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(S) Small hunting car park on the D143, above the Fontain tunnels on the 4 Voies des Mercureaux, in front of a wooden barrier that closes off the path to the Fort. You can also start from the car park in front of Notre-Dame de la Libération, which is easier to find. Yellow-blue markings.
As soon as you get out of the car, you will see a viewpoint over the Vallée des Mercureaux. Facing the barrier, you will see three paths (not counting the main road). Take the one on the left, which is blocked by a yellow and black metal barrier. At the X-shaped crossroads, continue straight ahead along the same path.
(1) Opposite the first house in the village of Fontain, about fifty steps after a chicane barrier, at a stone marker, climb up the hillside on the right via the small path, despite the cross prohibiting you from doing so. When you see the fort walls, head to the left, go down into the ditch, then follow the wall to the left towards the houses. Go down the small tarmac road.
(2) About fifty metres after No. 40, go down to the right along the stony path. You can continue for another thirty steps along the tarmac road for a view of the first plateau, the Gratteris cliffs, Montrond and Mont Poupet. At the fork marked by an old stone marker, turn right.
(3) You will come to another stony path at a wooden barrier and continue downhill on the left. At the dead end sign, continue straight ahead. 400 metres further down, continue right along the small tarmac road to the Chapelle des Buis chapel, leaving the dead end on your right after the bridge, then before the first houses, leave the stony path on your left.
(4) At No. 12, turn left onto the small path that climbs up at the corner of the house. You will pass an astonishing lion statue. Continue to the forecourt of the Chapelle des Buis for a superb view of the Citadel overlooking the city of Besançon. Head towards the village and, after the chapel, turn left to reach Notre Dame de la Libération. Another viewpoint over the circular route. On the way, you will see the ruins of the powder magazine. Walk around the Virgin Mary statue, then visit the crypt. Return to the car park, then head down towards the village and, after the small bridge, turn immediately left onto the stony path.
(5) You will come to a wider forest path which you follow downhill to the right. At the junction with another stony path (signposted Réserve de Chasses), continue straight on until you reach the D144, which you take on the left. Fifty metres before the intersection sign, turn right onto the small path (at a large rock), leaving the marked trail.
(6) Cross the D143 and continue straight ahead along the path at the edge of the woods. After fifty metres, climb the hill along the gravel path to the reservoir. At the top, opposite the stairs, take the path on the right, at the foot of the electricity pole. You will reach the D143 via wooden steps. Cross carefully (bend with poor visibility) and head left to return to the car park.
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