The Bois des Saussottes, the fountain as seen from Velesmes-Essarts

An easy walk apart from a short climb halfway along the route. Very gentle descent. Very easy to follow. A forest walk offering shade if it’s hot (except in the village). Surely very pleasant too when the autumn colours are at their best. Option to extend the walk to the point (3), on the Routelle side.

Details

10063003
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.36 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 207 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 200 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 968 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 764 ft

Description of the walk

Park at the end of the Grande Rue, on the south-west side (you can also park in the small car park at the town hall if there is space).

(S/E) With your back to your car, turn left onto Rue des Lilas, which goes uphill, then left onto Rue de la Sonoche. Ignore any streets or paths branching off to the right or left. The street turns into a good, wide path. Carry on straight ahead until you reach a Fork in the road.

(1) Carry on straight ahead, ignoring the path that branches off to the left towards the field.

(2) Further on, the path splits into two. Take the white track on the right (which is not shown on the IGN map). Further on, it becomes a footpath and then a track again. Continue through the woodland and head gently downhill.

(3) When you reach a stream, do not cross it (unless you wish to head towards Routelle – a circular route is possible).
The track veers to the right and climbs a little further on. At the top of the climb, ignore the tracks on the left and carry on straight ahead.

(4) The track leads to Velesmes. Take thesecond street on the right (Rue des Lilas). Quickly spot a path branching off to the left, passing in front of a house. It becomes grassy after the house.
At the end: a municipal playground. Walk down the street and take the Grande Rue on the left, then the Rue de la Fontaine on the right.
Admire the fountain and washhouse. You can go down to enjoy the benches or sit on the steps.
With your back to the fountain, head left, then right up Rue de Grandfontaine. Then turn left into Grande Rue. Continue to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 902 ft - Car park. Crossroads
  2. 1 : mi 0.35 - alt. 928 ft - Crossroads
  3. 2 : mi 0.89 - alt. 876 ft - Junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.45 - alt. 771 ft - Turn right
  5. 4 : mi 2.98 - alt. 938 ft - Grassy path between two houses
  6. 5 : mi 3.17 - alt. 886 ft - Washing place and fountain
  7. S/E : mi 3.36 - alt. 902 ft - Car park. Crossroads

Notes

This route is suitable only for people who can walk comfortably.
Barrier at the exit from the woodland: in an emergency, a key is available from the town hall (during opening hours) for the fire brigade. The same barrier is on the other path at the start of the route. Still valid in 2022.
The town hall has a small car park. You can park there and start the route from there

Worth a visit

Velesmes: the fountain, with its round washhouse covered by a hexagonal roof, is one of the most beautiful in the Doubs.
Osselle: a lake and a cave open to visitors.

Reviews and comments

3.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
3.7 / 5
User 20724760

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, shaded walk with no difficulties. Despite it being winter, the paths were fairly easy to walk on (no fallen trees or signs of logging).

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loco25410
loco25410

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk in the gentle autumn sunshine. Well worth a go if you’ve got less than two hours to spare.

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piccolopripri
piccolopripri

Thank you for pointing that out. You’re right, there isn’t a roundabout. I’ve amended the text.

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Bonavent family
Bonavent family
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

It’s difficult to find the start of the walk, as the roundabout no longer exists.
To find the starting point, go to the end of the Grande Rue (where you can park in front of the mountain bike sign), then turn right into Rue des Lilas and then left into Rue de la Sonoche.

Please note: the ground is muddy and slippery during the first half of the walk if it has rained; in such conditions, proper walking boots are strongly recommended.

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