Saint-Hippolyte (Doubs) walks

From the heart of Saint-Hyppolyte, nestled in the Revirot valley (where the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers meet), along its narrow streets lined with medieval houses, you will climb boldly towards the Chamesol plateau, a balcony overlooking the valley, to reach the viewpoint on the rocks and the vast cave where our ancestors built a castle that was unfortunately destroyed. Through beautiful forests and secret clearings, you will return via Soulce and its salt well, the Ursulines farm at the foot of the rocks and the tufa cave.

Saint-Hippolyte is located at the confluence of the Doubs and Dessoubre rivers in Franche-Comté. It is a small, picturesque tourist village at the gateway to the Pays Horloger (Watchmaking Country). The setting is enchanting: surrounded by the Jura mountains, the Dessoubre to the west and the Doubs to the north. The narrow streets are picturesque and the buildings are examples of the architecture of the Pays Horloger. It is of course possible to combine this short route with another discovery in the region.

The route offers views of the Doubs Valley and ends with a descent to Saint-Hippolyte from La Chapelle du Mont, passing close to the site of the Château de la Roche.

Geological and scenic hike offering numerous views of the Doubs valley and amazing natural sites to discover!

A ridge walk in the combe, with several geological features to discover and a wide view over the town of Saint-Hippolyte and the Doubs valley.

Easy hike through pastures and undergrowth to the highest point that gave the village its name. Wide views of the French-Swiss Jura mountain range, the site of Clémont and the Doubs valley. Pass by the small monument to the Lomont maquis.

Easy walk along the Clémont cliff. Viewpoints over Motte de Clémont and Liebvillers. Access to a small, unusual cave.

From Valoreille, a superb balcony overlooking the Dessoubre valley, you will descend towards the river through peaceful pastures with unobstructed views of the neighbouring mountains. Then, from the typical village of Vauclusotte and its covered wash house fountain, you will climb through beautiful forests to the Montaigu viewpoint, the Lomont wind turbines, the Montbéliard region and the Ballon d'Alsace, before finally cooling off at the Saint-Ligier fountain, dating from 1721 and topped by its bishop.

A picnic area with tables overlooks the Dessoubre valley at an altitude of nearly 750 metres. Old farms dating back to the 1960s cling to the mountainside. A wild valley where, perhaps, our Comtois Gauls performed their druidic rituals in sacred clearings. A natural rock known as the Devil's Castle overlooks the Waroly waterfall. Finally, caves carved out over centuries.

A lovely circular walk along the cliffs overlooking the Doubs valley. Breathtaking views and distant panoramas (you can see the Ballon d'Alsace 50 km to the north). At the fort, the League for the Protection of Birds organises an annual monitoring of migratory birds. This walk is best enjoyed in good weather for the exceptional views and the feeling of being in another world, far from the valley below.

Starting from Maîche, pass through Les Bréseux to see, in particular, its Comtois-style church with magnificent modern stained glass windows, then on to Rochet du Bourbet, a viewpoint over the Dessoubre valley and picnic area. Return via the QuatreGrottes de Waroly, the Waroly waterfalls and the hamlet of La Lizerne. Several interesting viewpoints: Rochet du Bourbet, on the way down to the Château de l'Ermitage, then on the way back up to the hamlet of La Lizerne, among others.

From Montalembert Castle, built by the Guyot de Malseigne family from 1574 onwards, you will climb to various viewpoints: the Notre-Dame des Anges Chapel at the top of the beautiful Saint-Simon hill; then the Roche de Ruan via paths lined with majestic fir trees, forming a guard of honour; the pastures of Mont Miroir and its concert of cowbells with its view of Lomont and the Saint-Hyppolite valley; and finally, the Mont Joie viewpoint overlooking the city and Saint-Pierre Church.

From the castle ruins, you will climb up to the ledges where, like tightrope walkers from one border marker to the next, you will walk along the ridge line, neither in France nor in Switzerland. You will reach the Réclère Caves, considered the most beautiful in the world by the first explorers in 1886. From Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne to Conan Doyle's The Lost World, you will squeeze between dinosaur feet. The return journey, via the old farmhouse at Montavon, will be less adventurous.

Hike accessible to all. Can be done in all seasons with superb views.

This short circular route allows you to visit the small town of Maîche, located in the Pays Horloger (Watchmaking Country). This short walk allows you to see much of the town's heritage, such as the Church of Saint-Pierre, the Château du Désert and its park, and the Chapelle des Anges. The route also passes in front of the châteaux of Montalembert and Mérode, which are private properties. Finally, the hike ends with a botanical trail that winds its way through the Côteau Saint-Michel.

A short hike suitable for families. After a period of rain, there are beautiful small waterfalls, but some sections of the stream must be forded. Beautiful view of the Hermitage as well. In hot and humid weather, watch out for ticks.

This hike is the second stage of the Grande Traversée du Jura. Although a little longer and more difficult than the first, it is one of the easiest stages of this crossing. Starting from Pont-de-Roide, the hike begins with an ascent to the Tour Carrée, passing by the Fort des Roches, which offers a superb view of the region. The hike then alternates between meadows and wooded areas, touching on the theme of the Second World War, notably with the Passage de la Douleur. The descent to Saint-Hippolyte is pleasant, with stops at Chamesol and the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Mont. Of course, once you arrive, don't hesitate to take a longer break in the beautiful village of Saint-Hippolyte.

A walk along the water, springs and fountains in the valleys surrounding the promontory of the ancient castle of Blamont. Discover the cave of Tante Airie, the legendary Mother Christmas of the Pays de Montbéliard.

Circular hike (figure of 8) with a shared section to the Réclère caves.

From the charming old church of Mont-de-Vougney, head down towards the Dessoubre, not forgetting to pay your respects to the old Saint-Claude in his stone niche. Once an industrial hub, today it has regained a wild and authentic freshness. As you follow the river, you will discover its cliffs, waterfalls and the Combe Foulot cirque. Then climb back up to the plateau through sunny pastures overlooking the valley.

A sandpit, ponds, viewpoint over Bourguignon and the new power station.

This is a challenging walk, best done in dry weather, with a steady climb followed by a fairly technical descent through undergrowth with roots and stones. Nature lovers will be delighted by the Doubs valley and its banks, the views from the Roches des Sommêtres and the architecture of the churches and houses in the village of Le Noirmont.