Dole walks

Easy stroll through the canals of Dole. View of Dole and its Collegiate Church.

The Échappée Jurassienne is an invitation to discover, step by step, the striking diversity of the Jura Mountains. This 15-day itinerary links the west to the east, from the plains to the mountains, crossing the unspoilt landscapes of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, far from the borders and close to the essentials. From the peaceful canals of Dole, the trail winds its way through the most iconic sites of the Jura: the Cirque de Baume, lakes, remote valleys, viewpoints and deep forests, before ending majestically in Saint-Claude, a town nestled in the heart of the mountains. Over the course of these 311 km, this itinerary becomes much more than a hike: it is a true distillation of the most exceptional things the Jura has to offer. The richness of the landscapes, the contrasts in altitude and the authenticity of the villages you encounter allow everyone to surpass themselves, immerse themselves fully in the wild beauty and reconnect with the essentials.

First stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. This stage starts off relatively easily. Leaving Dole station, you walk through the narrow streets of the town centre of Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur, nicknamed "Little Venice" because it is crossed by the River Doubs, which gives it all its charm.Then, inthe second part of the route, you will find some cool shade in the Chaux forest before reaching the village of Vieille-Loye, built in the heart of a cleared clearing, once part of thesecond largest deciduous forest in France.

An easy route through the countryside and forest, passing through villages in Franche-Comté.

Discover the commune of Amange on a route with several information panels describing the buildings and places you pass.

This circular route allows you to discover the village of Labergement-Lès-Auxonne, its 12th-century Saint-Étienne Church with its 17th-century altarpiece and altar, the banks of the Saône with the Voie Bleue and market gardens.

Second stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. The first 12 kilometres of this route are sheltered by the Chaux forest. Pay close attention to the signposts so you don't get lost! As you leave the edge of the woods, you will discover an architectural gem: the village of Arc-et-Senans, home to the Royal Saltworks, which will take you on a journey through the history of salt in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.

This circular will allow you to see the incredible Grotte de l'Ermitage, the Boyon Cross and other cross-shaped crosses, as well as Moissey's heritage, its castle, fountain and church. You will also have a long walk through the Bois de La Serre. In this wood, part of the path is not maintained and you will probably, like me, have to go around a few trees that have fallen during storms.

Circular route starting from Pointre, to see castles, an archaeological site, woods, water... passing through Frasne-les-Meulières and the two Montmireys.A very varied route, combining the discovery of nature and interesting historical sites to visit, with a charming section through wooded hills, returning via winding paths through the forest.

During this hike, we will pass through Montmirey-le-Château, then walk through the grounds of Montmirey-la-Ville Castle before climbing Mont Guerin, which offers a magnificent view from the oratory. We will then descend to Frasne-la-Meulières, with its church, cross-shaped crosses and wash house. Once again, we will pass through Montmirey-la-Ville with its wash house, chapel, church and the ruins of its medieval castle.

This hike is inspired by one suggested by the local tourist office. We wanted to avoid roads, so this is a pleasant hike through the Saône plain along farm tracks.

Hike through the Bois des Ratières and Bois des Cognés woods where, depending on the season, you will discover these woods and their colours. Pass through Poncey-lés-Athée (unusual chapel) and walk along the banks of the Saône (dam). Return through the meadows.

Four-kilometre trail with educational panels on seven themes related to natural and man-made environments and their associated biodiversity. Near the Mératon Sensitive Natural Area, you can enjoy views of oxbow lakes and reed beds and perhaps spot some wildlife!

Hikers taking their time as they pass through the small village of Ougney will find their gaze drawn for a few seconds to an old, massive, cylindrical tower. During this hike, we will walk from Ougney to Saligney, then head towards Gendrey and Taxenne before returning to Ougney. The rolling, green countryside will give you a glimpse of part of the northern Jura (39).

Pesmes is a French commune located in the Haute-Saône department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. The commune has been awarded the labels "Cité de Caractère de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté" (Town of Character of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) and "L'un des plus beaux villages de France" (One of the most beautiful villages in France).

Perched in the heart of the Ognon Valley, Pesmes is a real gem of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Take the "du martin-pêcheur aux remparts" loop trail and let yourself be charmed by the harmony between the remarkable architectural heritage and the natural setting. Narrow streets wind their way between elegant Renaissance houses and imposing medieval fortifications. Following the Ognon river, the trail will take you to the Forges site, a former industrial complex. Here you will discover the combination of water, wood, ore and human labour.

Hike in the Pesmes forges and along the Ognon river.