Lavoncourt walks

A short nature trail just a stone's throw from Vesoul. Along the way: plateau, viewpoint, listed village, chapel, forest paths.

Welcome to Valay, a pretty village in Haute-Saône, surrounded by countryside and forests.Set off to explore its peaceful setting, typical of rural villages in the region, thanks to the "Entre Forges et Forêts" trail and its three loops:- The Tacot loop to the east of the village will take you close to the fortified castle, then into the forest, following the old railway line for 7 km.- You can extend your walk with the Sainte-Cécile loop, which will take you 6 km to the ruins of an old abbey and the commune of La Résie-Saint-Martin.- Finally, the La Fresse loop will take you to discover the village's iconic sites, while crossing a wooded section on a 4.8 km route.

Remains of Gallo-Roman buildings have been found in Marnay. However, the commune was not mentioned until 1210. A gate and some remains of the old surrounding walls are still visible. A few elements of the feudal castle also remain, including the drawbridge and two turrets. The old town also has many houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The current town hall dates from the Renaissance.The castle overlooking the Ognon valley was rebuilt in the 16th century but has been extensively remodelled since then.Finally, the Gothic church dates from the 14th and 17th centuries. The 20-hectare lake is home to many animal and plant species.

This route will take you along the banks of the Saône and to the mouth of the Marne-Saône canal.Take time to look at the lock-keeper's houses and the locks. Maybe you'll see swans, herons and cranes. Beautiful views of cattle farms and meadows.Just before you return to the starting point, you'll pass over the Pont de Garde, close to the two dams on the Saône and the last lock on the route.

Perched in the heart of the Ognon Valley, Pesmes is a real gem of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Take the "du martin-pêcheur aux remparts" loop trail and let yourself be charmed by the harmony between the remarkable architectural heritage and the natural setting. Narrow streets wind their way between elegant Renaissance houses and imposing medieval fortifications. Following the Ognon river, the trail will take you to the Forges site, a former industrial complex. Here you will discover the combination of water, wood, ore and human labour.

At the curious turquoise Planey spring, "witches" with supposed evil powers used to gather for their sabbaths.

The municipality of Thise and the March'en Thise Association have mapped out four trails in the Bois de Thise to showcase different aspects of this woodland, including the one described here: the 10 km red trail, known as the Sentier des Dolines.

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.

A rocky outcrop, a Bronze Age residence in Franche-Comté; a feudal castle destroyed during the Revolution for fear that it would become a hideout for bandits; views of the Doubs valley; a pretty waterfall created by human hands in a bright and airy woodland setting.

Loop starting from the Manufacture Royale de Bains, through the forest, the fields on the Plateau de la Fosse le Loup and along the Canal de l'Est. private hunting available in part of the forest on Thursdays and Sundays

Starting from the Royal Manufactory in Bains-les-Bains, hike along the towpath between the Canal de l'Est and the Rivière le Coney. Pipée footbridge, Bois de la Pipée and crossing of the hamlet of Les Baraques. Descend through the woods to lock no. 32.

Hike starting from the Manufacture Royale in Bains-les-Bains, a magnificent 18th-century industrial site. Follow the blue fleurs-de-lis signs

Starting from the car park at the Manufacture Royale in Bains-les-Bains, this walk will soon be marked with brown fleurs-de-lis signs. After passing through lock 32, you will climb gently through the woods towards the hamlet of Les Baraques, then join lock 31 and finish on the towpath between the river and the canal.