Le Gratteris walks

A short walk through the forest takes you from the very Catholic hermitage of Saint-Maximin to the prehistoric pagan dolmens. Then there is the viewpoint over Le Gratteris, whose name comes from the Celtic word kratt, meaning a stony field where you had to scratch hard to earn your livelihood. Return via the top of Mamirolle through the pastures.

A short walk through the forest takes you from the very Catholic hermitage of Saint-Maximin to the prehistoric pagan dolmens. You will end up at the viewpoint overlooking Le Gratteris, whose name comes from the Celtic word kratt, meaning a stony field where you had to scratch hard to earn your livelihood.

A short walk through the Bois du Mont to discover the wild charms of our Comtois karst forests and their sharp limestone pavements, which some might mistake for dolmens. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful wash-house fountains, a viewpoint over the Saône plain, an arboretum and the Saint-Maximin Chapel, where medieval pilgrims led a joyful life.

A walk through the countryside and woodland to discover the untamed charms of our karst forests and their sinkholes and sharp limestone pavements, which some would like to believe are dolmens. Along the way, beautiful wash-house fountains, a viewpoint over the Saône plain and the Chapel of Saint-Maximin, where medieval pilgrims led a joyful life.

A touch of holiday spirit as you take the train. A varied route passing through the Marais de Saône (information about the marsh), exploring the Creux sous Roche, and the Notre-Dame de la Libération viewpoint.

You will walk along an old railway line that has been converted into a footpath to reach the Rocher du Tourbillon viewpoint overlooking the charming little valley of La Brême. Return via the plateau with views of the Comté hills and the Hautepierre rock.

Walk starting from Saône towards Gennes and back via the Bois de la Petite Chevillotte.

Hike in the Saône Marshes, following the water loop and the natural environment loop. Varied terrain with ponds, dry pastures and wetlands.

It is difficult to walk through our Loue valley without mentioning Gustave Courbet, who made this stream famous with his painting The Deer Slaughter at the Plaisir Fontaine Stream. He is also said to have painted his Self-Portrait with Black Dog here. Once again, you will follow in his footsteps to climb the Rocher du Tourbillon for superb views of the steep-sided Brême valley and finally return via the Ancien Prieuré de Bonnevaux, of which only the 12th-century bell tower remains.

A short walk through the woods will allow you to discover a limestone landscape dotted with caves, chasms, sinkholes and sharp limestone pavements. Over thousands of years, water has chemically eroded the rock to create this surprising landscape. Cool temperatures are guaranteed, even in hot weather.

Starting from the bell tower of the former medieval priory, you will cross the cool Brème valley, so often painted by Courbet. Then, climbing back up to the Saut du Chevalier viewpoint, you will descend into the valley via a picturesque mule track.

Starting from the bell tower of the old medieval priory, you will cross the cool Brême valley, so often painted by Courbet. You will climb up to the Saut du Chevalier viewpoint to reach the Vierge de la Roche du Mont, continuing along the cornices towards the Roche des Pins and its views over the Loue valley. You will climb up to the Septfontaine plateau and its views of the Jura mountains, before finally descending towards the Brême via a picturesque mule track.

From the old priory, you will climb to the Rocher du Tourbillon viewpoint overlooking the charming little valley of La Brême, then walk along an old railway line converted into a footpath, before climbing back up to the wild cornices via sunken paths reminiscent of enchanted forests, and finally descending to the foot of the rocks towards the Plaisir Fontaine caves.

Starting from the bell tower of the old medieval priory, you will cross the cool Brême valley so often painted by Courbet. Then you will climb through a beautiful fir forest sheltered by stunning rocks, passing large boulders detached from the cliffs, towards the Grand viewpoint overlooking the upper Loue valley, Ornans and the Val de Scey. Continuing towards the Fontaine aux Vipères and then the castle overlooking the town, you will descend into the valley via a picturesque mule track.

This easy loop takes hikers on a journey of discovery through forests, pastures and preserved wetlands. You will pass through the typical hamlet of La Couvre, peaceful woods and pretty wooden pontoons will lead you to the ponds of Prés Neufs, La Vaivre, and Creux sous Roche, which drains water from the Bisontins to the source of Arcier. The route offers a variety of settings: old farms, romantic ruins, streams and clearings. Between the reflections on the water, the croaking of frogs and the rural landscapes, the walk charms visitors with its diversity and tranquillity. Accessible to all, it is an ideal nature walk for families.

A countryside and woodland walk to explore the small, wild gorges of the Brême stream, complementing a visit to the Dino-Zoo.

A short walk through the woods to discover these two batteries, which complemented the Fort de Montfaucon completed in 1878. They form part of the first phase of construction of the Besançon fortified camp and are named after the wooded localities in the midst of which they are situated.

Balade entièrement forestière et empruntant des chemins blancs et forestiers.

Head towards the Chapelle des Buis and Notre-Dame de la Libération viewpoints overlooking the city of Besançon and its citadel via a ridge path scented with boxwood, running alongside the walls of an old abandoned fort and the charming little Mercureaux valley.

Follow the water’s path as it disappears into the underground channels (see ‘During’ section below) at Saône, Gennes and Nancray, only to reappear near Arcier. The footpath and small roads through the woodland will take you from one hillside to the other, offering alternating views of the plateau and the Doubs valley, before you reach the water again at the Arcier springs.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its forward battery, its redoubts and a leap back 1,000 years with a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

Explore Nancray, its water springs, its old mill, the Bois de la Côte, and finally return via the Forêt des Landes. And of course, take the opportunity to visit the Nancray Open-Air Ecomuseum of Comtois Houses, featuring around thirty typical rural houses from Franche-Comté.

During this walk, you will pass through almost 1,000 years of military history, from the ruins of the old medieval castle to the Woirol military fort, built at the end of the 19th century, enjoying numerous views of the Bisontine valley and, on a clear day in the early morning or evening, the Bernese Oberland Alps and Mont Blanc.

You will descend the wooded hillside of Nacra via a path that is barely visible in autumn, hidden under the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring, where you may catch a glimpse of the Vouivre dragon reflected in the green waters of the old Janniet fountain. You will discover views of the valley below and above, with the pretty line of the Besançon mountains: Bregille, Mont Saint-Étienne and its citadel, Chaudanne and Rosemont.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, nestled in the hollow of a charming valley for nearly ten centuries, the ruins of the ancient medieval fortress overlook the Doubs valley. After a visit to the keep and the old village, you’ll make your way beneath the ruins of the old castle. Then, descending into the wild, refreshing coolness of the Nacra gorge, you’ll return to the village via a path that’s rather shy in autumn, hidden beneath the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring.

A route for experienced and cautious walkers. ‘Just 6 short kilometres,’ you might think dismissively. Pffft! A leisurely Sunday stroll. Be wary, however. This short hike has plenty of challenges in store for you, and you’ll appreciate the wild, refreshing atmosphere of the Nacra ravine, the climb up the Côte d’Arbois – which isn’t quite as gentle as it sounds – and its unspoilt viewpoint overlooking the ruins of the feudal castle nestled in a charming little valley. The return journey is more peaceful, via Fort Woirol and the Alps viewpoint.

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.

Between forest paths and old walls covered in ivy, this hike immerses you in nature and heritage: from the Vue des Alpes viewpoint to the cliffs overlooking the Doubs valley, the route offers panoramic views of the Citadel, the Jura Mountains and the Saône plain. Along the way, history unfolds: Fort Woirol, marked by a tragic explosion, the optical post and its anti-aircraft batteries, as well as the imposing remains of the feudal castle, testimony to a rich medieval past.

The Montfaucon valley, watched over by its thousand-year-old keep, is undoubtedly one of the most charming places near Besançon, with its ruins reminiscent of "German Romanticism". You can explore it via the cool, wild and remote Nacra and the sylvan fountain of La Dhuit, where you can imagine the Vouivre dragon reflecting in its green waters.

In just five kilometres, you will discover Notre-Dame de la Libération, overlooking Besançon from its altitude of 500 metres, built in gratitude for the city's preservation during the last war. Then you will cross the Monts des Buis, climbing towards wilder viewpoints over the Doubs valley.

Walking along the banks of the emerald-green Brême, you will enter a dense forest until you reach the Ravin du Puits Noir, a dark, hidden, impenetrable and wild place where Gustave Courbet set up his easel more than fifty times. You will emerge at La Gouille, where goats once drank, and return peacefully via the old Tacot road and its viaduct, passing by the Puits de la Brême, the entrance to the underworld or the crystal palace of the fairies.

From a beautiful pine forest, sheltered by beautiful rocks and crossing large boulders detached from the cliffs, you will arrive at the Belvédère de la Roche du Grand viewpoint at the head of the valley, overlooking Ornans and the Val de Scey. Continuing towards the Fontaine aux Vipères, where Courbet's cancan dancers once performed, then to the castle overlooking the town, you will return through meadows overlooking the upper Loue valley, finally descending into the Brême valley through a beautiful, light-filled rocky forest.

From the ancient Fontaine de Janniet, lost in the depths of the woods where, perhaps, the Vouivre dragon once gazed at its reflection in its green waters, you will plunge into the wild freshness of the Nacra valley. Then, slipping under the ruins of the old castle, accompanied by the scent of boxwood so characteristic of our limestone mountains, you will return, following the river and climbing back up the mountain via the beautifully named "Chemin du Traîne Bâton" (Walking Stick Path).

Following in the footsteps of Gustave Courbet, the Ravin du Puits Noir was one of the painter's favourite places. You will follow the course of the Brême, walk peacefully along the old Tacot road, climb the Roche du Tourbillon for superb views of the picturesque and steep-sided Brême valley, and finally end at the Prieuré de Bonnevaux, of which only a charming chapel and its 12th-century bell tower remain.

As you make your way down the wild Nacra gorge along a path—timid in autumn, hidden beneath the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring—you may catch a glimpse of the Vouivre river reflecting in the green waters of the Fontaine de la Dhuit. Then 1,000 years of military history, from Fort Woirol – with its powder magazines, signal post and anti-aircraft batteries – to the feudal castle and, finally, the ‘Belvédère des Alpes’ viewpoint overlooking the Doubs valley, the Citadel and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.

Hike through the defensive wall of Montfaucon, a system of fortifications essential to the defence of Besançon. Built between 1870 and 1889 on a cliff, the site overlooks the city at an altitude of 617 metres. For walkers with less of a military bent, you will enjoy this woodland walk with its views of the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura Mountains and, on a clear day, the Alps, from the Bernese Oberland to Mont Blanc.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its anti-aircraft batteries, its redoubts and, finally, a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

Du splendide belvédère de Notre-Dame de la Libération, sur la boucle surmontée de sa Citadelle et sur les monts jurassiens, vous poursuivrez par la voie romaine vers la Grotte-Ermitage de Saint-Léonard et reviendrez à la chapelle par les Monts des Buis.

From the Liberation Monument, built in 1945, and its crypt dedicated to the memory of war victims, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city topped by its Citadel on one side and, on a clear day, the Vosges mountains on the other and the Jura ridges. Then, as you walk along the beautiful ridgelines, you will discover views of the valley below and above, with the pretty line of the Besançon mountains: Bregille, Mont Saint-Étienne and its Citadel, Chaudanne and Rosemont.

In 1940, the Archbishop of Besançon, Mgr Dubourg, vowed to erect a statue to the Virgin Mary if the city was not destroyed. From this splendid viewpoint overlooking the loop topped by its Citadel, you can continue on your pilgrimage to the Grotte-Ermitage de Saint-Léonard and Notre-Dame-des-Buis, before returning with a spring in your step via the foothills of the Citadel and the Forts des Buis, stopping off at the many viewpoints over the city and other more rugged spots overlooking the Doubs and Mercureaux valleys.

A wild getaway to discover the entire Loue valley from the top of the Malbrans plateau, from the Hautepierre rock to Mount Poupet, then from an equally wild viewpoint, the Scey en Varais valley and, silhouetted against the sky, the outline of the Saint-Denis castle.

This hike starts at Notre-Dame de la Libération, built in 1945, and offers a varied route combining heritage, panoramic views and forest trails. From the very first steps, you can see the old town of Besançon dominated by its citadel, before opening up to the countryside and the Jura mountains. With its steep paths, rocky ridges and wilder sections, this short circuit is no Sunday stroll, but a real hike just a stone's throw from the city centre.

Starting from Ornans Castle overlooking the old town, after a detour to the Fontaine des Vipères, a meeting place for gossips in Courbet's time, you will walk along the superb line of cornices indented with small recesses and dotted with numerous viewpoints overlooking the upper and lower Loue valley. A round trip that will not exhaust all the attractions of this walk.

From the site of the former castle of Ornans, which overlooks the old town, the route climbs towards the pastures offering beautiful views of the upper Loue valley and Mont Poupet. The return journey takes you along cool, pleasant forest paths to La Roche du Grand, a viewpoint overlooking the lower Loue valley, then to the Fontaine aux Vipères, where you can still hear the gossip of our Franche-Comté "cancouaines" (local women).

Starting from the small chapel overlooking the citadel and the Besançon circular route, you’ll walk alongside the ruins of the Fort de l’Ouest des Buis to reach the viewpoint over the Mercureaux Valley, where a temple dedicated to the god Mercury once stood. After this stretch through the woodland, you’ll emerge onto the slopes of La Jourande and its views over the Besançon hills and their fortifications.

From the small chapel overlooking the Citadel and the Besançon circular route, you’ll follow the ditches of the old fort—which looks like a haunted forest—to reach the Bout du Monde and its waterfall. Along the way, an ancient Roman road, several viewpoints over the Mercureaux Valley and the Doubs Valley and its hills: the Côte de Planoise, Chaudanne, the Citadel, Bregille and the old feudal keep of Montfaucon.

From the chapel, with views over the city of Besançon and the Citadel, you’ll walk through the hills accompanied by the pleasant scent of boxwood. Then, you’ll follow the narrow gorge of the Mercureaux stream as you climb towards the viewpoint over the Val d’Arguel, where you can imagine the feudal castle that once stood there, sadly now destroyed.

Starting from the small chapel overlooking the Citadel and the Besançon circular route, you will follow a stream through the cool little valley of Les Mercureaux where, it is said, a temple dedicated to the god Mercury stood in ancient times. Then you will return at a more brisk pace along the old Roman road to Fort des Buis, stopping at the many viewpoints over the Doubs valley.

A lion, small and large virgins. No! You are not in an arena, despite the Roman past of our Vesontio, but on the heights of the Chapelle des Buis with its splendid views of the Citadel overlooking the city of Besançon. You will then reach the charming little valley of Les Mercureaux via a ridge path winding through the box trees.

Crossing the Brême via its old bridge, you will descend to its mysterious well, gateway to the underworld or the fairy kingdom, and climb back up more prosaically to the industrious tile factory. The cornices of Narpent offer another kind of magic, with their rocky crevices silhouetted against the sky and the outline of Castel Saint-Denis, ending at the sanctuary where, long ago, a little girl discovered a small statue of the Virgin Mary, placed there and forgotten, in the hollow of an oak tree.

A varied hike with flat sections, a passage through woods, and two climbs up the Montrond hill. At the top, you can enjoy the vast panorama. At the bottom, you will discover two wells that have been cleared quite recently. Given the size of the cavities visible from the platforms, they can be considered chasms, with a vast underground network that you can learn about on the explanatory panels. You will take part of the Sentier du Triton trail, which will offer you a few riddles. In short, a hike for young and old alike.

This is a country walk whose great merit is that it is... in the countryside. However, it will take you along beautiful forest paths to the Virgin of Malbrans, offering a magnificent 360° panorama: to the south over the Loue Valley, from Roche de Hautepierre to Mont Poupet, and, lost in the greenery, Castel Saint-Denis and perhaps the summit of Mont Blanc on a clear day. After this short walk, tables await you for a picnic while you enjoy the breathtaking view.

Descend towards the corniches of Scey-en-Varais via the aptly named Chemin de Bellevue, a pretty balcony overlooking the Loue Valley. Then climb back up to the Vierge de Malbrans, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Roche de Hautepierre and Mont Poupet and, lost in the greenery, the Castel Saint-Denis and perhaps the summit of Mont Blanc on a clear day. There are tables where you can picnic while enjoying the breathtaking view. Return through a cool and peaceful forest.

This is a fairly easy circular route through the communes of Malbrans and Scey-Maisières. It begins with a superb view at the Vierge de Malbrans, followed by pretty trails through forests, meadows and woods. It then continues along a beautiful path running along the limestone ledges, offering beautiful views of the villages of Ornans, Maisières, Scey-en-Varais, Cléron and the Loue valley.

Off the beaten track, discover the little-known Saut de la Brême waterfall and the deep Ravin de Saules by following the stream and hopping from stone to stone. You may get your feet wet, but you will discover a wild world of moss, rocks and freshness. Return via the ruins of the Moulin du Défois mill.

This easy circular route through woods and meadows will take you from the outskirts of Fontain to Notre Dame de la Libération, its crypt and its magnificent view of Besançon, the first plateau and the first peaks of the Jura. You will also discover the chapel of Notre Dame des Buis and a gentle return via the wild Mercureaux valley.

Au départ de l'Ermitage de Notre-Dame du Chêne, une petite balade facile sans prétention sur les coteaux et le plateau de Narpent. Le retour s'effectue par l'ancienne voie ferrée Ornans-Hôpital du Grosbois, aujourd'hui Voie Verte et un court crochet au passage pour aller voir le Puits de la Brème.

A lovely walk in the forest with beautiful views of the Loue valley from Ornans to Montgesoye from Roche Lahier and Roche Bottine.

Two completely different sections: - the climb to the castle ruins, with a superb view and an orientation table. A short but relatively steep climb. - the very flat section, through a forest notable for its multitude of sharp limestone pavements and deep sinkholes, which will be enjoyed in all seasons. A GPS is recommended to follow the route through the forest, but the 2022 update is more detailed. A short stretch of road, with virtually no traffic.

This circuit will allow you to discover the setting of our small Franche-Comté town from three viewpoints: the Belvédère de Notre Dame du Mont, the Château d'Ornans and the Château du Grand, offering sweeping views of the Loue valley. This is a major site on the Courbet Trail, thanks to the famous 1855 painting Le Château d'Ornans, an oil on canvas kept at the Minneapolis Museum. You will discover the Fontaine aux Vipères (Viper Fountain), which still echoes with the gossip of our cancouaines (local women).

You will climb from the small Franche-Comté town to the Fontaine aux Vipères, a major site on the Courbet Trail thanks to the famous 1855 painting "Le Château d'Ornans", where the gossips of Courbet's time used to gather. Then, from the castle overlooking Ornans, you will return along the cornices with their many viewpoints, via the charming little valley of La Roche des Pins.

Hike north of Ornans with many points of interest and viewpoints. On the programme: the Château viewpoint, the Puits de la Brême, the Gouille aux Chèvres, the Grotte du Plaisir Fontaine, the Rocher du Tourbillon, the Saut du Chevalier, Notre-Dame du Mont. The hike can end with a visit to the town centre (§ Practical information). This is a very difficult hike due to its length and elevation gain. You need to be in good physical condition, as some sections are reserved for experienced hikers (ladders, passages requiring the use of your hands, etc.) with areas that are more or less wet and rocky. However, the route is varied and the views are magnificent. In autumn, this route offers a festival of colours.

A short, easy walk to stretch your legs after a visit to the Courbet Museum. It is a shortcut variant of the "La roche des pins" route available in Visorando.

A short walk through the Comté region on the estate of the Lords of Arguel, where their fortified castle once stood on a jagged ridge, and a visit to the old wash house.

Fans of alpine races who chant the Sambre et Meuse song as they run, move along. If, on the other hand, you like to make long speeches to one of our good old Montbéliard cows encountered along the way and find them very witty, if you like to trudge along our Cambrousard trails, then enjoy the charm of this peaceful walk along the Mercureaux stream where, it is said, a temple dedicated to the god Mercury stood in ancient times.

This route allows you to discover Notre-Dame de la Libération with its panoramic view, the Chapelle des Buis and Les Mercureaux, all while walking through the woods.

There are plenty of fountains along this forest walk, which will take you scrambling at the foot of high rocks to discover a pretty little valley and forgotten fountains, before returning along a charming circular route of the Doubs.

The Loue Valley, an inexhaustible source of hiking opportunities, offers the rugged, wild charm of its rocks, ending more peacefully at the Saut du Chevalier waterfall in the cool Brême Valley, so often painted by Courbet.

There is a short climb to the Roche Bottine, immortalised by Courbet in his painting "La Vallée de la Loue par temps d'orage" (The Loue Valley in Stormy Weather). Its unusual shape, reminiscent of an old boot standing on the edge of a precipice, gave it its name. This viewpoint offers a 180° panorama of Ornans, the Vierge de la Roche du Mont, and the upper and lower reaches of the Loue Valley. Along the way, you will discover the Roche Lahier viewpoint, a natural viewpoint overlooking the upper reaches of the Loue Valley towards Montgesoye.

There is a short climb to Roche Bottine, which was also immortalised by Courbet in his painting "La Vallée de la Loue par temps d'orage, vers 1849" (The Loue Valley in Stormy Weather, circa 1849). Its unusual shape inspired its name. Along the way, you will discover the Roche Lahier viewpoint overlooking the upper Loue Valley towards Montgesoye.

You will climb a picturesque path overlooking the Loue to the Roche Lahier viewpoint above the Upper Loue Valley. Then on to the vineyards of Loray and its remains of terraced crops, before descending through the fir forests of Onchaud to the Roche Bottine viewpoint on the cliffs of Ornans.

Three viewpoints allow you to discover the Ornans mountains from the left bank of the Loue, Mont d'Ornans, Roche Thiébaut and Grand Barmaud, before returning to the valley by winding your way through La Facle, a narrow and picturesque fault that cuts into the cliff, and ending at the erratic boulders, geological curiosities, masses of stone weighing over 130 tonnes, transported by glaciers 600,000 years ago.

At the end of a wild valley, you will discover the Saut de Bonneille, located less than a kilometre from Courbet's father's farm in Flagey. This exceptional site caught the painter's eye in 1875. The tufa, a deposit of limestone, forms a conical mass surrounded by a plume of foam during periods of high water. Return via the Chassagne plateau and the Monts d'Ornans viewpoint.

Discover Ornans, a small town in Franche-Comté with plenty of character, via three viewpoints (Roche Fournièche, Rocher d'Ully and Rocher du Châtelet). Nicknamed "the little Venice of Franche-Comté", it will charm you with its houses on the Loue river and its bridges, which were a source of inspiration for the great Gustave Courbet.

This route will allow you to discover the setting of our small Franche-Comté town from three viewpoints: Roche Fournièche, Rocher d'Ully and Châtelet.

From the former Visitandines convent, you will climb up to the unmissable site of the Vierge de la Roche du Mont and its view over the Loue valley and the village of Ornans. Then, following the Mambouc stream, you will return to the old town to walk along the river and its beautiful houses at the water's edge.

Set off to explore the mountains of Franche-Comté, accompanied by the murmur of our cool streams which, if you know how to listen, will tell you many forgotten stories. Discover the vegetation petrified by our limestone waters and the coolness of secret caves nestled in the wild greenery.

Hike to discover Fort de Chaudanne with its panoramic view of Besançon and the citadel and the small paths surrounding the site.

Hike in the peaceful woods on the outskirts of Besançon.

Just a stone's throw from Besançon city centre, this hike will allow you to discover the capital of Franche-Comté from several different viewpoints. You will also discover the Citadel built by Vauban and several other forts and architectural features that made up the city's fortification system.

Built in the 19th century in the heart of nature, Fort de Brégille overlooks Besançon and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the old town topped by its citadel and, in the background, the Besançon hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont. After a short detour to the Grand Désert, a vast expanse of scree, you enter the Monts de Bregille forest for a visit to the Renard cave and the Clémentigney viewpoint overlooking the upper Doubs valley and the ruins of the feudal castle of Montfaucon.

A beautiful walk for city dwellers seeking nature and sweeping views of the capital of Franche-Comté and its hills, just a stone's throw from the city. It offers superb views of our Citadel and the feudal castle of Montfaucon. Then, just a stone's throw from the noisy city, you will find yourself on quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of boxwood.

Lime production in Chalezeule is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 12th century; it was the village’s main economic activity, and its name, Calisola, was derived from the word for lime. After exploring the lime kilns, this walk offers superb views of the feudal castle of Montfaucon, the Doubs valley and, following a short detour to the Grand Désert – a vast expanse of scree – our Citadel and the old town nestled within its circular shape. Then, after a fascinating stroll through the fort’s moats, you’ll venture, just a stone’s throw from the bustling town, onto quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of budding boxwood, for a visit to the Grotte du Renard.

You will discover the superb white rock cornices at the start of the upper Loue Valley, balconies overlooking the wild nature of the Valbois ravine, climbing boldly at the foot of the cliffs and crossing them via a narrow rocky pass, La Facle, which will lead you to the Barmaud viewpoint over the Brème valley and Notre-Dame du Chêne and the thousand-year-old keep of Castel Saint-Denis, still proudly perched on its rocky spur.

An urban hike to discover the hills of Besançon. Natural factors such as soil, climate and altitude, combined with the action of water, have shaped the hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont, which are remarkable natural areas. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of unspoilt nature, proving that our provincial Besançon has managed to remain a city in the countryside.

A short climb up one of Besançon's seven hills: Chaudanne, with its unspoilt natural beauty, its dry grasslands shaped by nature and man, its fort and its views of the Citadel, the old town and the southern Doubs valley.

Hike to discover several viewpoints on the outskirts of Besançon.

From the countryside to the city: crossing the dry grasslands, shaped by human hands for centuries, you’ll climb up to Fort de Chaudanne and its views over the old town, crowned by its protective citadel. You’ll descend the wooded hillside along a lovely path to follow the peaceful river, stopping for a moment by the bubbling waters of the old dam at the foot of the ramparts.

Near Besançon, discover the beautiful hamlet of Arcier and its water sources, which contribute significantly to the water supply of Besançon and the valley overlooking them, and return via the heights of Chalèze and La Canaie via the Côte de Joux.

A short forest walk to discover the Rocher de Colonne, a superb viewpoint over the Loue valley. The first viewpoint is over Cléron and its castle. The second overlooks Scey-en-Varais, topped by Castel Saint-Denis, the start of the upper Loue valley and its cliffs, the Valbois ravine and the luminous Hautepierre rock. You will return via the Chapelle du Croc chapel and its old house lost in the woods.

The forts of Beauregard and Bregille offer a special walk for residents of Besançon seeking greenery and sweeping views of the capital of Franche-Comté and its hills. They offer superb views of our Citadel. Then, just a stone's throw from the bustling city, you will find yourself on quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of boxwood.

The citadel, a masterpiece by Vauban, overlooks the old town, which is enclosed in a circular bend in the river (the Boucle), from a height of over 100 metres. Its ramparts offer spectacular panoramic views. You will climb up along the ramparts and casemates, then descend the other side towards the entrance to the city, the Porte Rivotte and the toll house. Then, walking along the riverbank, you will discover the towers and bastions that protect the city, ending at the Gare d'Eau, the old goods port.

Hike in the Besançon area, allowing you to climb up to Fort de Bregille with a superb view of the city and the citadel.

A short but challenging walk to discover the Arcier springs that have supplied the city of Besançon since the distant Gallo-Roman era. A gentle warm-up, accompanied by the music of gushing water. Then a lovely climb up the slopes of the Grand Bois, still accompanied by the murmur of the water.

At the gates of Besançon, the waters of the Arcier springs, naturally filtered by the Saône marshes, have supplied the city since the distant Gallo-Roman era. From their green and rocky settings, the babbling waters, gushing from all sides, will restore your bucolic spirit. You will then climb, at a more military pace, to the ruins of the Épesses battery, built in 1878.

There are plenty of fountains in Besançon! Some more imposing than others, some more interesting, some steeped in history. Rather than admiring one by chance or even walking past it with complete indifference, why not go on a hunt for the 20 fountains? An urban and cultural stroll that will help you discover Besançon in a fun way.

Dominating Cléron with its massive limestone cliffs, the Rocher de Colonne is a beautiful landscape, characteristic of the upper Loue valley. From its summit, you can see the Château de Cléron, the Castel Saint-Denis, the Ravin de Valbois valley and the start of the upper Loue valley lined with its corniches.

A 11th-century keep is reflected in the emerald waters of the Loue; a rock dominates the valley from its sunlit ledges, offering a splendid vantage point over the wild scenery of the Valbois ravine and the tranquil Loue valley; old manor houses from a bygone era at the bend of a narrow lane; a rest in the cool of a church under the gaze of colourful wooden saints.

Hike starting in the village, then through the Chalèze woods to reach the Arcier springs. The return journey is along the Doubs river via the cycle path.

A peaceful walk in our Comtois countryside to discover the riches of two villages on the first step of the plateau: the remains of an ancient castle that allow us to dream of the lost beauty of our once fortified villages and the often overlooked treasures of their churches.

Accompanied by the murmur of our cool streams, which, if you know how to listen to them, will tell you many forgotten stories, discover the vegetation petrified by our limestone waters and the coolness of the secret caves nestled in the greenery as you climb along a small, wild ravine.

A short walk, almost entirely through the forest, very pleasant, very close to Besançon but offering a complete change of scenery and plenty of variety.

Hike in the woods with a visit to the Peusse waterfalls in Ornans.

From the sumptuous Château de Vaire-le-Grand, the whim and ruin of Jean-Antoine Boisot, son of a close friend of King Louis XIV, you will climb towards La Roche Blanche. This is an unsecured viewpoint (caution!) over the Doubs valley. You will be taken by surprise by the rustic fountain of Les Tilleuls and descend via the beautiful sunken path lined with wild garlic at La Vacherie. You will then return along the riverbank, in the shade of the Rochers du Château Loriot, to discover the old paper mill.

From Épeugney, you will climb along forest paths towards the Belvédère de Rurey at the head of the upper Loue valley with its white cliffs, and the keep of Castel Saint-Denis, the thousand-year-old sentinel of the Reculée de Valbois. You’ll descend into the Val de Cademène with its unobstructed views of the valley. And, after a stretch through somewhat wild woodland, the ‘obstacle course’ awaits you: the climb to the Croix des Échaulles. Then a peaceful return to the village and its beautiful fountains.

A long forest walk in the cool Bois sur Roches with its beautiful ledges and views of La Thuyère and La Verdottte, returning via the sunny Pont de Beuque valley.

A keep dating back to the year 1000 still stands proudly on its rocky outcrop, with superb cornice walls carved out of the rock, overlooking the wild nature of the Valbois ravine. In just four short kilometres, you will be treated to a series of breathtaking landscapes.

From Cléron Castle, through a beautiful, cool forest alternating between fir and deciduous trees, ideal for a hot summer's day, you will visit the gentle monk Toum Tatre, a monolith resembling a tonsured Capuchin monk, watching piously over the Norvaux valley from the top of his cliff. Walking along the ledges of the twin valley of Valbois, you will return via Castel Saint-Denis, overlooking the valley from its rocky spur.

You will take the old Tacot railway line, a small, narrow-gauge railway that climbed up to Pontarlier, to discover the Val de Cléron and its castle, surrounded by the white cliffs at the start of the Haute Vallée de la Loue.

From Cléron, through a beautiful, cool forest alternating between fir and deciduous trees, ideal for a hot summer's day, you will visit the gentle monk Toum Tatre, a monolith resembling a tonsured Capuchin monk, watching piously over the Norvaux valley from the top of his cliff. You will return through the Plain Mont forest to two unsecured viewpoints, one overlooking Castel Saint-Denis and the other overlooking Cléron and its castle.

Six petits kilomètres pour quatre points de vue sur le Val de Cléron, la reculée de Norvaux et le capucin de pierre Tountâtrou où nos anciens Comtois célébraient leurs dieux au sein même de la nature, au pied de ce colosse de pierre.

Walk in the Chailluz Forest and climb up to the Dame Blanche viewpoint.

Want to go for a walk in the countryside while staying in town? Yes, it's possible!