Saône walks

Hike in the Saône Marshes, following the water loop and the natural environment loop. Varied terrain with ponds, dry pastures and wetlands.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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.

Near Besançon, discover the beautiful hamlet of Arcier and its water sources, which contribute significantly to the water supply of Besançon and the valley overlooking them, and return via the heights of Chalèze and La Canaie via the Côte de Joux.

A short walk through the forest takes you from the very Catholic hermitage of Saint-Maximin to the prehistoric pagan dolmens. Then there is the viewpoint over Le Gratteris, whose name comes from the Celtic word kratt, meaning a stony field where you had to scratch hard to earn your livelihood. Return via the top of Mamirolle through the pastures.

A short walk through the forest takes you from the very Catholic hermitage of Saint-Maximin to the prehistoric pagan dolmens. You will end up at the viewpoint overlooking Le Gratteris, whose name comes from the Celtic word kratt, meaning a stony field where you had to scratch hard to earn your livelihood.

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.

At the gates of Besançon, the waters of the Arcier springs, naturally filtered by the Saône marshes, have supplied the city since the distant Gallo-Roman era. From their green and rocky settings, the babbling waters, gushing from all sides, will restore your bucolic spirit. You will then climb, at a more military pace, to the ruins of the Épesses battery, built in 1878.

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.