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Departure from the car park in Morre, at the end of Rue Saint-Fort, at the intersection with Vallon Fleuri, after the small sports ground. Good quality yellow-blue markings and one section without markings, but with clearly identifiable paths.
(S/E) Head towards the dead-end road and turn left onto the gravel path, which offers a beautiful view of the Doubs valley, overlooked by the Citadel. At the last house, turn right onto the path that winds behind the thuja trees, passing under the metal barrier.
(1) At the tarmac road, at the hairpin bend, leave the marked path and climb the wooded hillside immediately via the path on the right. Back on the road, descend to the left to the first bend and turn right onto the path (despite the signposting indicating to continue down the road).
(2) Three hundred metres further down, before forest sign No. 34, look for the path that descends to the left. Make a round trip to the Fontaine de Janniet, hidden in the woods about thirty steps away, then continue along the path.
(3) When you come within sight of the ruins of Montfaucon Castle, which you will see between the trees (especially in winter), you will find the signposting again and an invitation to climb to the right. Ignore this and continue straight ahead on the same path, despite the yellow and blue cross that would have you turn off.
(4) You will walk alongside beautiful rocks, where you may, like me, spot a squirrel flying from branch to branch. You will soon arrive at the wild recess of Nacra. At the end of the rocks, descend to the left to ford the stream, continuing along the path on the other side, then crossing a second stream. You will walk along the hillside, beneath the ruins of the old fortified castle, keeping to the right, until you reach a more open space with dry stone walls, probably the remains of terraced crops. You will be accompanied by the scent of boxwood, so characteristic of our limestone mountains in Besançon.
(5) With a view of the Doubs valley, you will find a wider, marked path that you will follow down to the left until you reach the river.
(6) At the D441, turn left towards the first houses of La Malate, then follow the Doubs riverbank along the cycle path. Just before the footbridge over the river, turn left to join the departmental road and turn back until you pass the hotel-restaurant.
(7) Climb up to the right onto the beautifully named Chemin du Traîne-Bâton, an ancient and once charming path, unfortunately recently spoiled by the installation of pipes (long live modernity!). Time and nature will, I hope, restore it to its former charm. You will come back to Rue Saint-Fort, and go up to the left to the car park (S/E).
Rocky and slippery paths in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
Visorando member
Moderate 
