Fort de Pugey Circular Route

Park in front of the town hall in the village of Pugey, where there are several parking spaces available; alternatively, you can park in the market hall car park at the entrance to the village and walk to the town hall.

(S/E) Turn right onto Rue de la Maltournée (D142) and head up to the edge of the village. Continue through a stretch of
 through the woodland, you’ll come to a bend.

(1) Take the^first path on the left, heading towards the fort. Continue along this path through the woodland to the end to reach Fort de Pugey, which is unique in that it is buried.

(2) Then walk to the right of the fort, where you’ll see the front moat, heading towards a large rectangular stone lying across the path. You’ll emerge into a field where, on a clear day, you’ll have a view of the first plateaus of the Jura and the Franco-Swiss mountain range.
Then turn left and follow the edge of the field until you reach a small forest track branching off to the left. Once you’ve passed through the woodland, continue along the track that runs along the ridge. Head back down, keeping to the edge of the field. You’ll reach the junction with the Route de Levier.

(3) Here you’ll find a gap in the fence made from pallets. Turn left to reach the village of Pugey. After passing the first few houses, you’ll see the village’s old wash house on your left.
Cross the bridge and pass the^first junction on the left, then turn left at the^second junction to head back up to the village centre.
Carry on straight ahead to the town hall, or turn right to return to the market hall car park (S/E).

Part of the walk takes you along the edge of meadows, with a few barbed-wire crossings that are more or less well-maintained and therefore pose no difficulty. The farmers allow access provided you respect their crops, meadows and livestock. Please do stick to the path along the edge of the fields and close any gates behind you where there are any, and there won’t be any problems!

Pugey Fort is open to visitors during Heritage Days and on Saturdays; otherwise, you can take a virtual tour on the local council’s website.

Between (2) and (3), take a short break near the statue of the Virgin Mary to admire the view; plant enthusiasts will be able to spot several species typical of limestone grasslands. Others will no doubt see the Montbéliarde cattle grazing peacefully in the meadow – they’re very friendly.
For plant enthusiasts, consult the regional inventory; you’ll be able to spot many species typical of the Besançon hills, and if you look closely, you’ll see a clump of Goat’s-beard Orchid. Above all, don’t tread on it or pick it – as its name suggests, this flower has the distinctive feature of smelling of a goat.