Parking in the centre of Laissey, Grande Rue, opposite the Musée de l'Outil. Yellow-blue markings. The first two kilometres are unmarked.
(S/E) Head towards the small building in the middle of the car park and go down the stairs to Grande Rue, then turn left until you reach the roundabout. Take a look at the war memorial and its soldier in blue uniform. Turn left towards Baume-les-Dames. At the edge of the village, turn left onto the D30 for a short stretch of quiet road offering beautiful views of the river (dam and old mill) and Roulans Castle.
(1) After the level crossing, turn left onto Rue du Château, which is a dead-end street. At the last house, it becomes a path that climbs up the wooded hillside. Don't be alarmed by the old "Private Property" signs. I asked the owner of the house, and we are entering the castle woods, but the lord of the manor tolerates the climb (on foot only).
(2) At the corner of the castle walls, you will come to a beautiful forest path which you climb on the left. Do not go towards the entrance, as it is private property and you will not see any more of the castle. Be discreet and turn left immediately. After a little over 200 metres, when the path turns to the right, climb the path on the left that runs along the ridge to the chapel.
(3) You will soon arrive at the Chapel of Aigremont with beautiful views to the north over the Val de Roulans and to the south over the Jura mountains. After your visit, leave via the stairs opposite the entrance and descend, following a Way of the Cross, to a crossroads marked by a signpost and a metal post.
(4) Turn left towards Laissey, following the yellow-blue markings, avoiding the crossroads marked with a cross.
(5) You will come to another fork marked by signs. Take the left path towards Croix de Souvance. Make one last effort to tackle this unsecured path with caution and enjoy the magnificent panorama from this unique viewpoint at 460 metres above sea level, overlooking the Jura mountains, the Roulans valley and the Doubs valley towards Baume-les-Dames. When you reach the promontory, the path splits; descend slightly to the right.
(6) Return to the junction marked by signs.
(5) Take the path on the left, which joins a wider path that you also take on the left. As you walk, enjoy the sight of trees that are probably centuries old, highlighted by the airy undergrowth.
(7) You will exit the forest and find a stone path that runs along the left side of the railway line. It will take you to Laissey via Rue du Maroc, then Impasse Malle Planches, still guided by the markers. Opposite the station, go down the stairs and pass under the tracks via the underpass. Back at the roundabout, walk past the station to return to the car park. (S/E)
The route includes cliff-edge paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.