Écuelles walks

An easy family walk! This flat route, accessible to all, crosses the Palleau State Forest, a protected site listed as a Natura 2000 area. You’ll walk in the shade of a large deciduous forest. One of the jewels of the Palleau Forest’s wildlife is undoubtedly its bird population, with a remarkable diversity and density of certain species. For example, the density of middle spotted woodpeckers is one of the highest in France. The Palleau Forest is actively managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF). Forestry in the area is based on sustainable and responsible management, where timber production is balanced with the preservation of ecological riches. Thanks to selective high-forest management and natural regeneration, the forest maintains its biodiversity whilst meeting local economic needs.

This walk invites you to discover Saint-Grégoire Church, recognisable by its imperial-style bell tower, as well as the large-scale lock at Écuelles, a major structure for navigation on the Saône. The route also crosses the meadows of the Val de Saône, a refuge for the Eurasian curlew.

The Sentier des Hérons is a family-friendly circular walk, very easy and entirely flat, starting from Palleau town hall. The route follows the Bouzaize river before joining the Chemin du Meuzin, which marks the natural border with the Côte-d’Or. Along the way, you will see fields of miscanthus, a perennial herbaceous plant used for mulching, fuel and animal bedding. Miscanthus helps to improve wildlife biodiversity in the areas where it is grown. Studies have shown that planting miscanthus helps to encourage the presence of certain species. Furthermore, the plant is harvested outside the nesting season, ensuring that it does not disrupt the birds’ natural rhythm.

The “Entre pièces et rivières” trail invites walkers to discover Saint-Martin Church, notable for its half-timbered walls, and Saint-Grégoire-le-Grand Church, easily recognisable by its Franche-Comté-style bell tower with glazed tiles. Along the route lies the hamlet of Chazelle, where horses and cattle graze peacefully in the meadows in summer.

This walk along the Doubs takes you to the site where the remains of a 17th-century boat mill were discovered, a unique testament to the ingenuity of millers of yesteryear. The route also passes close to Île du Château, a preserved sensitive natural area rich in wildlife and birds.

This is an educational trail. Jack la Panouille and Max Decoop would love to spend a few days in the sun on the banks of the Saône. Without a moment’s hesitation, Max decides to take his friend to Verdun-Ciel, his home town. He’s already imagining the delights of the days ahead: a boat trip, a picnic and pike fishing.But, no sooner have they arrived in Verdun than everything goes awry. Max hasn’t even had time to cast a single line into the Saône before the whole trip goes down the drain: Jack has vanished! Panicked, he’s already imagining the worst. What if Jack la Panouille is in a right fix?! Immediately, Max sets off in search of his friend.Little does he know that he’s embarking on a long chase that will take him all over Verdun. He’ll have to ask for help from lots of characters who won’t hesitate to put him to the test to find Jack.Using the booklet available from the tourist office, complete the challenges to help Max find Jack.

The Tremblay Trail is a historic and picturesque circular route in the heart of the Doubs plain, completely flat and ideal for the whole family. The route invites you to discover a rich local heritage, from the church of Navilly and its neo-Gothic style to the magnificent Romanesque church of Pontoux, passing close to the remarkable18th-century Navilly Bridge, which spans the Doubs.

The Grand Bois de Pontoux trail is a particularly easy walk, almost entirely shaded. It’s the perfect outing for a refreshing break in the heart of nature, whilst strolling through a magnificent collection of unspoilt ponds. A rejuvenating getaway not to be missed!

An overview of Allerey-sur-Saône, a medieval crossroads. Its listed church, with its picturesque frescoes and its "castle". The remains of a watermill spanning the Dheune. You will cross the American Camp, where a military camp existed during the First World War. Its inexhaustible wash house. The remains of the bridge, destroyed during the Second World War, which linked Allerey sur Saône to Verdun sur le Doubs via "Le Petit Chauvort".

This walk takes you to the Moulin d’Hauterive, founded inthe 12th century by the monks of Cîteaux, and then along the route of an ancient Roman road linking Lyon to Trier. A walk through the history and landscapes of the Burgundian countryside.

A pleasant walk that takes you along the Saône from Seurre to Pagny-la-Ville and back, partly through woodland. There are plenty of picnic spots, particularly near Le Châtelet and Pagny-la-Ville.

This is an educational trail. Max found an old photo album belonging to his grandfather in his attic. He is charmed by the old photographs taken in Saint-Didier: typical farms, beautiful fishing ponds, and mouth-watering poultry. Without a moment’s hesitation, Max takes his friend Jack in the footsteps of his ancestor, but things have changed a great deal since the 1950s.

This route is fun and educational. On foot or by bike, join the two friends, Jack la Panouille and Max Decoop, on their adventures in Saint-Maurice-en-Rivière! With their ears pricked up, Max and Jack have heard rumours of a vast treasure. It seems the Holy Grail is to be found in the village. This might just be the chance for the two corn cobs to strike it rich and make a clean getaway for good! But our two adventurers have their work cut out for them... Help them on their journey!

Fellow walkers, this walk starting from the village of Chamblanc will take you through the villages of Lechâtelet and then Pagny-la-Ville along the banks of the Saône. The return route follows the flatlands back to Chamblanc. Avoid this walk in hot weather as there is little shade along the route.

Renowned for the diversity of its landscapes and the multitude of animal species it is home to, the Lower Doubs Valley forms part of the European network of the most prestigious natural areas: the Natura 2000 network. Over 160 bird species have been recorded across this protected area, including the European bee-eater, the bluethroat, the common tern, the whinchat and the kingfisher.

The Grand Pâquier Trail links the village of Damerey on the banks of the Saône, crossing a wet meadow classified as a Natura 2000 site. Along this themed trail, you’ll meet Élizabeth the Egret, the mascot, who playfully guides you as you discover the elements that make up the landscape and its diverse forms of life. Puzzles are provided at each totem.

Set off in search of the heritage of Saint-Martin-en-Bresse by exploring its 19th-century church, notable for its neo-Gothic style and colourful stained-glass windows, as well as the old railway station, once a hub of trade between the Bresse and Chalon, now gone but steeped in history.

This walk invites you to discover the local heritage: the Saugy wash house, once the heart of the hamlet; the Saône sluice gate, which regulates the river’s level; and the Caillet wash house, nestled in lush greenery. A stroll through nature and the village’s history.

This walk takes you past two landmarks of local history: Montcoy Castle, visible from the path and a feature of the Burgundian Bresse landscape, and the Guerfand motte, the remains of an ancient medieval fortified site. It is a walk combining nature and heritage.

Set off to explore the church of Villegaudin, a testament to the village’s past, walk near the Étang de Villegaudin, a haven of biodiversity, and finish at the Moulin de Gabrot, a former private mill nestled on the banks of the Cosne. A walk rich in nature and local heritage!

This is an educational trail. Jack la Panouille spent many years of his childhood in Allériot. He still cherishes the memory of a young girl from Bey with whom he is still secretly in love. With Max’s help, Jack decides to pluck up his courage and go and declare his love to the beautiful Adélaïde. Puzzles are dotted along the route to help the two friends reach their goal.