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There is a small parking area on the D27 at the exit of the village of Échevannes, at the foot of a signpost, just before the descent to Vuillafans. Yellow-blue markings on the first half of the route, then no markings, but the paths are easily identifiable.
(S/E) Head towards the village and quickly turn left onto Chemin du Lavoir at the first crossroads. The path becomes stony as it enters the woods. Leave it by quickly turning left onto the forest path that runs along the ledges (towards Mongesoye). Take care in wet weather to avoid slipping
(1) At a crossroads, forest sign no. 3, take the path on the left towards the viewpoint. This is a beautiful, sunny ridge path with numerous views over the valley.
(2) You will arrive at the viewpoint overlooking Vuillafans and the Châteauvieux-les-Fossés castle. Shortly afterwards, you will reach a wider downhill path which you will follow to the right. It quickly splits into two paths; continue to the left, still following the ledges.
(3) You will arrive at a hunting car park and rejoin the stony road, which you will follow downhill to the left until you reach the first hairpin bend at the foot of a signpost. Leave this marked downhill path and continue straight ahead. You will lose the markings, but this beautiful path will take you through the lovely, open Tangelet forest for a kilometre and a half.
(4) Be careful! You are now approaching the most difficult part of the hike. When the path begins to climb, take the less well-maintained trail that veers off to the right and climbs upwards. It quickly leads to a charming little valley centred around a stream bed, which will probably be dry. You will see some beautiful rocks on your right. Leave the path and climb about twenty steps to the right, perpendicular to the stream bed. At a large leaning boundary stone, turn left onto the new path that will lead you to the sunny plateau.
(5) On the plateau, a large gravel area, turn left to find a stone road. When it becomes tarmac, continue straight ahead, leaving the small road on your right, and turn left at the next crossroads for a return trip to the Church of La Barêche, lost in the middle of the fields.
(6) Return to the previous crossroads and continue straight ahead to reach the centre of Échevannes.
(7) At the crossroads by the fruit farm, go straight on to the town hall, then turn right onto Chemin des Vignes to Chapelle Sainte-Gertrude and a superb viewpoint over the valley. From the chapel, you will see your car. Continue along Chemin de la Chapelle (S/E).
The route includes cliff paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
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