Montboillon walks

This circular route starts in Boulot, at the Au Zinc bar-restaurant. Enjoy your walk with family or friends, passing by Boulot Castle, the Golot Fountain and the covered wash house in Boulot, which is decorated during festivals.

A very pleasant walk to discover the Tounolle, a small, wild river in the forest.

This route will allow you to discover the countryside and woods of the villages of Geneuille and Cussey-sur-l'Ognon. The route is not difficult and follows well-marked paths and forest roads.

A circular walk for everyone, starting from the swimming pool car park.

A short, easy and very pleasant walk in the Ognon valley where, depending on the season, you will see swans, ducks, moorhens, herons and many other birds at the water's edge and animals at the edge of the forest. Apart from passing through the villages, the paths cross peaceful countryside, a true haven of peace.

Bucey-les-Gy is a “Petite Cité Comtoise de Caractère” nestled in the Morthe valley, within the triangle formed by the towns of Gray, Vesoul and Besançon. Ancient and Merovingian graves attest to a very long-standing presence in Bucey-les-Gy. Until 1091, the village belonged to the Counts of Burgundy, before being ceded to the Archbishops of Besançon. The hamlet of Saint-Maurice, which you will pass through on your walk, was largely destroyed in 1944 in retaliation for acts of resistance.

The municipality of Velleclaire is divided into two parts by the D474 road: an upper section on the Route de Vantoux and a lower section on the other side, featuring a small wooded area. It is this lower part that you will explore. This small village of 105 inhabitants is home to a charming 19th-century chapel. The settlement consists mainly of farmhouses, some of which have beautiful cellar entrances and very interesting architectural features.

From Châtillon church, you will climb to a wild viewpoint on the rocks of the Dame Blanche, encountering the ruins of an old caborde (stone shelter) along the way. Then, along a beautiful line of cornices overlooking the Ognon valley, you will reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges mountains, following in the footsteps of the disturbing woman who haunts these places after dark. From the old fortifications, you will descend towards Châtillon along peaceful forest paths.

Viewpoint, castle, wash houses, banks of the Ognon, nature reserve pond: discover Perrouse and Buthiers.

From Bonnay church, you will climb up to this beautiful line of cornices overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges, following in the footsteps of the disturbing woman who haunts these places after dark. Then, from the ancient fortifications, you will descend via a wild path towards the valley and its villages with their beautiful fountains, returning to Bonnay and its castle via the old Tacot road.

The Colombine river has its source in Charcenne at the foot of the Leffond Chapel. Charcenne is a land of cheese and wine. A cheese dairy and nurseries provide many jobs in the area.

A pleasant walk in the shade of the trees in the Chailluz forest, passing by the Fontaine des Acacias (a forest water source carved into the side of a sinkhole). An easy route through the coniferous woodland.

A walk around Mont de Pouilley-les-Vignes along the botanical trail, then the fitness trail through paths winding between beautiful moss-covered rocks, dotted with snowdrops and daffodils in spring. At both ends: a viewpoint overlooking the church spires of the surrounding villages and the Haute-Saône; the fortifications built after the defeat of 1870.

Forest hike to discover the Noironte lake, walk along the Rhine-Rhône high-speed rail line, and visit the plague cemetery, which dates back to 1632.

Starting from the Maison de la Nature, located on the banks of the Ognon in a former mill, this walk leads to the woods of Brussey, then offers beautiful panoramic views of the Château de Ruffey and the Ognon.

The scenic route through the Saône Valley in Recologne-les-Rioz is a circular route that starts on Rue de l’Église and returns to its starting point. Discover Recologne’s religious heritage along the Way of St James pilgrimage route, as well as its cultural heritage via Château de Ray (10 centuries of history).

From the town hall in Vieilley and its beautiful wash house fountain, you will climb towards the line of ledges overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges, hopefully without encountering that unsettling woman who haunts these places after dark. Then, from the old fortifications, you’ll descend via a wild path towards the valley.

This is a forest walk in the Chailluz Forest, whose name comes from "chaille", a rock similar to flint, which our ancestors used to make arrowheads. You will climb up to the beautiful line of cornices overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges mountains. And as you will no doubt be doing this walk on a beautiful sunny day, you are unlikely to encounter the disturbing lady who haunts these places after dark.

An easy forest walk leading to the Fort de la Dame Blanche from the Grandes Baraques car park. From the fort, the view over the Ognon Valley is splendid.

A peaceful family route near Besançon. Discover a restored caborde (stone shelter) and a wide viewpoint with an orientation table.

Following in the footsteps of our ancestors, let's walk through the countryside to the chasms of the Bois de la Hye, known as the "Bois des Roches". Passage impossible in (10), see notices

A short, cool, shaded walk to discover the Fontaine des Acacias, one of the only water sources in the Chailluz Forest, carved out at the foot of a small cirque of mossy rocks in a wild sinkhole. Return via the floral trail to another sinkhole: the Creux Vivier.

Want to go for a walk in the countryside while staying in town? Yes, it's possible!

A few hours in a peaceful area. The terrain is hilly, with views stretching far into the distance. We discover villages with their beautiful fountains and wash houses. We finish at the feudal mound and its discovery trail.

Hike starting from Marnay on the Voie Verte (old railway line) towards Brussey (eco-museum) and returning to Marnay via Combe Gaudin.

Discover a medieval village with old houses, a castle, a mill and a spring. Listed site since 1977.

Walk in the Chailluz Forest and climb up to the Dame Blanche viewpoint.

A rural hike through rolling hills, woods, meadows, farmland and villages in the Franche-Comté region.

Remains of Gallo-Roman buildings have been found in Marnay. However, the commune was not mentioned until 1210. A gate and some remains of the old surrounding walls are still visible. A few elements of the feudal castle also remain, including the drawbridge and two turrets. The old town also has many houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The current town hall dates from the Renaissance.The castle overlooking the Ognon valley was rebuilt in the 16th century but has been extensively remodelled since then.Finally, the Gothic church dates from the 14th and 17th centuries. The 20-hectare lake is home to many animal and plant species.

An easy route through the countryside. Peaceful, wide open, gently rolling landscapes. Woods and fields. Two beautiful fountains and a fortified castle, one of the last in Franche-Comté to still have a standing keep.

This is a lovely walk that starts in the Franois woods, where you will find pretty wooden buildings belonging to the nursery school on either side of the path. Then, via a small path through the forest, you will reach the equestrian centre. You will follow the Pirey ridge path, with a view of the "shooting range". You will cross Mont de Pouilley, with its military ruins, its old aviary and its view of the village. Then return to the starting point in Serre.

A short, easy walk, mostly on unmarked paths, so very little used. You can see the archaeological site of the feudal mound of Placey.

For a change from the crowds in Chailluz Forest, this is a peaceful little walk on the outskirts of Besançon, best done in dry weather.

The town of Thise and the March'en Thise Association have marked out four paths in the Bois de Thise to showcase different aspects of the woods, including the one described here: the Sentier Noir, known as the Sentier de Rufille.

The municipality of Thise and the March'en Thise Association have mapped out four trails in the Bois de Thise to showcase different aspects of this woodland, including the one described here: the 10 km red trail, known as the Sentier des Dolines.

According to Besançon tradition, the Sun King, Louis XIV, sat under a lime tree during the capture of Besançon by his troops: "the king's lime tree". But "Les Tilleroyes" is undoubtedly an old variant of tilleraie, a forest of lime trees. I don't know if you'll still find any lime trees, but there will be plenty of shade and coolness for city dwellers looking for a breath of fresh air just a stone's throw from the city.

A very lovely, fairly short walk suitable for everyone, on the hills above the small village of Thise, east of Besançon. Minimal elevation gain, stony path.

A short, easy hike that will take you to Cordiron Castle with a beautiful view of Marnay and the Ognon Valley.

As its name suggests, this is a short, very easy walk starting from the church in Chemaudin and Vaux. It follows small paths in open countryside and woods. It passes by the Pote farm, which breeds Salers cattle and keeps horses.

Hike starting in the village, then through the Chalèze woods to reach the Arcier springs. The return journey is along the Doubs river via the cycle path.

There are plenty of fountains in Besançon! Some more imposing than others, some more interesting, some steeped in history. Rather than admiring one by chance or even walking past it with complete indifference, why not go on a hunt for the 20 fountains? An urban and cultural stroll that will help you discover Besançon in a fun way.

Hike in the Besançon area, allowing you to climb up to Fort de Bregille with a superb view of the city and the citadel.

The forts of Beauregard and Bregille offer a special walk for residents of Besançon seeking greenery and sweeping views of the capital of Franche-Comté and its hills. They offer superb views of our Citadel. Then, just a stone's throw from the bustling city, you will find yourself on quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of boxwood.

A beautiful walk for city dwellers seeking nature and sweeping views of the capital of Franche-Comté and its hills, just a stone's throw from the city. It offers superb views of our Citadel and the feudal castle of Montfaucon. Then, just a stone's throw from the noisy city, you will find yourself on quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of boxwood.

Built in the 19th century in the heart of nature, Fort de Brégille overlooks Besançon and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the old town topped by its citadel and, in the background, the Besançon hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont. After a short detour to the Grand Désert, a vast expanse of scree, you enter the Monts de Bregille forest for a visit to the Renard cave and the Clémentigney viewpoint overlooking the upper Doubs valley and the ruins of the feudal castle of Montfaucon.

The citadel, a masterpiece by Vauban, overlooks the old town, which is enclosed in a circular bend in the river (the Boucle), from a height of over 100 metres. Its ramparts offer spectacular panoramic views. You will climb up along the ramparts and casemates, then descend the other side towards the entrance to the city, the Porte Rivotte and the toll house. Then, walking along the riverbank, you will discover the towers and bastions that protect the city, ending at the Gare d'Eau, the old goods port.

There are plenty of fountains along this forest walk, which will take you scrambling at the foot of high rocks to discover a pretty little valley and forgotten fountains, before returning along a charming circular route of the Doubs.

Hike in the peaceful woods on the outskirts of Besançon.

From the countryside to the city: crossing the dry grasslands, shaped by human hands for centuries, you’ll climb up to Fort de Chaudanne and its views over the old town, crowned by its protective citadel. You’ll descend the wooded hillside along a lovely path to follow the peaceful river, stopping for a moment by the bubbling waters of the old dam at the foot of the ramparts.

A short climb up one of Besançon's seven hills: Chaudanne, with its unspoilt natural beauty, its dry grasslands shaped by nature and man, its fort and its views of the Citadel, the old town and the southern Doubs valley.

Hike to discover several viewpoints on the outskirts of Besançon.

An urban hike to discover the hills of Besançon. Natural factors such as soil, climate and altitude, combined with the action of water, have shaped the hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont, which are remarkable natural areas. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of unspoilt nature, proving that our provincial Besançon has managed to remain a city in the countryside.

Just a stone's throw from Besançon city centre, this hike will allow you to discover the capital of Franche-Comté from several different viewpoints. You will also discover the Citadel built by Vauban and several other forts and architectural features that made up the city's fortification system.

Hike to discover Fort de Chaudanne with its panoramic view of Besançon and the citadel and the small paths surrounding the site.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its anti-aircraft batteries, its redoubts and, finally, a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

Hike through the defensive wall of Montfaucon, a system of fortifications essential to the defence of Besançon. Built between 1870 and 1889 on a cliff, the site overlooks the city at an altitude of 617 metres. For walkers with less of a military bent, you will enjoy this woodland walk with its views of the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura Mountains and, on a clear day, the Alps, from the Bernese Oberland to Mont Blanc.

From the ancient Fontaine de Janniet, lost in the depths of the woods where, perhaps, the Vouivre dragon once gazed at its reflection in its green waters, you will plunge into the wild freshness of the Nacra valley. Then, slipping under the ruins of the old castle, accompanied by the scent of boxwood so characteristic of our limestone mountains, you will return, following the river and climbing back up the mountain via the beautifully named "Chemin du Traîne Bâton" (Walking Stick Path).

The Montfaucon valley, watched over by its thousand-year-old keep, is undoubtedly one of the most charming places near Besançon, with its ruins reminiscent of "German Romanticism". You can explore it via the cool, wild and remote Nacra and the sylvan fountain of La Dhuit, where you can imagine the Vouivre dragon reflecting in its green waters.

Peaceful downhill hike through the Montfaucon valley to the feudal castle perched on its rocky outcrop. Then from a lost fountain to a forgotten fountain, you will go through and, no doubt, appreciate the wild freshness of the Nacra steephead valley.

Between forest paths and old walls covered in ivy, this hike immerses you in nature and heritage: from the Vue des Alpes viewpoint to the cliffs overlooking the Doubs valley, the route offers panoramic views of the Citadel, the Jura Mountains and the Saône plain. Along the way, history unfolds: Fort Woirol, marked by a tragic explosion, the optical post and its anti-aircraft batteries, as well as the imposing remains of the feudal castle, testimony to a rich medieval past.

You will descend the wooded hillside of Nacra via a path that is barely visible in autumn, hidden under the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring, where you may catch a glimpse of the Vouivre dragon reflected in the green waters of the old Janniet fountain. You will discover views of the valley below and above, with the pretty line of the Besançon mountains: Bregille, Mont Saint-Étienne and its citadel, Chaudanne and Rosemont.

During this walk, you will pass through almost 1,000 years of military history, from the ruins of the old medieval castle to the Woirol military fort, built at the end of the 19th century, enjoying numerous views of the Bisontine valley and, on a clear day in the early morning or evening, the Bernese Oberland Alps and Mont Blanc.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its forward battery, its redoubts and a leap back 1,000 years with a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

This easy loop takes hikers on a journey of discovery through forests, pastures and preserved wetlands. You will pass through the typical hamlet of La Couvre, peaceful woods and pretty wooden pontoons will lead you to the ponds of Prés Neufs, La Vaivre, and Creux sous Roche, which drains water from the Bisontins to the source of Arcier. The route offers a variety of settings: old farms, romantic ruins, streams and clearings. Between the reflections on the water, the croaking of frogs and the rural landscapes, the walk charms visitors with its diversity and tranquillity. Accessible to all, it is an ideal nature walk for families.