Franche-Comté walks

A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.

The walk descends the Hérisson ('hedgehog') River with its series of rapids and waterfalls, then returns via Bonlieu, passing through the Dame Blanche viewpoint, with a panoramic view over lakes Val and Chambly and the Herisson valley.

Discover one of the most beautiful natural sites and one of the prettiest villages in the Franche-Comté.

Pleasure in cascades. This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses. Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.

The Hérisson has a lot to offer! Its 7 waterfalls with 31 jumps: starter or dessert, depending on where you choose to start! A day to feast your eyes, literally and figuratively!

A splendid walk between the plateau and the deep valley of the River Ain. This trail takes in the upper Ain valley and its particular geology, with its Vauclusian source, its waterfalls (le Moulinet, saut des Maillys, Moulin-du-Saut) and its ruined mills, evidence of man's exploitation of the driving force of water. An EDF hydroelectric plant has replaced the old Moulin-du-Saut.

The Pic de l'Aigle dominates the valley of the 4 lakes, offering magnificent views of the entire Jura plateau, the Vallée du Hérisson, Grandvaux and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. Starting from Lac d'Ilay, you will climb up to this splendid line of ledges and its viewpoints over these turquoise lakes.

Shaped by limestone erosion, the Reculée des Planches has a relief characteristic of the Jura karstic plateau. At the foot of the vertically rising cliffs, you'll discover the cascades and cascatelles of the Cuisance. At a leisurely pace, through bright, cool forests, you'll climb up to the ledges where no fewer than five lookouts, not forgetting the ruins of a feudal castle, offer superb views over the whole of the reculée.

Very nice and easy walk above the lakes of the Jura, Maclu and Illay.

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

Discover the Baume-les-Messieurs valley, a family hike offering beautiful views from the viewpoints along the route, culminating in a visit to the Baume caves. Also worth seeing is the Tuffes waterfall.

A trail starting out from Foncine le Haut that will take you to the source of the Saine and various viewpoints. A themed trail and a botanical trail...

Without doubt, the shortest path up to the summit of La Dôle (1677m altitude) from the French side of the border. In good weather, the views are breathtaking and go on for over 250km: from the Swiss Alps to Mont Blanc and on to the Vanoise and the Ecrins, all of this with plunging views down over Geneva and its lake.

The route around the lake is a long hike but on good roads. Saint-Point-Lac is the third-largest natural lake in France. The path will take you along and close to the lake but also rises up a little and leads away from it at times for better views. This trail is littered with signs to better understand your environment.

A walk around the Cirque de Consolation with a thrilling variety of views and valleys. Beautiful panoramic views and bodies of water on way.

This walk is a marvellous way to explore the beautiful Saut du Doubs.

A stroll along the ridge separating the Loue Valley and that of the river Doubs and then along the banks of the Doubs with a panoramic view of the Château de Montferrand ruins.

The Loue Spring (tributary of the Doubs) is a resurgence of the Doubs. After journeying underground, it comes out into the open air at the bottom of a 'reculée' (steephead valley), at the foot of the rock face. It has cut deep into the limestone of the Jura massif, creating an enclosed valley, which I invite you to gaze at and contemplate from the many lookout points. You will also go down to the bottom of the gorge to discover this impressive resurgence.

Another circular walk around Lizine taking you to beautiful viewpoints and past the limestone pavement.

Peaceful downhill hike through the Montfaucon valley to the feudal castle perched on its rocky outcrop. Then from a lost fountain to a forgotten fountain, you will go through and, no doubt, appreciate the wild freshness of the Nacra steephead valley.

Surrounded by Sala and Noiremont summits, this hike that allows you to explore Swiss forests and pastures. You'll need two cars for this straight route hike.

A family walk in unspoilt, lush countryside at an average altitude of 950 m and with no difficulty. The first part of the route is below the Plain de la Gentiane, in the forest among century-old trees and lush vegetation. Once you reach the Wissgrut, the return journey is along the ridge through sun-drenched pastures with panoramic views of four departments.

A lovely loop along beautiful paths, discovering the Pont du Diable, the Creux Billard, the Grotte Sarrazine, the Source and the Cascade du Lison. At the start of this beautiful walk, you'll cross the protected natural area of the marl pits and the Bois de Château-Renaud stream. Then head for Crouzet-Migette to reach the Source du Lison site, with a steep descent into the Combe Fagot. Before arriving at the site, you'll passthe Gros Chêne, presumed to be 300 years old, with a circumference of 5.5 m, an imposing sight. On arrival at the site: a return trip to the Creux Billard (unfortunately the Source path is off-limits), then a break at the Cascade du Lison, and a return trip to the Grotte Sarrazine (headlamp required). Then back along the Lison, a nice rest before a steep climb to Crouzet-Migette.

From the old village of Mouthier, you will climb up to the tourism hotspot Franche-Comté , one of the major natural sites of Doubs: the Source of the Loue and up the Nouailles Gorges. You will overlook its emerald green waters interspersed with rapids and waterfalls, climbing and a scenic, physically demanding trail, perhaps surprising along the way some old forgers printing counterfeit money in the shade of caves and returning by the crest of cliffs and lookout points overlooking the valley.

This hike allows you to discover the geological and karstic curiosities which are the source du Lison (the Lison spring), the creux Billard (the Billard hollow) and the grotte Sarrazine (the Sarrazine cave). The great advantage of this route is that overlooks the creux Billard and offers natural uncovered lookout points from the upper plateau.