Refine your search for walks in Canal du Rhône au Rhin
Canal du Rhône au Rhin walks
The Marquis' Castle
Visorando Member
8.24 mi
+1,056 ft
-1,056 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Abbans-Dessous (Doubs)
This hike, following in the footsteps of Marquis Claude François Dorothée de Jouffroy d'Abbans, naval architect and designer of the steamboat, will take you between the Loue and Doubs rivers, from oratories to churches, in the heart of our devout Comtois countryside, leaving you time to meditate on the twilight paths of our wooded mountains.
The Feudal Castle of Montferrand
6.62 mi
+640 ft
-640 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Montferrand-le-Château (Doubs)
This hike offers magnificent views of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warrior-like with the ruins of the feudal castle of Montferrand, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, and will lead you through bucolic me anders towards the beautifully named Notre-Dame de l'Assomption des Champs, protecting you from demonic medieval gargoyles.
La Chassignole, Mont Dommage and Roche de Châtard
7.41 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,627 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Baume-les-Dames (Doubs)
A beautiful stretch of cliffs and steep forest slopes offer magnificent views of the valley along a superb ridge path, ending with a glimpse of the industrial past of Baume-les-Dames with its old pipe factory and paper mill on the riverbank.
Eschau - Fegersheim - Saint-Ulrich - Eschau
6.66 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Bas-Rhin
A country circuit through forests, villages, fields and rivers.
Along the former bed of the Rhine: from the drawbridge to the Ecluse
4.18 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Kembs (Haut-Rhin)
Before the construction of the Canal of Alsace (1928), the Rhine extended its arms east of the Huningue Canal (1806) over a wide area of 1km to 2km. From the Rhone Canal on the North Rhine to the Barre d'Istein on the Old Rhine, along paths and trails often in the protected areas of the "Little Alsatian Camargue.", you'll discover numerous natural and industrial sites related to the history of the Rhine.
Begin with a stroll between the drawbridge of Kembs (1831) and l'Ecluse Le Corbusier (1961).
The Rocks of Château Loriot, the Chapel of Aigremont
8.20 mi
+1,955 ft
-1,955 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Deluz (Doubs)
This is a challenging hike offering three viewpoints over the Doubs valley and its meanders, the Val de Roulans, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. You will visit the two villages in the valley, Laissey and Deluz, which are peaceful today but still echo with the industrious sounds of the old mines and paper mills, and enjoy their genuine and simple riches: here a naive war memorial, there an ancient forgotten cul-de-four oven or an old wash house.
A trail along the ridges and banks of the river Doubs between Vorges-les-Pins and Busy
6.36 mi
+794 ft
-794 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Vorges-les-Pins (Doubs)
A stroll along the ridge separating the Loue Valley and that of the river Doubs and then along the banks of the Doubs with a panoramic view of the Château de Montferrand ruins.
Baume-les-Dames. Doubs, Canal and Croix de Châtard
5.51 mi
+676 ft
-676 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Baume-les-Dames (Doubs)
A short post-lunch walk for the whole family along the Doubs and on the heights of Baumes-les-Dames.
The Fort of Planoise
3.92 mi
+869 ft
-850 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Avanne-Aveney (Doubs)
Starting from the church in Avanne, you will walk along the river, climb up to the cabordes, old dry stone winegrowers' huts, then on to Fort de Planoise or Fort Moncey, built in 1877, the first defensive rampart of the city of Besançon. You will pass numerous batteries and fortifications at a military pace, then stop at the superb viewpoints, one overlooking Besançon and its hills, the second to the south, overlooking the Doubs valley and the Jura mountains.
Dole, its canals and its river, the Doubs
2.33 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Dole (Jura)
Easy stroll through the canals of Dole.
View of Dole and its Collegiate Church.
The Crêtes trail and the Pierre de Vorges
9.78 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,453 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Busy (Doubs)
A short climb to warm up your legs and discover two villages and exceptional views over the Doubs and Loue valleys, the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Mont, overlooking the valley, the Château de Thoraise above the river, the feudal castle of Montferrand and its medieval keep overlooking the meanders and, on the horizon, Besançon. Then a more leisurely return via the towpath, along the banks of the Doubs in the protective shade of the ruins.
Boussières: Notre-Dame du Mont
9.73 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,138 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Boussières (Doubs)
From Virgin to Virgin, not forgetting the big bad wolves, you will discover a superb panorama of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warlike with the ruins of Montferrand Castle, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, commercial with the Percée de Thoraise. As you climb the Éssart du Loup, you can dream of those distant times when the simple, tranquil beauty of our Comtois landscapes could be disturbed by sinister encounters.
La Roche d'Or
7.22 mi
+1,309 ft
-1,319 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
An urban hike to discover the hills of Besançon. Natural factors such as soil, climate and altitude, combined with the action of water, have shaped the hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont, which are remarkable natural areas. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of unspoilt nature, proving that our provincial Besançon has managed to remain a city in the countryside.
La Percée de Thoraise
3.39 mi
+584 ft
-584 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Thoraise (Doubs)
Discover panoramic views of the Doubs valley, the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Mont and, dominating the valley, the feudal castle of Montferrand and its medieval keep overlooking the meanders. Then a picturesque steep path will take you down through a beautiful forest of slender trees to the Canal Monsieur dit la Percée de Thoraise, a 185-metre tunnel dating from 1810.
The Fortifications of Besançon
8.85 mi
+1,854 ft
-1,850 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
Just a stone's throw from Besançon city centre, this hike will allow you to discover the capital of Franche-Comté from several different viewpoints. You will also discover the Citadel built by Vauban and several other forts and architectural features that made up the city's fortification system.
The snowdrops of Saint-Bernard
7.46 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Heidwiller (Haut-Rhin)
It is in late February and early March that you should go to meet spring in the forest of Saint-Bernard. This is where the snowdrops appear, signalling the end of winter.
Fort de Chaudanne in Besançon
4.17 mi
+712 ft
-715 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
Hike to discover Fort de Chaudanne with its panoramic view of Besançon and the citadel and the small paths surrounding the site.
Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel in Thoraise
2.82 mi
+492 ft
-518 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Thoraise (Doubs)
Visit the Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel in Thoraise. Superb view of the Doubs and Montferrand Castle.
La voie romaine de Trois Châtels
3.85 mi
+633 ft
-633 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Morre (Doubs)
Du splendide belvédère de Notre-Dame de la Libération, sur la boucle surmontée de sa Citadelle et sur les monts jurassiens, vous poursuivrez par la voie romaine vers la Grotte-Ermitage de Saint-Léonard et reviendrez à la chapelle par les Monts des Buis.
Sources d'Arcier and Vaire-le-Grand
8.54 mi
+794 ft
-794 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chalèze (Doubs)
Hike starting in the village, then through the Chalèze woods to reach the Arcier springs. The return journey is along the Doubs river via the cycle path.
Route around Brunstatt
4.51 mi
+394 ft
-384 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Brunstatt (Haut-Rhin)
A walk to discover Brunstatt and its hills, mostly through fields, with beautiful views of the Vosges mountains.
The citadel and the Vauban Canal
5.99 mi
+33 ft
-36 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Neuf-Brisach (Haut-Rhin)
A stroll along the fortifications built by Vauban, a tour of the surrounding countryside, return via the Vauban Canal, a tour of the fishing ponds and return to the town via the fortifications.
The Cabordes Trail
6.22 mi
+1,795 ft
-1,821 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
Present on the hills of Besançon since the 16th century, these dry stone constructions without mortar are a reminder of a time when vineyards stretched across the hillsides. A niche, a bench, a fireplace, they allowed the winegrower to store his tools, shelter in case of a storm and perhaps sleep there for a night, as the city gates closed every evening at 10:45 p.m. until 1875. Along the way, you will discover no fewer than five belvederes and the forts of Rosemont and Planoise.
The Chaudanne trails
3.85 mi
+876 ft
-856 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
A short climb up one of Besançon's seven hills: Chaudanne, with its unspoilt natural beauty, its dry grasslands shaped by nature and man, its fort and its views of the Citadel, the old town and the southern Doubs valley.
Beure and the Chapelle des Buis in Besançon
7.50 mi
+945 ft
-928 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
Hike to discover several viewpoints on the outskirts of Besançon.
The Sous Roche Cave
4.63 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,165 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Deluz (Doubs)
Forest walk to the viewpoint of the Chapelle de Montoille sur Deluz and the Doubs valley, peaceful today but still echoing with the industrious sounds of the old mines and paper mills of yesteryear, to the Rochers du Château Loriot viewpoint, and finally down to the Grotte de sous Roche and the village.
The keep of Monferrand and the Bois Rapin
5.24 mi
+866 ft
-863 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Montferrand-le-Château (Doubs)
This hike offers magnificent views of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warlike with the ruins of the feudal castle of Montferrand, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, all while travelling along a beautiful ridge line.
The three rivers south of Strasbourg
18.20 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
Starting from Strasbourg, explore the peaceful banks of the Ill and observe its wildlife. Follow the dark waters of the mysterious Schwarzwasser as it winds its way through the heart of the Neuhof Forest. Finally, criss-cross the paths of the Rhine Tortu, which undulate to the gates of the city.
Between water and forest, set your sights on unspoilt, peaceful nature, yet so close to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Around the Château de Montferrand-le-Château
4.42 mi
+564 ft
-564 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Montferrand-le-Château (Doubs)
Visit the ruins of Montferrand le Château castle.
Besançon, its citadel and its circular loop
3.42 mi
+348 ft
-358 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
The citadel, a masterpiece by Vauban, overlooks the old town, which is enclosed in a circular bend in the river (the Boucle), from a height of over 100 metres. Its ramparts offer spectacular panoramic views. You will climb up along the ramparts and casemates, then descend the other side towards the entrance to the city, the Porte Rivotte and the toll house. Then, walking along the riverbank, you will discover the towers and bastions that protect the city, ending at the Gare d'Eau, the old goods port.
La Roche Blanche
9.37 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,142 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vaire-Arcier (Doubs)
From the sumptuous Château de Vaire-le-Grand, the whim and ruin of Jean-Antoine Boisot, son of a close friend of King Louis XIV, you will climb towards La Roche Blanche. This is an unsecured viewpoint (caution!) over the Doubs valley. You will be taken by surprise by the rustic fountain of Les Tilleuls and descend via the beautiful sunken path lined with wild garlic at La Vacherie. You will then return along the riverbank, in the shade of the Rochers du Château Loriot, to discover the old paper mill.
The Traîne Bâton path
4.46 mi
+778 ft
-797 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Morre (Doubs)
From the ancient Fontaine de Janniet, lost in the depths of the woods where, perhaps, the Vouivre dragon once gazed at its reflection in its green waters, you will plunge into the wild freshness of the Nacra valley. Then, slipping under the ruins of the old castle, accompanied by the scent of boxwood so characteristic of our limestone mountains, you will return, following the river and climbing back up the mountain via the beautifully named "Chemin du Traîne Bâton" (Walking Stick Path).
Mont Dommage
Tourist office
7.07 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,516 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Baume-les-Dames (Doubs)
The hike at Baume-les-Dames undoubtedly offers the most beautiful view of the Doubs valley "canyon". From the Chassignole viewpoint, you can see the Doubs river winding its way through the valley.
The old Thoraise, the Notre-Dame du Mont viewpoint and the Canal Monsieur
3.93 mi
+600 ft
-604 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Thoraise (Doubs)
Discover Thoraise, its narrow streets and ancient postern gates, its castle and the banks of the Doubs. Then climb up to the Notre-Dame du Mont viewpoint overlooking the valley and the keep of the feudal castle of Montferrand, ending finally at the Thoraise breakthrough and the Monsieur canal.
Circular Courlis and Rhône-Rhine Canal
7.77 mi
+69 ft
-66 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Montreux-Château (Territoire-de-Belfort)
A pleasant hike in Montreux-Château, 15 km east of Belfort.
It will allow you to discover some very pretty villages:
- Autrage and Novillard with their pretty half-timbered houses.
- Petit-Croix with the Pégoud monument.
- Montreux-Château with its beautiful chapel and the motte castrale, the remains of a medieval castle.
The route is marked with a blue disc.
Part of the cycle route in Voujeaucourt
4.20 mi
+105 ft
-105 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Voujeaucourt (Doubs)
Discover the bridges in Voujeaucourt: Bridge over the Doubs, railway bridge over the canal.
An easy hike.
The Ill and lock 81 through fields and forest
5.92 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Nordhouse (Bas-Rhin)
Hike between fields and forest near Nordhouse. Pass through the village of Hipsheim and return via the Rhône-Rhine canal. Pass by the Borne 2000 monument in Nordhouse.
On the path of the Monks of Cluny
5.60 mi
+154 ft
-148 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Brebotte (Territoire-de-Belfort)
Froidefontaine was founded around 1100, when monks from Cluny established a priory in a marshy area. All that remains of the Benedictine monastery church is the 12th-century Romanesque apse. Three human heads can be seen on the cornice. The gravestones on either side of the portal date from 1750. The presbytery next to the church is remarkable for its size.
The Champ des Creux fountain
5.17 mi
+968 ft
-971 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Chalèze (Doubs)
There are plenty of fountains along this forest walk, which will take you scrambling at the foot of high rocks to discover a pretty little valley and forgotten fountains, before returning along a charming circular route of the Doubs.
Fort de Chaudanne
2.53 mi
+581 ft
-574 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
From the countryside to the city: crossing the dry grasslands, shaped by human hands for centuries, you’ll climb up to Fort de Chaudanne and its views over the old town, crowned by its protective citadel. You’ll descend the wooded hillside along a lovely path to follow the peaceful river, stopping for a moment by the bubbling waters of the old dam at the foot of the ramparts.
Roche de Chatard - Fente de Babre
7.84 mi
+1,388 ft
-1,368 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Baume-les-Dames (Doubs)
A walk along the ridges above Baume-les-Dames. Magnificent views over the Doubs and an easy return via the cycle path.
Le Rosemont
3.12 mi
+1,063 ft
-1,063 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Besançon (Doubs)
An urban hike, you might say, but one which, as you climb Rosemont and La Roche d’Or, will offer you a wealth of nature just a stone’s throw from the old town and the new town, with its steep cliff-top paths, the beautifully named Combe de l'Oeillet, its old cabordes, and its scree slopes formed by the natural weathering of the cliffs and the piles of stones left by our forebears, who cultivated our Besançon hillsides in terraces.
From the banks of the Quatelbach to the Rhône-Rhine Canal
5.83 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Baldersheim (Haut-Rhin)
A route north-east of Mulhouse, along the Quatelbach, then towards the Hardt, passing by the canal and the gravel pits. Classic lowland landscapes with lovely views of the Vosges and the Black Forest. Much of the route follows tarmac cycle paths and routes.
Thoraise Plain Circular Route
5.38 mi
+52 ft
-52 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Thoraise (Doubs)
A circular walk in the Thoraise plain, with no difficulty whatsoever. The first circular route takes you along the Doubs and past the military camp, then through the Monsieur Canal tunnel.
The second loop takes you upstream along the cycle route, followed by a visit to the picturesque site of La Pierre de Vorges, with a return route through the woods. You can also see the Convent of Bethany on the opposite bank and the site of the canal tunnel. There is also a fine view of the ruins of Montferrand Castle.
Circular Bois d'Ambre starting from Saint-Vit
5.59 mi
+308 ft
-308 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Vit (Doubs)
Explore the southern part of Saint-Vit, the Bois d’Ambre and its remarkable trees, the Rhône-Rhine Canal, the sand pits, the agricultural plain and the sports complex.
The Croix de Châtard
5.11 mi
+568 ft
-568 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Baume-les-Dames (Doubs)
The “Croix de Châtard” walk is by far the number one in the top five walks in Baume-les-Dames.
If you only have time for one hike during your visit, this is definitely the one to do.
Accessible and of moderate difficulty, it offers superb views over Baume-les-Dames and the Doubs valley.
The Pierre des Vorges Trail
4.51 mi
+413 ft
-427 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Busy (Doubs)
Here is a walk to enjoy a stretch of the Doubs Valley. This route will allow walkers to enjoy the Gevrey Forest, follow the paths, reach the banks of the Doubs, make the most of the cycle route to take in the typical landscapes of the Doubs Valley – including the ruins of Montferrand Castle – and head back up towards Busy via Le Moulinot.
Hike organised by Grand Besançon Métropole.
Circular walk around Boussières via the Caillet Mill and Notre Dame du Mont
5.61 mi
+604 ft
-591 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Boussières (Doubs)
A short family walk combining a tarmac road at the start, followed by long stretches through woodland before climbing up to the chapel to enjoy a magnificent view over the Doubs valley and Besançon.
Busy – the Pierre de Vorges – Monument 1870 – Busy
9.90 mi
+689 ft
-692 ft
1 hr
Easy
Departure from Busy (Doubs)
A lovely walk or mountain bike ride. A gentle, steady gradient over 7.5 km with an elevation gain of around 220 m. Lovely view from the pass (1870 monument).
The Rebberg district of Mulhouse
6.74 mi
+436 ft
-440 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin)
The Rebberg district of Mulhouse is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Alsace. For the duration of your walk, forget that you’re right in the city centre as you wander through the various streets and alleyways of this impressive neighbourhood, which is striking both for its ever-present greenery and its many breathtaking mansions.