Trail through the lower Doubs valley to Longepierre

The start of this circular route is in the car park of Longepierre Town Hall, next to the church.

(S/E) Once you reach the start sign, take the road on the right that goes round the church.

(1) Continue straight on for 100 metres, then turn left. Continue straight on for 250 metres. Once you reach the Affaire Vaux et Petit memorial, continue straight on for 150 metres. Take the path leading up to the embankment. The Passerelle des Chassenots is directly in front of you.

(2) Head right for 600 metres.

(3) Enter the field on the left, remembering to close the gate behind you. Depending on the season, you may come across one or two Comtois horses. For your safety, avoid any sudden movements, stay calm and speak to the animals to reassure them. Continue straight ahead and leave the field 600 metres further on by taking the steps back onto the embankment. If you’re not comfortable crossing the field in the presence of the horses, you’re perfectly welcome to stay on the embankment and continue straight ahead, outside the field.

(4) Go down from the embankment at Le Blanchard and continue left along the path for 700 metres.

(5) You’ll arrive in a field at Richedry; follow the fence on the right for 200 metres to cross the field. You’ll rejoin the path at the end of the field. You can turn left and naturally follow the path as it becomes circular. This brings you closer to the Doubs, allowing you to enjoy several views of the river and spot animal tracks on the ground. On returning from this short circular loop, turn left first, then continue straight on for 150 metres. Then take the path on the left to climb up onto the embankment.

(6) At the crossroads, continue straight on for 600 metres. You will cross the Doubs pasture. Then head back up the path on your right. A wooden gate allows you to exit the pasture. Continue straight on to rejoin the road, then turn left and continue straight on for 600 metres.

(7) Take Route du Moulin on the right, then continue straight on for 250 metres. Then take the path on the right, running parallel to the road, for 400 metres. At the end of the path, continue straight on for 150 metres.

(8) At the end of Rue des Puits, take the street on the right, then go straight on for 100 metres to return to the town hall car park (S/E).

Signposting: follow the signs (LON1) and the yellow markings ( walkingand hikingtrail).

Safety guidelines: ensure you are well equipped (rucksack,^first-aid kit, suitable clothing, sturdy footwear, etc.). Bring a bottle of water and protect yourself from the sun. Carry a mobile phone. Do not leave any litter in the countryside. Take care when crossing roads. Do not stray from the marked trails. Keep clear of forestry work. Respect crops, livestock, private property and current regulations. Take care during the hunting season (September to February).

If you notice anything unusual on this trail, please report it to us using Suricate. We will be notified of your report and will endeavour to rectify the issue as soon as possible.

The Vaux and Petit Affair: between 1851 and 1859, two-thirds of the village of Longepierre were destroyed by 25 arson attacks, fires wrongly attributed to the schoolteacher Pierre Vaux and his friend Jean-Baptiste Petit, who were sentenced to hard labour. A trail through the village retraces all the stages of this ‘judicial crime’. The starting point is next to the village church.

Built at the end of the^19th century, the Passerelle des Chassenots allowed farmers to cross the Doubs, where they had previously had to use a boat. The women of Longepierre used it to reach the gravel pits to do their washing. The spot was also popular with fishermen and walkers. It remained in use until 1970, when a wider, sturdier bridge was built nearby as part of the land consolidation scheme.

Halfway along the route, you’ll come closer to the Doubs, with several vantage points offering views of the river and its natural surroundings.