Parking is available at the exit of Ornans, opposite the gendarmerie, at the foot of the statue of Perrenot de Grandvelle. Alternatively, you can park in the large car park on Rue de la Fenotte. Yellow-blue markings.
(S/E) You can go down to the Loue to take a look at the old Nahin bridge, then go back up to the police station (former Visitandines convent) via the steps at the foot of the statue. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and walk about 50 metres to go around the building on the left. Cross the park and car park and turn left into Rue de la Fenotte, then turn right up Rue de la Garenne (dead end).
(1) Pass the water tower, then climb the path on the left immediately after the electricity substation, opposite No. 18. Cross the stone field in a straight line and continue along the path on the other side. Join a path that climbs to the right. You will come to a hairpin bend and a crossroads. Continue along the ledges on the left (towards Roche des Pins - Le Château d'Ornans).
(2) You are now at the Roche du Mont viewpoint overlooking the old town of Ornans and the upper and lower Loue valley, with a view, if the sky is not too foggy, of the Roche de Hautepierre. Take care when walking along the cliffs past the Virgin of Notre-Dame du Mont! Continue a little further along the cornices for various viewpoints and, at the last one (overlooking the castle), join the path that crosses the dry limestone grasslands, i.e. short herbaceous vegetation that grows on shallow soil and is exposed to significant sunlight. Continue along the cliff path, entering a small pine forest to reach the Roche des Pins viewpoint, nestled in greenery and featuring a bench where you can rest or have lunch.
(3) Stay on this beautiful path until you reach the Mambouc stream, which you cross via a small wooden bridge.
(4) Shortly afterwards, descend to Ornans on the left via theGR®595, following the stream. At the first houses, continue straight ahead with the church tower in your sights. Pass under the archway of the old bridge and, continuing straight ahead, go down the small alley (Rue du Stade) to Place Gustave Courbet.
(5) Walk around the square, passing Courbet's statue of the Chavots Fisherman. Cross the footbridge over the Loue and its beautiful houses at the water's edge. Pass between the beautiful library and the ancient 15th-century Hôtel de Grospain. Turn right and walk up towards the church. It's well worth a visit.
(6) Walk around the church and head back down Rue Saint-Laurent. Turn left down Ruelle Hommage Michel Depierre for another view of the riverbanks. Cross the Loue again via the Grand Pont bridge, then turn right into Rue Pierre Vernier.
(7) Don't miss the small square on the right, where you'll find the Pierre d'Asile column. According to legend, anyone who had committed manslaughter could touch the column to be saved. A hundred metres further on, turn down another alleyway for a view of the museum. Continue along Rue Pierre Vernier, passing numerous mansions, to return to the car park (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.
