Côte des Fourches circular

Start: Bourbonne-les-Bains Tourist Office.

(S/E) Opposite the office, turn left onto Promenade Wieskirchen and walk along the wooden planks over the stream. At the end of the path, cross the road and go down to the stream via a small flight of steps. Continue along the stream to the next bridge, which you must climb up, cross, and then go back down via the next flight of steps to rejoin the stream.

(1) At the next bridge, go up and cross Rue Colonel Benitte. Then first turn right then left to walk along the top of the stream beside the fence, with the car park on your right. At the end, cross Rue Daprey Blache and follow it to the left. Walk past a florist.

(2) At the roundabout, turn diagonally right onto Avenue du Lieutenant Gouby. Cross the Apance. Walk past the Hôtel de l’Agriculture, then past the Funeral Home.

(3) At the entrance to the next roundabout, use the first pedestrian crossing on the left to cross the avenue. Then go round the roundabout and take the first left, Rue du Souvenir Français, keeping to the left-hand pavement. Walk past the village hall.

(4) Continue straight ahead and, about 250m further on, cross the street and follow it along the right-hand pavement. Pass in front of the Étang de la Mazelle.

(5) After the large car park of a hotel, turn right onto a dirt track. This track climbs gently for 1.3 km, surrounded by meadows. Pass a track on the right and then another on the left to reach a T-junction.

(6) Turn right here and join the Route de Senaide. Follow this road to the right. Ignore all turn-offs to the left, pass two reservoirs and then the cemetery. At the end, cross the road at right angles (be careful, the pedestrian crossing is half-worn away and there is heavy traffic).

(4) Head down to the left.

(3) At the roundabout, take the first right onto Avenue du Lieutenant Gouby, which you took on the way there.

(2) At the next roundabout, take the second right onto Grande Rue. Keep all the streets and cul-de-sacs on your left.

(7) Head down Rue des Bains on the left, go straight on until you reach the Tourist Office (S/E).

From point (5), the path is somewhat overgrown with grass: take care to avoid ticks.

Beautiful scenery in the region.