Passonfontaine walks

Set off to explore the Barchet Pond and its peat bog. This vast wetland is a remarkable reservoir of biodiversity. Its soil, permanently saturated with stagnant water, deprives the microorganisms responsible for decomposing organic matter of the oxygen they need for their metabolism. The plant litter mineralises slowly and partially. It then accumulates gradually, forming a poorly decomposed or undecomposed deposit: peat.

Varied terrain and landscapes ranging from meadows and woods to coniferous forests, from rocks and pastures to peat bogs, ponds and sinkholes, with views over the second plateau of the Haut Doubs.

An easy walk with little elevation gain, starting and finishing on the road, otherwise through the woods. A viewing point developed at the hamlet known as Château de Cicon. This is a walking route, but it can also be done by mountain bike or on horseback (preferably on dry, firm ground). The route is easy.

After the rain, take a walk in the forest on gravel and tarmac paths and walk around Barchet Lake along the peat bogs.

Hike around Vanclans from the church. This is a walk through woods and meadows. The first open section is between Vanclans and Etray. Take care when crossing the departmental road. The route then continues along a rocky ridge in the woods above Vanclans. The walk passes by the FFI monument in Vanclans with its Liberation cross before descending back to Vanclans.

A walk that will introduce you to the Premiers Sapins area, a new commune in the Doubs since 2016, following the merger of six communes. This walk will take you past the ruins of Cicon Castle and its viewpoint, the FFI monument at a place called La Vêche, with a view over Les Premiers Sapins, as well as Crêt Moniot, Étang le Barchet and its peat bogs in the municipality of Passonfontaine, returning via the Derrière la Roche viewpoint.

Departure from the car park of the old town hall of Nods, in the heart of the village, along the main street. The circular begins at the statue of the Virgin Mary. The path between Nods and the Virgin Mary is the same on the way there and back. When passing through the meadows, keep dogs on a leash and respect the peace and quiet of the animals.

You don't need to be as fit as an Alpine hunter to climb the high peaks and enjoy breathtaking views. This is a walk that is accessible to all. This 10km or 15km hike will take you to Crêt Monniot (1141m) where, on a clear day, a superb 360° panorama awaits you: lomont, the Loue valley, the Jura plateaus, the Vosges, Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps. You will love this landscape of chaux (the medieval name for high-altitude wasteland) with its sinkholes and sharp limestone pavement.

Forest walk through the woods of La Joux, La Joux Dessous and La Joux Dessus, along well-marked paths and a road alternating between gravel and tarmac.

From the foot of a medieval calvary, head towards the Belvédère des Genevois in the small, remote valley of Martinvaux, passing through beautiful pine forests with slender trees. Then descend to the Source de la Reverotte and follow it to the Puits de la Doye and the Grotte de la Baume.

La Roche Barchey, "the pierced rock" in Celtic, where witches of yesteryear celebrated their demonic cult, offers a vast panorama of the Val de Vennes and the Haut-Doubs from its height of 988 metres. You will then descend through the beautiful fir forests of La Joux towards the more Catholic Sainte-Radegonde, who, it is said, fought an evil ghoul, perhaps descended from the rock, on the night of a sabbath, on the site where her chapel was built.

Crêt Moniot, with one or two "n"s, is well known for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but the site is also ideal for hiking and mountain biking.It offers typical Jura landscapes with sinkholes and sharp limestone pavement, snow all year round in the La Neigère valley, abundant wildlife and superb views of the Alps.

A walk mainly through woodland between the villages of Épenouse and Vercel. On the agenda: cave, waterfall, wash house and church.

Circuit between woods and meadows with a significant elevation gain between Athose and La Baraque. Presence of game, particularly chamois. It is best to follow the route in the suggested direction, i.e. anti-clockwise.You can start from any point, but the suggested starting point is the church in Athose.

This relatively easy walk (apart from the climb up to the Roche de Hautepierre) will take you through the new commune of Les Premiers Sapins, between the villages of Athose and Hautepierre-le-Châtelet. Through woods and meadows, you’ll reach and pass through Hautepierre before climbing to the summit of the famous Roche de Hautepierre, which rises to an altitude of 881 metres. A breathtaking 360° panorama will allow you to take in the Loue valley, the Doubs plateaus and the first peaks of the Jura mountain range.You’ll return to the starting point by following the Ruisseau d’Athose gorge upwards through beautiful high forests, which provide welcome shade should the sun become a little too hot.

Remonot is a small hamlet in the commune of Les Combes. Situated on the banks of the Doubs, in the Pays Horloger, this village has everything to offer: surrounded by the Jura mountains, it is a pleasure to stroll along these country lanes in search of little gems. The most remarkable heritage site is none other than the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Remonot, situated within a vast cavern 30 metres deep. Within this cavern are four springs, one of which is said to possess miraculous properties. The site is still used for worship today. The route also takes you past the Church of the Holy Spirit and, nearby, the Remonot viewpoint, which offers views of the highest gorges of the Doubs. The walk along the river’s right bank takes you past a drinking trough and a hand pump.

The Reverotte, a tributary of the Dessoubre, is full of charm along its twelve kilometres. You will discover some of its features as you descend from La Sommette towards its mossy and rocky banks.

You will walk towards this Mecca of Franche-Comté tourism, the Source de la Loue, along the steep path of the Aiguillon de Brasse, crossing our Haut-Doubs pastures, accompanied by the peaceful music of cowbells and overlooking the sumptuous and wild Nouailles gorges from the cliff side.

A pleasant and refreshing short walk leading to the source of the Loue, with several viewpoints along the way.