 m - Head towards Cognières.
  17. S/E : km 17.6 - alt. 268 m

Notes

Signposting: partial, particularly on the GRP® des Sept Rivières.

Access: by car: from Vesoul or Besançon, follow the D486.

Tips

  • Take care when crossing the D486 (fast traffic).

  • Bring water and good walking shoes.

  • Possible visits: allow a little extra time for cultural stops.

Worth a visit

  • Forge de Montagney: remarkable architecture, summer exhibitions and a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Montaucivey Chapel: lovely panoramic view of the valley.

  • Rougemont Citadel: free visit to the ramparts and church.

  • Rougemont National Necropolis: accessible memorial site.

  • Cognières Viaduct: ideal for photography enthusiasts and unobstructed views.

  • Forests and trails: several different walks to extend your adventure.

  • Local producers: cheese, honey and other artisan products in the villages along the way.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
cuzcodom
cuzcodom

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice hike.
We started by parking at point 1 (nice car park)
I agree with the few imperfections in the route description, but the big surprise was the necropolis.
For that alone, thank you to the creator.

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DROUILLOT
DROUILLOT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

There are no technical difficulties on this route, which passes through beautiful surroundings.
It takes you along quiet roads and beautiful forest trails, leading to a variety of beautiful and interesting discoveries, alternating between sunny and shaded sections.
Good description overall, to be confirmed with the GPS track. However, I would like to make the following clarifications/comments:
- at points (4) and (5), read "D486" instead of "D436";
- at point (7), the description and the map do not match: the former takes the GRP to the left and the latter continues straight ahead.
But in both cases, you arrive at the same place;
- at point (10), we couldn't find the small path that leads to the greenway. We reached it via the road;
- at point (13), we did not see where to go to get to the Montferney mill.
For lunch, there are two picnic tables at (7) and numerous benches at Rougemont (8).
There was a little traffic on the greenway, but nothing too bad.
Many thanks to Mélanie Gelhausen for this attractive suggestion.

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