La Jourande

Park in the hamlet of La Chapelle des Buis, in the small car park in front of the chapel forecourt. If there are no spaces available, park in the forecourt of Notre Dame de la Libération, but this will add about a kilometre to the walk. Markings: yellow and white, yellow and red, and yellow. As you get out of your car, you’ll be greeted by a superb view of the town, dominated by its citadel. Don’t miss the striking carved lion’s head opposite the chapel

(S/E) Head up the stony path opposite the car park, passing to the left of a long wooden building. It soon becomes a path winding through the box trees, which are currently ravaged by the box tree moth. At the first fork, carry on straight ahead (the right-hand path).

(1) At the second fork, head down to the right, immediately coming to a signpost (No. 62) and a wider path. Turn left. You’ll pass a ruined bunker from the Fort de l’Ouest des Buis. Do not be tempted to go inside. At the path junction, at the corner of some old walls, head down to the far right. Yellow markings. After a short descent, marker post No. 61 marks a crossroads.

(2) Head down to the far left, despite the crosses. After about a hundred metres, leave the path that descends to the left and continue straight on for another hundred metres or so, then look out for the small track that branches off to the left towards the Mercureaux viewpoint.

(3) Head back up to signpost No. 61.

(2) Carry on straight ahead. Shortly afterwards, at the next signpost (No. 60), turn sharp right onto a farm track.

(4) You’ll emerge from the woods and pass the La Jourande farm and its views over the Besançon hills and their fortifications; from left to right: Chaudanne, La Citadelle, Fort Bregille and, directly opposite you, the keep of the feudal castle of Montfaucon.

(5) At signpost no. 84, turn right onto the Chemin de Claire Combe. After house no. 5, pass the signpost and continue straight on along the small tarmac road towards the Chapelle des Buis.

(6) You’ll come out onto the D144, at a hairpin bend, at the foot of the Way of the Cross. Head up to the right towards the chapel and the car park. (S/E).

The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and the use of walking poles is recommended.