Dambenoît-lès-Colombe walks

If you are looking for a ride for you and your family as the warm weather approaches, here is a circular route where the first part is shaded by the trees lining the greenway and the second part is on the roads of our small villages, with a few rather steep climbs on the way back, guaranteed to make you sweat.

Travel at nature's pace through the ponds, forest and peat bog of La Grande Pile, a true natural gem of the Southern Vosges. Along the route, there are eight information stations to discover so you don't miss any of the wonders of the La Grande Pile Regional Nature Reserve.

Circular walk between Magny-Vernois and Vy-lès-Lure, passing through two fitness trails on the banks of the Reigne.

The name of the village comes from “Magny”, meaning a rural house, and “Vernois”, a place planted with alders. Originally, Le Magny-Vernois was just a farm belonging to Lure Abbey! Since then, the fitness trail, the Sentier de la Reigne (5 km), takes you past the mill and into the woodland to admire the river. On this shaded path, the water’s magnificent colour, the tranquillity, and the lush flora and fauna offer a wonderful change of scenery. To return to Magny-Vernois, the path follows part of the Voie Verte.

A hilly route in the countryside, without any major difficulties.

On the outskirts of the spa town of Luxeuil-les-Bains, the Forêt des Sept Chevaux and its two lakes invite you to enjoy a walk in the heart of nature, in a preserved environment. Well-shaded and easily accessible, this route offers lovely views all year round. For those wishing to shorten the route, the Circuit des Deux Lacs, 2.5 km long, allows you to walk around the site in about an hour.

Luxeuil-les-Bains is one of the many spa towns in the Haute-Saône. This route allows you to discover all its heritage, such as the abbey, the Basilica of Saint-Pierre, the Tour des Échevins and the thermal baths of Luxeuil. Many of the buildings are constructed from local stone sourced from the Vosges. This charming route allows you to wander around this spa town for several hours. You might even return with some Luxeuil ham. This walk is classified as ‘moderate’ as it is over 10 kilometres long and may not be suitable for younger children.

A beautiful walk in the forest with a bog, numerous ponds and the Saint-Desle fountain. Very pleasant in summer.Please note that during the week, part of the route may be closed for military reasons (proximity to a firing range). Check with the town hall on 03 63 75 80 63. In this case, it is possible to go from point (4) to point (9) by following the tarmac road. (Route reduced by 4 km).

With an accessible 11 km route, the Bruyères circular path offers an immersion in a preserved and diverse natural heritage. The trail winds through landscapes alternating between shady forests, meadows, ponds, streams and memorials. There are two variants to shorten the route: 5.5 km and 9 km. At the start, a path descends from the car park to the ponds and the communal orchard, running alongside the river through meadows where you can enjoy the rich diversity of flora and trees. Depending on the season, take the time to observe the multitude of habitats and the astonishing variety of flowers, frogs, mosses and mushrooms in the undergrowth.

Starting from the Banney animal park, where you can admire wild boar and deer, and close to the Luxeuil-les-Bains spa centre, you will walk through woods to admire Gallo-Roman remains such as the pretty Vosges sandstone fountains. You can refresh yourself, rest or have a picnic on the wooden and stone tables provided.

The Banney Forest marks the transition between the beech-rich forests of the Vosges Saônoises and the varied species of the Haute-Saône plains. This ancient forest, once owned by the monks of Luxeuil Abbey, has many treasures: springs, fountains, an old Roman road and the Route Napoléon.

This fairly shaded hiking route will allow you to discover the historical heritage of the villages of Belmont and La Lanterne-et-les-Armonts, as well as the surrounding ponds such as the Grand Pas Saint-Martin, not to mention the La Lanterne river, which rises in the village and flows into the Saône at Conflandey.

Wandering along the banks of the Colombine is the very charm of this country path.

Set off to discover the legend of the Virgin of Mont Gédry and the statue of Notre-Dame. According to legend, the summit of the hill was crowned by a beautiful, gentle clearing of wild grasses. There stood a mysterious pink sandstone rock: La Tounôle. The hill offers a magnificent view of the first foothills of the Vosges Mountains.

If, like me, you enjoy recharging your batteries in peaceful spots whilst discovering various mysterious places, this route is perfect for you.

Hike in the hills above the village of Breuchotte, passing through the heart of the forest, then near ponds and the Breuchin river. Some beautiful views to discover. A steep climb at the start.

As part of its nature education programme, the Haute-Saône Hunting Federation has created an educational trail about wildlife and its habitats. In the heart of nature, you will find fun, interactive information points and display boards presenting the animals that live in the areas you pass through. The trail also passes through a remarkable area classified as a Natura 2000 site, notably for its dry grassland habitat and its discreet orchids.

A short walk between several small villages, allowing you to discover a beautiful fortified castle and a unique dolmen.

This route revisits, refines and extends northwards the original“Route of Stones and Ponds starting from Raddon-et-Chapendu” proposed by the Luxeuil-les-Bains and Southern Vosges Tourist Office, adding two remarkable “stones” and offering a well-equipped picnic area, conveniently situated halfway along the route.Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Saône Vosges: traditional dwellings (lava-tiled roofs), chalots, lavière (dry-stone huts), forest, ponds and erratic boulders.

A lovely walk through the woods, passing four ponds: Trésurier, Sommepey, la Remoulure and la Cubette.

A circular loop to discover one of the megaliths recorded in Franche-Comté. Expect a steep climb from the start to point 1 and then between points 2 and 3.

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Columbanus, a monk from Ireland and founder of the Abbey of Luxeuil-les-Bains, and discover the religious heritage of Sainte-Marie-en-Chanois. From the top of the Saint-Colomban Chapel, take a break and admire the view over the Breuchin Valley. Next to the chapel is the cave, whose ceiling has now collapsed, where the monk liked to retreat to pray in solitude.

Founded by the first Christian missionaries from Ireland, Fontaine-lès-Luxeuil has preserved the memory of times gone by in the stones of its built heritage. You’ll also be charmed by the gentle tranquillity that reigns in the neighbouring forests.

Founded by the first Christian missionaries from Ireland, Fontaine-lès-Luxeuil has preserved the memory of time in the stones of its built heritage. These snippets of history can be discovered along this walking route, which is dotted with information boards. As you read them, you will learn about the history of the heritage, the distinctive features of the local flora and fauna, as well as certain events that have taken place within the local area.

A delightful hike through magnificent sites on the Plateau des 1000 Étangs. Perfect for families or groups of friends.

Starting from Écromagny, this family route will charm you with the beauty of the sites it passes through, including the Viaux peat bog (a veritable Noah's Ark of plants), the remarkable Pellevin and Dame ponds, views of the Vosges mountains and traces of life in the past with the Bégeot mill. A change of scenery guaranteed! Once you've finished your hike, set off to explore the village with a 1.5 km discovery route.

This circuit invites you to discover the natural and human heritage of the Vosges Saônoises. Scattered dwellings, crosses, fountains, chalots, lava roofs, typical farms, lavière and bread ovens line the route. Majestic forests, magical ponds, erratic boulders and cherry orchards transport you to a world where nature reigns supreme. Take the time to explore and soak up this unique atmosphere, perfect for meditation.

The route passes by the Madone de Dampvalley, descends to Dampvalley-les-Colombe, then follows the Colombine to the Veuvey spring (karst resurgences) and returns via the plateau.

A short circular walk to discover two megaliths in Franche-Comté.

A challenging hike in the footsteps of the industrial past of the Gouhenans region (mine shafts, saltworks).

Colombe-lès-Vesoul, perched on the edge of the limestone plateau, overlooks the green and narrow Colombine valley. The 18th-century castle marks the entrance to the old village.

Circular route on the plateau between Faucogney and Saint-Bresson. You will discover some of the thousand ponds, several calvaries including the Monumental Cross of Montdahin, a few hamlets, vestiges of the past (farm ruins) and new and beautiful views following the damage to the forest caused by the bark beetle. Please note that this is an unmarked route, using paths and small tarmac roads with no heavy traffic.

An easy walk with little elevation gain, mostly in the shade of the woods. Passes by the Essernay chapel and a few beautifully restored old farmhouses. A route best enjoyed on a hot day.

After the Breuchin plain followed by a beautiful climb, you will travel through the Beuletin valley and the unique landscapes of the 1000 Étangs with its stretches of water, peat bogs, viewpoints, small villages, crosses and calvaries. Then, at the end of the route, you will discover the site of the Saint-Martin Church overlooking the village of Faucogney. An unforgettable viewpoint!

A lovely walk featuring numerous ascents and descents of varying lengths and steepness, hence the nickname ‘rollercoaster’. After a view of Faucogney-et-la-Mer from the heights at Rochenoz, a lovely walk, mostly through woods and past ponds, leads to Saint-Martin Church. All that remains is to head back via the Chemin des Morts.

A walk that takes you mainly through magnificent beech and fir forests, with lovely views and several crosses.

This eight-kilometre route will introduce you to all the attractions of the Saint-Bresson valley through nine information panels covering the themes of geology, water, wood and farms of yesteryear. After a stretch along a small tarmac road, you’ll walk along the hillside on either side of the valley to reach a plateau dotted with ponds.

A pleasant, easy walk in a typical area of the Vosges Saônoise, through meadows and forests with streams and ponds. The route takes you past some of the area’s religious heritage, notably nineteen crosses or calvaries and two chapels, as well as the ruins of several farms and several viewpoints over the Vosges mountains.

From the church in Saint-Bresson, the route takes a small road and then winds its way up a shaded hill to reach a plateau. The route passes through numerous hamlets typical of the Vosges region. Traditional farms and small religious heritage sites punctuate this walk, which offers some very pretty views. This hike offers a wide variety of landscapes with numerous ponds.

Starting from the church of Saint-Bresson with its glazed tile bell tower, this route invites you to discover the rural heritage of this small village nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Chalot, chapels, wayside crosses, calvaries, boundary stones, fountains and carved stones punctuate this route, which is full of surprises. The natural heritage is also in the spotlight with some superb views.

Near the village of Anjeux, this route allows you to explore the mysterious Source du Planey and its turquoise waters. This resurgence of the Semouse features crystal-clear water whose colour changes with the hours and seasons. Throughout the route, information boards and reading panels will help you gain a better understanding of this remarkable site.