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(S/E) Car park in Baumes-les-Dames, Rue du Moulin Vermotet, along the Doubs, opposite the footbridge. Yellow and blue signposts. Climb the spiral staircase to the footbridge, cross the Doubs and turn right onto the stony path between the canal and the river.
(1) Cross the canal (despite the yellow and blue cross) at the hamlet of La Grange Vuillotey and turn right onto the D277 for about 50 metres. Before the fountain, turn left towards the back of the house and take the stony path on the left. This is an old hiking trail that has lost its markings. Quickly leave a path on your left that descends the hillside and continue climbing on the right. You will walk alongside orchards and come to a fork; continue climbing on the left. This beautiful path offers a steep climb through a superb, wooded hillside. After a descent, you will reach a marked path (GR®59).
(2) Bravely resume the steep climb on the left, heading towards "Mont Dommage".
(3) When the climb levels out, at a crossroads marked by signs (Mont Dommage, Baume Esnans), turn right onto the path that starts between two trees (there is a signpost on the left) to reach the Chassignole viewpoint. At an old boundary stone, take the right fork. The secure viewpoint offers superb views of the Doubs valley to the south.
(4) Return to the crossroads.
(3) Continue straight ahead along the beautiful ridge path in front of you, towards "Mont Dommage".
(5) You will soon arrive at the marker indicating 569 metres above sea level, then at the Blanchemont viewpoint overlooking Baumes to the north and Les Roches du Quin to the south.
(6) At a sign for "Mont Dommage", the trail intersects a wider path in an X shape. Continue along the left-hand path, continuing along the ledges to discover the Poussot viewpoint over Baumes-les-Dames.
(7) A little further on, there is another unsecured viewpoint. You will arrive at the D112, which you cross, continuing along the stony path on the left towards "Roche de Châtard", marked with white and red signs.
(8) Soon, at a large rock on the left, you will come to a wooden barrier in poor condition. Continue for about 50 metres. Look out for the signpost on a rock on the left, inviting you to take the ridge path on the left towards Châtard (yellow-blue signpost). This is a beautiful ridge line running through a lovely open wood with numerous views of the valley.
(9) At the Châtard viewpoints, you can see the north of the valley and the Fente de Barbe. You then begin the descent towards the valley. Cross the departmental road 19E carefully (beware ofthe bend!) and head towards the small bridge over the Cusancin. Turn left after the bridge into Rue des Pipes.
(10) After the old Ropp pipe factory, turn left. On the banks of the Doubs, continue left, crossing a footbridge and then following the riverbank along the cycle path. At a dam, you will pass an old paper mill.
(11) At the lock, cross the canal and continue along the other bank. You will soon come to the footbridge to cross the Doubs again and return to the car park (S/E).
The route includes cliff-side paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Good footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
Visorando member
Difficult 
Easy 
