The Mercureaux stream

Car park at Chapelle des Buis, in front of the small chapel. Yellow-red and yellow-blue markings, with some sections unmarked.

(S/E) From the forecourt, a view over Besançon and the Citadel. Leaving the car park, walk a few metres uphill towards the village and turn right onto the stony path that passes in front of the wooden building (towards Beure via the Chemin des Crêtes). It soon becomes a lovely path winding through the boxwood.

(1) At the first fork, leave the marked path and head down to the left along this lovely, moss-covered arched path. Soon, on the right, you’ll see the entrance to a cave. Take a cautious peek inside. At the bottom of the slope, head left down towards the orchard. There’s nothing to stop you from entering, but a small bungalow hidden amongst the trees suggests it’s probably occupied in the summer. Out of courtesy, walk round it, keeping to the right-hand edge of the trees to reach the small tarmac road below.

(2) Turn left and head down to the right at the next fork. Turn right again at the green sign for ‘Mercureaux-Maillot’. You’ll follow the stream; the road then becomes a gravel track and enters the woods after passing under the dual carriageway and fording the stream.

(3) Immediately after the ford, turn right onto the small path that joins the stream in the hollow of a charming little shaded gorge. You will soon have to fords the stream again to follow the other bank down to the bottom, where you turn left to rejoin the stony path after a small bridge. N.B. If you don’t want to get your feet too wet, continue straight on along the stony path.

(4) Continue along the stream to the hamlet of Maillot. At the first junction, head up to the right onto the Chemin de Maillot (MTB route 114). The road turns to gravel. Shortly after the hairpin bend, at the sign saying ‘No entry except for farmers’, head up the path on the right, leaving the markings behind. At a ruined shed, it turns sharply right and quickly becomes a path climbing the wooded hillside.

(5) At the top, look for a small path leading off to the right towards the nearby Mercureaux viewpoint. Then continue the climb along this well-defined track, which reaches a junction marked by a signpost. Head up to the right towards the Chapelle des Buis via Chemin des Crêtes (Mountain Bike Route 114).

(6) At the crossroads of paths, at the corner of the wall of the Fort de l’Ouest des Buis, turn left. You’ll pass some ruins and at the next fork (signpost), continue straight on (towards the Chapelle des Buis via the forest track). Views of the city of Besançon through the branches. At the tarmac road, head up to the right to reach the chapel. (S/E)

Rocky and slippery paths in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking poles are recommended.