Lombard walks

A short, easy family walk through woods and meadows around Fourg.

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

A lovely walk around Fourg, alternating between dirt tracks and forest paths. You’ll reach the site of the reconstructed old village in the forest, with huts erected for the traditional crafts festival. After crossing some meadows, you’ll reach the highest point of this route via a short, steep climb through the forest. The return journey takes you along lovely paths through a small valley on the outskirts of the village.

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

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.

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.

A lovely little walk along the River Loue, then through meadows and forests with a variety of tree species. A family walk with a section emerging from the forest offering a unique view of the village of Quingey.

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.

A lovely little walk around Villars-Saint-Georges that will take you through meadows and woods, across a pretty valley, to the banks of the Doubs before heading back up into the large forest. A family-friendly walk where you might spot (with a bit of luck, at least) roe deer, foxes and a variety of birds. ⚠️ The route is close to the Gouffre du Creux de Pépé Regional Nature Reserve, where specific regulations apply. See the practical information.

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.

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.

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

Natural site with four viewpoints over the Jura Mountains and the Cussey valley, a corniche and dry grasslands. Places of interest: the Cussey fountain and wash house, Echay, a typical village in the Lison valley.

A peaceful walk in the Lison valley with its sandstone cliffs and three viewpoints. You will discover two typical Comtois villages, Echay and Cussey sur Lison, and its remote hamlet.

From a small village typical of the Lison Valley, whose slate-roofed houses have retained their old-world charm, you’ll explore the little valley of Cussey-sur-Lison via two viewing points perched on the heights of its limestone cliffs, before returning through the valley floor, accompanied by the cascades of its tuffier stream: the Goulue.

Starting from Cussey-sur-Lison, this lovely circular walk combines heritage, woodland and Jura landscapes. After exploring the village and its Saint-Christophe church, the path leads to the Croix and Chaux viewpoints, offering beautiful views of the valley, the cliffs and Mont Poupet. The walk then descends into the heart of the Goulue gorge, following the stream and its small waterfalls. A varied and peaceful walk, taking in limestone cliffs, woodland and rural heritage.

An easy family walk through a communal woodland adjoining the great Chaux Forest. Narrow paths, wide avenues and dirt tracks make up this route. In some places, you’ll need a bit of a sense of direction, as the paths are barely visible. You’ll also get a good insight into the different stages of forest management.

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.

This easy walk begins with a crossing of a vast, open plain. It then follows a shaded path along the banks of the Loue, before returning up the hill via a shaded forest track.

Sixth stage from the Jura to Hauts-de-France via the Francigena: for this long stage, which features less elevation gain, you set off from La Chapelle-sur-Furieuse and, passing through forests, vineyards and meadows, you’ll reach Port-Lesney. From the Vieux-Pont in Port-Lesney, you’ll climb along beautiful forest paths winding through boxwood groves towards the Hermitage of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, perched on a sheer cliff overlooking the valley, before reaching the village of Arc-et-Senans and its Royal Saltworks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is a former salt production facility, built on the initiative of King Louis XV between 1775 and 1779. This is followed by a forest trail leading you to Le Signal (467 m), the highest point of this stage. You then descend along beautiful, fairly undulating forest paths, with occasional views across the vast neighbouring state-owned forest, towards the Doubs valley.

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.

A walk through the forest along dirt tracks and forest paths.

This long hike will take you to the Goulot farm, offering superb panoramic views over the lower Doubs valley and the Chaux and Serre forests. There are also views of the first and second Doubs plateaus. The varied trail surfaces, short climbs and long descents will ensure a wide variety of experiences throughout the route.

A short family walk combining a tarmac road at the start, followed by long stretches through woodland before climbing up to the chapel to enjoy a magnificent view over the Doubs valley and Besançon.

This lovely walk will take you to Busy along pretty, undulating woodland paths to Vorges, after which the gradient reverses on the way to Busy. From there, the road surface changes. A very steep tarmac road will take you to the D083, where you’ll take a ridge path, then the Roman road and dirt tracks for the return journey. This route offers beautiful panoramic views of several spots in the Doubs Valley.

A lovely, easy family walk offering magnificent views over the Doubs valley as far as the Serre massif, as well as over the Loue valley, from the lower plateaus to Mont Poupet. Part of the return journey follows a small stream and the Boussières plain.

From Boussières, you can reach the Pierre de Vorges via a forest path. Make your way to the Moulin Caillet by following this stream and crossing fields of wild garlic. In the middle of the pastures, head up the Essart du Loup and enjoy the view. Follow the Roman road and pass the Montgardot monument to reach the Chemin de la Grand-Fin d’Abbans-Dessus; then, heading down through the woods, you’ll reach the Ruisseau de la Chandole. Follow the stream and fords across it to return to Boussières via the plain.

This walk, designed for road runners or joggers, follows only tarmac paths and a few country lanes. Through the woods, it will take you to La Piroulette, a hamlet of Torpes, then you’ll pass through Routelle, with a view of the spring in the centre of the village. You’ll then follow the cycle route for several kilometres along the canal before returning to Boussières via the plain.

A lovely little walk that will take you to the Source de Buy, below Busy. After following the stony path down to the Pierre de Vorges, you’ll come across this small, ever-flowing spring. After following the Ruisseau du Moulin Caillet and its meandering course, you’ll join the cycle route, then the strategic path which will take you up to the N-D du Mont viewpoint, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Besançon and its western outskirts, as well as the Doubs valley.

A lovely little walk around Boussières, through open countryside and woodland, and following a stream for a short while before fording it. A short, steep climb will take you to the top of the hill, then a long descent will bring you closer to the village, which you’ll reach via the fitness trail to arrive at the beautiful church and its porch, listed as Historic Monuments.

A lovely, easy little walk that takes you to the Couvent de Béthanie and along the right bank of the Doubs on the towpath. Along the way, you’ll pass beneath the castles of Thoraise, Torpes and Boussières. Take the time to watch the birds on the Doubs. With a bit of luck, you may also spot coypu, beavers (and their gnaw marks on the trees) or chamois towards the end of the route.

Walking along the riverbanks and past the beautiful rocks, you’ll see Thoraise Castle reflected in the calm waters, then the Monsieur Tunnel. You’ll climb up to Notre-Dame du Mont, a viewpoint overlooking the valley and its guardian, the Montferrand keep, before returning along a more rural route beside the stream.

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.

This circular walk starting from Boussières will take you to the Abbans-Dessus signpost as you head up the Ruisseau de la Chandole. After enjoying the views over the Loue and Doubs valleys, the return journey follows the Roman road and the descent via the Essart du Loup.

A short walk but featuring a fairly steep descent; take care if the ground is wet, as the pebbles strewn across the path can be slippery and may roll under your feet.After taking in the view over the Doubs valley from the chapel, you’ll follow part of the strategic path; then, after the long, steep descent, the climb back up to the Caillet mill follows the stream, amidst fields of wild garlic in spring.Rated as moderate due to the steep descent.

This short walk will take you through woods and meadows to the Chouzelot (or Mont Gardot) monument. After crossing the ridge, you’ll walk through a beautiful forest to return to your car park, passing vineyards and orchards along the way.

A forest walk combining tracks, forest paths and dirt tracks, taking in the Gour de Conches, its waterfall and its spring.

A short, easy family circular route, following paths amongst the ponds of the former sand pits. You’ll reach the Moulin du Pré, a riverside rest stop and the base of the local rowing club, before returning via the cycle route along the river.

"The seigneurial tower spreads its mismatched wings at the top of a steep cliff at the foot of which flows the Loue. The tranquil river continues to lap at the rocky escarpment, striving to draw the same circular patterns on the earth as it always has," writes Carole Martinez. A walk rich in discoveries: old-fashioned farms, a fountain entwined with mossy walls, an old forge and, the highlight, the Grand Méandre de la Loue and its thousand-year-old sentinel, the keep of Charencey.

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.

A family walk around Chenecey, featuring information boards about the natural habitats and clues left by the Vouivre river as it flows through the area. Set against the exceptional backdrop of the Loue Valley, set off on an exploration to discover a diverse and well-preserved natural heritage. It all stems from a karst landscape shaped over time, so ancient that it is home to a strange mythological creature. For younger children, the walk comes with an explorer’s booklet full of puzzles. This booklet is available free of charge from the booklet box at the church and from local shops in the village (the Boulangerie de la Loue, the restaurant Chez Gervais, the post office and the town hall). You’ll need a pencil.

A ruined feudal castle dating from the 9th century overlooking the village and the Loue valley, the ruins of Charencey Castle are listed as a Historic Monument. From the church, located on the banks of the Loue, you will climb up to these secret ruins, continuing through a beautiful forest, perhaps imagining that you will come across a team of oxen pulling a cart up to the castle. Finally, you will return through the sunny pastures overlooking the valley.

From Chenecey church, you will climb up to the solitary ruins of Charencey Castle overlooking the Grand Méandre de la Loue. From valleys to hills, you will continue through a vast, bright forest and meadows lost deep in the woods, reaching the riverbank to return to the village.

Discover a secluded valley through which the Ruisseau du Moulin Caillet winds, before a steep climb towards the ridges overlooking the Doubs valley. The route alternates between forest tracks, wild paths and sections through sharp limestone pavements, offering magnificent panoramic views of Montferrand Castle and the Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel. A short detour also offers the chance to see a mysterious ancient underground passage carved beneath the cliff face. A varied and charming circular walk, suitable only for walkers with a sure footing for the sections along the cliff edge.

Discover panoramic views of the Doubs valley, the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Mont and, dominating the valley, the feudal castle of Montferrand and its medieval keep overlooking the meanders. Then a picturesque steep path will take you down through a beautiful forest of slender trees to the Canal Monsieur dit la Percée de Thoraise, a 185-metre tunnel dating from 1810.

Around Torpes via the lodge woods and the Rans d’Archaux, returning via the tarmac road.

They will guide you through times gone by that are nevertheless at the origin of the unique landscape of Chenecey and Buillon. The activities of yesteryear explain today's landscapes: a strong identity and a rich and diverse memory that has been built up over time and passed down from generation to generation.Through a digital app, just like those who came before you, you are invited by the monks of the former Cistercian abbey and the famous painter James Tissot to leave the hustle and bustle of the village behind and enter places that invite you to relax and contemplate. Ten stations will allow you to discover places that are inaccessible to the public, as they were in their heyday. Human relationships, self-awareness, art and connections with nature have evolved over time and in line with the challenges of each era. Through this retrospective journey, this walk invites you to reflect on the future of these places.

A circular walk in the Thoraise plain, with no difficulty whatsoever. The first circular route takes you along the Doubs and past the military camp, then through the Monsieur Canal tunnel. The second loop takes you upstream along the cycle route, followed by a visit to the picturesque site of La Pierre de Vorges, with a return route through the woods. You can also see the Convent of Bethany on the opposite bank and the site of the canal tunnel. There is also a fine view of the ruins of Montferrand Castle.

Discover Thoraise, its narrow streets and ancient postern gates, its castle and the banks of the Doubs. Then climb up to the Notre-Dame du Mont viewpoint overlooking the valley and the keep of the feudal castle of Montferrand, ending finally at the Thoraise breakthrough and the Monsieur canal.

Visit the Notre-Dame-du-Mont Chapel in Thoraise. Superb view of the Doubs and Montferrand Castle.

On 10 November 1855, during a meeting of the Société d'Émulation du Doubs, Alphonse Delacroix exclaimed: "There is a place which, until the 19th century, retained its name of Alésia and still reigns amid the remains of the largest battlefield known to man. It is there, in Alaise, that we place the memorable siege that ended the struggle of Vercingetorix." Far from this scholarly debate, discover these ruins and, above all, the magnificent view of the Lison Gorges.

A walk along tarmac roads and forest tracks to explore the viewpoints over the River Lison and the Gallic ruins. Forest path no longer in use (9); see the notice dated 2 September 2023 for an alternative route

Visit the ruins of Montferrand le Château castle.

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.

"To the south, there was no need for walls of wood or stone: the seigneurial tower spread its mismatched wings at the top of a steep cliff at the foot of which flows the Loue. The tranquil river continues to lap at the rocky escarpment, drawing the same green loops on the earth as it has done since time immemorial," writes Carole Martinez in her book Du domaine des murmures. Come and listen to the murmur of the Loue in the shadow of the ancient castle.

You will walk peacefully along the river towards Chenecey, with its old church and picturesque 18th-century turreted house, then climb up to the hidden ruins of the 9th-century feudal castle of Charencey, which dominates the village and the Loue valley. Finally, you will end your walk at the Grand Méandre viewpoint overlooking the valley and the castle keep, where you may even spot some chamois.

A short walk near Besançon offering a splendid bird’s-eye view of part of the Doubs valley.

This hike offers magnificent views of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warlike with the ruins of the feudal castle of Montferrand, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, all while travelling along a beautiful ridge line.

This hike offers magnificent views of the Doubs valley and its contrasting hills: warrior-like with the ruins of the feudal castle of Montferrand, peaceful with the protective Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont, and will lead you through bucolic me anders towards the beautifully named Notre-Dame de l'Assomption des Champs, protecting you from demonic medieval gargoyles.

A walk through woods and countryside to discover the little valley tucked away between the two hills of Moulin Caillet and, climbing the beautifully named Chemin de l’Essart du Loup, the Monument de Vorges, in memory of the poor, long-forgotten soldiers of 1870. Return to Busy with lovely views of the keep at Montferrand and the Besançon hills.

A lovely walk or mountain bike ride. A gentle, steady gradient over 7.5 km with an elevation gain of around 220 m. Lovely view from the pass (1870 monument).

Here is a walk to enjoy a stretch of the Doubs Valley. This route will allow walkers to enjoy the Gevrey Forest, follow the paths, reach the banks of the Doubs, make the most of the cycle route to take in the typical landscapes of the Doubs Valley – including the ruins of Montferrand Castle – and head back up towards Busy via Le Moulinot. Hike organised by Grand Besançon Métropole.

A short climb to warm up your legs and discover two villages and exceptional views over the Doubs and Loue valleys, the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Mont, overlooking the valley, the Château de Thoraise above the river, the feudal castle of Montferrand and its medieval keep overlooking the meanders and, on the horizon, Besançon. Then a more leisurely return via the towpath, along the banks of the Doubs in the protective shade of the ruins.

A route to be enjoyed without hesitation along our beautiful Doubs Valley, under the dual watchful eye of the stern, thousand-year-old keep of the feudal castle of Montferrand and the gentler, protective gaze of Notre-Dame du Mont. A little taste of nature, punctuated by the remains of the ingenious industry that brought the valley to life during the first half of the 20th century, along the canal and its cutting. Then a short pilgrimage along a path lined with ferns and moss-covered rocks to Notre-Dame du Mont.