Damprichard walks

Views of the Chassera and the wind turbines in Switzerland, with the landscapes of the Haut Doubs.

This is a challenging walk, best done in dry weather, with a steady climb followed by a fairly technical descent through undergrowth with roots and stones. Nature lovers will be delighted by the Doubs valley and its banks, the views from the Roches des Sommêtres and the architecture of the churches and houses in the village of Le Noirmont.

This short circular route allows you to visit the small town of Maîche, located in the Pays Horloger (Watchmaking Country). This short walk allows you to see much of the town's heritage, such as the Church of Saint-Pierre, the Château du Désert and its park, and the Chapelle des Anges. The route also passes in front of the châteaux of Montalembert and Mérode, which are private properties. Finally, the hike ends with a botanical trail that winds its way through the Côteau Saint-Michel.

The ladders will probably be closed until autumn. Along picturesque, steep paths, winding through a jumble of mossy rocks, La Crampoulotte and its old ladies offer wild views of the Doubs valley. After a stop at the old charcoal kiln, you will walk along the peaceful banks of the river, a haven for ducks and fishermen. Then, facing the Échelles de la Mort (Ladders of Death), which turn out to be comfortable family stairs, you will make a sporty return via the evocative Couleuse aux Loups.

Coming from Goumois (Switzerland), park at the end of the Vautenaivre leat, next to a small rest area (with barbecue).

From Montalembert Castle, built by the Guyot de Malseigne family from 1574 onwards, you will climb to various viewpoints: the Notre-Dame des Anges Chapel at the top of the beautiful Saint-Simon hill; then the Roche de Ruan via paths lined with majestic fir trees, forming a guard of honour; the pastures of Mont Miroir and its concert of cowbells with its view of Lomont and the Saint-Hyppolite valley; and finally, the Mont Joie viewpoint overlooking the city and Saint-Pierre Church.

The ladders are likely to remain closed until autumn. From the ‘Ladders of Death’ to the ‘Old Ladies’, here are two places that conjure up many poetic images. The ladders turn out to be comfortable, family-friendly staircases. As for these old ladies, they offer a wild view of the Franco-Swiss Doubs valley. Return via the peaceful riverbanks, a haven for ducks and anglers.

Superb hike in the Doubs Gorges offering magnificent panoramic views of the gorges and the surrounding Swiss Jura peaks. To get there, you will need to pass through the famous Échelles de la Mort, which are impressive but relatively easy to climb. Once you reach the ridge, you will go from the Cendrée viewpoint to the Vieilles Femelles viewpoint via the Crampoulotte viewpoint, before descending to the banks of the river via the magnificent Charbonnière du Haut site. The return journey is along a bucolic path with a pretty waterfall at the Ulysse bridge.

Starting from Maîche, pass through Les Bréseux to see, in particular, its Comtois-style church with magnificent modern stained glass windows, then on to Rochet du Bourbet, a viewpoint over the Dessoubre valley and picnic area. Return via the QuatreGrottes de Waroly, the Waroly waterfalls and the hamlet of La Lizerne. Several interesting viewpoints: Rochet du Bourbet, on the way down to the Château de l'Ermitage, then on the way back up to the hamlet of La Lizerne, among others.

There are no danger points on these ladders. This site, steeped in history, bears witness to the fear once inspired by these legendary places, the scene of many fatal accidents during the "bricotte" (smuggling) era, when the ladders were nothing more than tree trunks crossed by pieces of wood. Today, these comfortable family staircases, which you can climb safely, will allow you to discover the Doubs Gorges from a variety of viewpoints.

Beautiful views, a lovely setting and an unusual part of the hike, crossing the death ladders.

A picnic area with tables overlooks the Dessoubre valley at an altitude of nearly 750 metres. Old farms dating back to the 1960s cling to the mountainside. A wild valley where, perhaps, our Comtois Gauls performed their druidic rituals in sacred clearings. A natural rock known as the Devil's Castle overlooks the Waroly waterfall. Finally, caves carved out over centuries.

Are you only going to do one of these hikes? Then choose to explore this valley, a pure marvel! To start with, the Gorges du Doubs, which are full of sunny green beauty here. Then there are the light-filled forests towards Roche Guillaume and the mountain pastures, which overlook the valley. And the highlight: the Gorges de la Ronde, wild, lush and tropical in appearance, framed by high rocks, a world of stones, moss and ferns.

From the heart of Saint-Hyppolyte, nestled in the Revirot valley (where the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers meet), along its narrow streets lined with medieval houses, you will climb boldly towards the Chamesol plateau, a balcony overlooking the valley, to reach the viewpoint on the rocks and the vast cave where our ancestors built a castle that was unfortunately destroyed. Through beautiful forests and secret clearings, you will return via Soulce and its salt well, the Ursulines farm at the foot of the rocks and the tufa cave.

Saint-Hippolyte is located at the confluence of the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers in Franche-Comté. It is a small, picturesque tourist village at the gateway to the Pays Horloger (Watchmaking Country). The setting is enchanting: surrounded by the Jura mountains, the Dessoubre to the west and the Doubs to the north. The narrow streets are picturesque and the buildings are examples of the architecture of the Pays Horloger. It is of course possible to combine this short route with another discovery in the region.

The route offers views of the Doubs Valley and ends with a descent to Saint-Hippolyte from La Chapelle du Mont, passing close to the site of the Château de la Roche.

A ridge walk in the combe, with several geological features to discover and a wide view over the town of Saint-Hippolyte and the Doubs valley.

A short walk, suitable for families although the elevation gain may be daunting for very young children (at least 6 years old), best enjoyed on sunny days as the route is very shaded. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes as the route is also very stony

Geological and scenic hike offering numerous views of the Doubs valley and amazing natural sites to discover!