The Chaudanne Goat Trail

Car park at the end of the Chemin du Fort de Chaudanne, in front of the fort’s entrance. Yellow markings.

(S/E) Opposite the car park is a beautiful viewpoint over our Citadel, which overlooks the circular route and is surrounded by the Besançon mountains: Bregille, Montfaucon and Mont des Buis. Head towards the esplanade (to the right as you turn your back on the valley) by going down the steps to the viewpoint overlooking the old rooftops of Besançon nestled within its circular loop.

Walk past the picnic tables, continuing along the gravel path towards the corner of the fort and a fork in the path. Take the path on the left, running alongside the high walls, which gradually slope down to become a low wall at their end.

Turn 180° to the left, carefully following the path that runs along the top of the wall until you reach another viewpoint.

(1) With your back to the viewpoint, head down through the dry grasslands along the wide stony path, rejoining the Chemin du Fort de Chaudanne, which you take on the right. From the grassy areas, there are lovely views of the mountains, from left to right: La Jourande, Mont d’Arguel, the distant silhouette of Mont Poupet, and the Doubs Valley, overlooked by the Côte de Planoise and Rosemont.

(2) When the road bends to the right (marker post 18), head down to the left towards Velotte. Carry on straight ahead at the first nearby junction for about forty metres, then take the path on the right, opening and closing a metal gate to prevent our local goats from making a run for it.

You’ll soon spot the path that heads down the hill to the left (marker post 22), crossing a small scree slope. Turn right towards the gate when you reach the fence, entering the woods. Then, the path turns right, running alongside an old wall to reach the cul-de-sac at Chemin des Deux Lys.

(3) Climb back up the hillside straight away via a path on the right (marker post 23), heading towards Petit Chaudanne. Halfway up the slope, at marker post 12, continue straight up. The path becomes tarmac and you’ll come across some houses. Turn left at the next junction (marker post 13).

Head up to the right along the stony path before No. 6. You’ll soon reach a view of Rosemont and a fork in the path. Carry on straight ahead (left-hand path) along the ledge until you reach an old fence. Climb over the old pile of stone gathered from fields to reach, about ten metres further on, a crossroads of paths.

(4) Head up to the right along the scree slope to the junction of paths marked by a large central cairn. Continue straight up the slope. You’ll pass houses on your right and reach a fork and a scree slope, which you’ll climb via the left-hand path (towards Trail 2). On your right, you’ll see the circular foundations of an old caborde.

The path veers sharply to the right as it overlooks Rue du Petit Chaudanne. With the houses in sight, head down to the left along the wide stony path to the street. Turn right, then left onto Chemin du Fort until the next junction. Head down to the right along Montée Jean de Gribaldy to the first hairpin bend, where you’ll rejoin the signposted path.

(5) Climb the wooded hillside via the log steps on the right for a steep ascent to the next junction (post 4 bis). Continue straight on towards the Hauts de Chaudanne via La Poudrière, joining the Route du Fort and a welcoming bench for a short break.

Cross the road towards the wooden gate and continue along the stony path which climbs diagonally across the grassy slopes (towards Velotte via the limestone grassy slopes). A lovely view of the valley. Turn right, heading towards the fort’s moats, and descend via a staircase of logs, then continue straight on, skirting the ramparts, and finally turn left at the corner to reach the fort’s entrance (S/E).

Despite the short distance, this short walk is quite challenging and is not suitable for a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll. With some steep climbs, rocky and slippery paths in places, and sections of scree that are tricky on the ankles, wearing sturdy footwear is essential and the use of walking poles is recommended.