Liesle walks

Third stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. From the Royal Saltworks in Arc-et-Senans to the Grande Saline in Salins-les-Bains, you will discover a unique sporting and cultural trail between the Doubs and Jura mountains, following in the footsteps of the great salt trade, with a stop in the village of Port-Lesney.

From the beautiful church in Paroy, passing in front of the wealthy residences of this small village, then crossing sunny meadows, you will climb to the viewpoint overlooking the lower Loue valley. Along a pretty sunken path, you will descend towards Ronchaux, another picturesque little village with its old farms, waterfall and former tuff quarry.

From the remains of the Old Bridge of Port-Lesney, you will climb up beautiful forest paths winding through box trees to the viewpoint overlooking the village topped by Mont Poupet. From this cool, mossy forest, you will emerge into the sunny vineyards, greeting the Saline d'Arc-et-Senans from afar, before returning, devoutly, to the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette perched on the cliff above the valley.

Hike exclusively in the forest, on paths and trails with some beautiful ascents and descents. Views of the Doubs and Loue valleys.

If you only have 1 to 1½ hours to let off steam, here is an idea for a short walk in Quingey/Cessey.

From Chapelle-sur-Furieuse, through forests, vineyards and meadows, you will reach the ruins of Vaulgrenant Castle and then return to your starting point along the Furieuse river via a long descent. You will pass through the small village of Onay, then the suburbs of Salins-les-Bains, via the Voie Verte, before reaching Marnoz and heading towards Château de Vaulgrenant. Enjoy beautiful views of Le Poupet and the forts of Salins-les-Bains.

This woodland walk offers three viewpoints over the lower Loue valley, the Jura mountains and Bartherans, nestled in wooded valleys overlooking the Lison valley.

Perched on its rocky outcrop, overlooking the Doubs valley, Abbans Castle likely replaced a Roman castrum. The oldest parts date from the 12th century. It was at the top of the keep that Claude Dorothée de Jouffroy d’Abbans set up his study and forge, where he built his steamboat. A short stroll through the countryside in this place steeped in history, taking in the cool Sentier du Ruisseau, the peaceful Grande Fin valley and the monument commemorating the long-forgotten rag-and-bone men of the 1870s.

On its rocky spur overlooking the Doubs valley, Abbans Castle was probably built on the site of a Roman castrum. The oldest parts date from the 12th century. It was at the top of the keep that Claude Dorothée de Jouffroy d'Abbans set up his study and forge, where he built his steamboat. Enjoy a short country walk in this historic setting along a pleasant ridge path, then through the Grande Fin valley, discovering the castle from different angles.

Route through the forest and wide paths, connecting the two parts of the commune of Cessey via the Mont de Cessey ridge and the Loue river.

This hike, following in the footsteps of Marquis Claude François Dorothée de Jouffroy d'Abbans, naval architect and designer of the steamboat, will take you between the Loue and Doubs rivers, from oratories to churches, in the heart of our devout Comtois countryside, leaving you time to meditate on the twilight paths of our wooded mountains.

Forest trail to discover the Edgar Faure viewpoint over the Loue valley and its vine-covered hillsides, then return, devoutly, to the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette perched on the cliff face above the valley, ending with a short break at the Espace Vöhl with its views of Mont Poupet and the Jura mountains.

A 30-minute climb will take you to the feudal castle of Vaulgrenant, where you can enjoy a 360° panorama. Then you will walk between valleys and woods, with ever-changing views of Mont Poupet. After Marnoz, you will discover a very pleasant path leading back to Pagnoz. It allows you to walk along the railway line without realising it (except at the beginning). A hike away from the beaten track and through varied landscapes.

A lovely little forest walk to the ruins of this medieval castle built in the 13th century, wiped off the map by the awful Louis XIV who, to punish us for our "Comtois, Rends-toi! Nenni, Ma foi!" ("Comtois, surrender! No way!"), dismantled all our medieval castles. At the top, there is a 360° view of the Chaux forest, the Val d'Amour, Mont de Pretin, the forts of Saint-André and Belin, and Mont Poupet. Return through beautifully rolling countryside, topped by Fort Saint-André in the distance.

From Virgin to Virgin, not forgetting the big bad wolves, you will discover a superb panorama of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warlike with the ruins of Montferrand Castle, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, commercial with the Percée de Thoraise. As you climb the Éssart du Loup, you can dream of those distant times when the simple, tranquil beauty of our Comtois landscapes could be disturbed by sinister encounters.

A forest and countryside walk, accompanied by the Montferrand keep and the Bisontin mountains, down the beautifully named Chemin de l'Essart du Loup, an old cart track, to discover the Monument de Vorges in memory of the long-forgotten poor biffins of 70, a gypsum factory and the small valley of Moulin Caillet lost between two mountains.

A stroll along the ridge separating the Loue Valley and that of the river Doubs and then along the banks of the Doubs with a panoramic view of the Château de Montferrand ruins.