Quingey walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 walk where you might (with a bit of luck) spot deer, foxes and a variety of birds.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

"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 family hike around Chenecey, punctuated with information panels about the natural environment and clues left behind by the Vouivre. In the exceptional landscape of the Loue Valley, set off on an exploration to discover a diverse and preserved natural heritage. It can all be explained by a karst landscape shaped over time, so ancient that it is home to a strange mythological creature. For younger visitors, the trail comes with an explorer's notebook full of puzzles. This booklet is available for free in the booklet box at the start of the trail by the church and from local shops (the Loue bakery, Chez Gervais restaurant, the post office and the town hall). You will 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.

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.

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.

From a small village typical of the Lison valley, whose slate-roofed houses have retained their old-fashioned charm, you will discover the small reculée (valley) of Cussey-sur-Lison from two belvederes nestled on the heights of its limestone cliffs, before returning via the bottom of the reculée, accompanied by the cascades of its tuff stream: the Goulue.

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.

Visit the ruins of Montferrand le Château castle.

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.

"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 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.

This short, easy family walk will take you through the woods from the Vaugrenans valley to Velesmes, before returning via the outskirts of Benusse and its mill.

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.

From the heart of the valley, you will climb in the shadow of the Château de Châtillon towards the Lizine plateau and its slate roofs, from where you will discover the Loue and Lison valleys from superb balconies, the riches of the church in this typical little village, the Oratory of the God of Mercy, and you can rest for a few moments at the cool fountain in Villevoz before setting off again towards splendid viewpoints over the two rivers.

Don't worry, you won't see a single snake. However, throughout this walk between Loue and Lison, you will discover no fewer than three viewpoints, particularly the Gouille Noire, which overlooks the wild charm of the valley. From the Croix du Châtelet, you will discover the small village of Lizine and its rich church. After resting at the cool fountain in Villevoz, you can set off again towards the splendid sharp limestone pavement formations that resemble menhirs.

Another circular walk around Lizine taking you to beautiful viewpoints and past the limestone pavement.

In Lizine, with its slate-roofed houses, you’ll discover the splendour of its church, the Oratory of the God of Mercy, and the rural heritage of this typical little village, resting for a few moments by the cool Vuillevoz fountain before setting off again through beautiful fir forests, where the sun casts a play of light and shadow, towards the Croix du Châtelet and its fine viewpoint over the Loue Gorges, the neighbouring mountains and the fortified house of Châtillon.

At the confluence of the Loue and Lison rivers, this walk offers a series of views from the Lizine plateau.

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

Explore the southern part of Saint-Vit, the Bois d’Ambre and its remarkable trees, the Rhône-Rhine Canal, the sand pits, the agricultural plain and the sports complex.

A forest walk, ideal for an autumn morning, where you might spot a few peaceful chamois in the depths of secret glades and discover, emerging from the forest setting, the superb Grand Méandre viewpoint over the Loue valley and the keep of the feudal castle of Chenecey.

This forest walk is ideal for an autumn morning, when you can surprise a few peaceful chamois in secret clearings and discover the superb Grand Méandre viewpoint over the Loue valley and the keep of the feudal castle of Chenecey, emerging from the forest. Return via the Chalet d'Arguel and pastures that will sharpen your sense of direction.

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. You will walk along a beautiful, rocky ridge, punctuated by numerous viewpoints over the valley.

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.

A fairly varied route (geological curiosity, spring, stream and river with numerous small waterfalls), well shaded and wooded enough to encounter various species of trees.

This short but intense hike will take you to a series of historical sites, including the military fort at Pugey, the ruins of Arguel Feudal Castle and the Valmy Monument, a memorial to the members of the Guy Mocquet resistance group who were shot at the citadel, as well as natural sites such as Malpertuis Cave, the Arguel Castle viewpoint, the viewpoint towards the Chère cave, the surprising Roche Trouée in the Martelin woods and finally the Valmy Monument viewpoint, which overlooks Besançon and the entire valley, from the Vosges to Burgundy.

This gentle stroll to the Rocher de Valmy, a key site in the Franche-Comté Resistance, offers views of the lower valley where the Doubs river forms one of its most charming meanders. Then, between pastures and beautiful forests, you will discover the Belvédère Martelin overlooking Avanne and the Côte de Planoise, the Roche Trouée, a wild gateway opening onto the valley, and finally, the ruins of Fort de Pugey, the Grotte de Malpertuis and the massive, distant silhouette of Mont Poupet.

A short but richly rewarding walk: the Rocher de Valmy and the memorial stele, a tribute to the 16 resistance fighters shot at the Citadel, located on a rocky outcrop (406m) overlooking the valley where the Doubs river forms one of its most charming meanders; the Martelin viewpoint over Avanne and the Côte de Planoise; the Roche Trouée, a gateway to the valley; and finally, the old royal road with more beautiful views of the neighbouring mountains.

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.

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 short, easy walk to explore the villages of Pugey and Arguel via the ridges.

Starting from the church in Avanne, you will walk along the river, climb up to the cabordes, old dry stone winegrowers' huts, then on to Fort de Planoise or Fort Moncey, built in 1877, the first defensive rampart of the city of Besançon. You will pass numerous batteries and fortifications at a military pace, then stop at the superb viewpoints, one overlooking Besançon and its hills, the second to the south, overlooking the Doubs valley and the Jura mountains.