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Car park on Chemin de Cras Rougeot, opposite the greenhouses, at the start of the “Les collines de Besançon” walks.
(S/E) Take the path to the left of the signpost that climbs up the hillside. You will soon reach the pretty little Combe des Œillets with its pond and a first renovated shelter on the right.
(1) Continue along the path to the right of the shelter, which climbs between piles of stone gathered from fields to reach the second shelter, situated a little higher up. There is a bench here for a short break and a view of the upper Doubs valley. Return to the signpost and the pond via the path between the two cabordes and cross the small clearing of the Combe des Œillets (towards Fort de Rosemont), heading for the gate in the dry-stone wall, with views to the right over Chaudanne and Montfaucon. At the staircase with a handrail on metal posts, ignore the small path leading down to the right and continue climbing the steps. You’ll reach a stony path which you take to the left until the first bend ahead.
(2) Take the stony path on the left towards La Malcombe, quickly leaving behind a track that climbs to the right towards the cliffs. At the fork in the paths, about fifty metres before reaching the viewpoint over Planoise, climb to the right, despite the Yellow Cross. You pass through boxwood trees that are regrowing after this summer’s attack by the box tree moth. As you emerge from the boxwood, carefully follow the beautiful ledge to the bench for a short rest after this steep climb and to enjoy a 180° view of the Besançon hills and the Jura mountains. Facing the bench, take the path on your left, passing the signpost, towards Velotte.
(3) The path widens. Ten steps before reaching another signpost marking a crossroads, head down the stony path on the left. You’ll soon come to a fork. Continue down to the left. Caution: The descent is extremely slippery in wet weather. You’ll reach a gravel road; follow it down to the left to reach the viewpoint over Planoise. Continue for about a hundred metres past the hairpin bend, then turn left onto the path that joins the Chemin du Cras Rougeot. Turn left to return to your car (S/E).
The route includes ledge paths and unsecured viewpoints. Rocky and slippery paths in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and the use of walking poles is recommended.
Visorando Member
Moderate 
