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Parking in Bonnay, Place du Souvenir, in front of the church. Yellow-blue markings.
(S/E) Set off along the Chemin de la Dame Blanche. Go straight ahead at the next fork and again straight ahead at the junction with Rue du Coteau, where the tarmac gives way to a stony path. Shortly after a farm shed, the path forks; continue to the right. Stay on this beautiful stony path.
(1) At a small shed, there is another fork. The hiking trail goes to the right, but continue straight up the left-hand path, leaving the marked trail. Enjoy the beautiful views of the rocks on the ridge. At the top, after a steep climb, at a triangular fork, continue climbing to the right along this well-marked forest path. A hundred metres after a hairpin bend, there is another fork. Continue climbing to the right.
(2) You will arrive at the ridge, where you will see an information sign: Réserve biologique intégrale de la Dame Blanche (Dame Blanche Integral Biological Reserve). You will find the markings again on a beautiful gravel road that branches off to the left. The markings continue along this forest road, but I strongly recommend taking the beautiful cliff path, lined with daffodils in spring, which climbs to the left.
Stay as close as possible to the ledge, skirting the ridge at a distance with beautiful views over the Ognon valley. This is an old hiking trail with yellow and blue markings that are still clearly visible. When it meets the road, continue along the path. You will reach the forest road, which you follow for about 50 metres. After signs no. 40 and 18, take the ridge path on the left to the viewpoint over the Ognon valley and, on the far right, the Vosges peaks (Hohneck, Ballon de Servance, Ballon d'Alsace and Grand Ballon).
(3) At the viewpoint (619 m), with your back to the valley, descend about 20 metres and turn left, passing in front of some ruins, then descend a small staircase in front of the fort entrance. Leave the fort via the path opposite the entrance. At the gravel road, turn left. You are now on the VTT124 mountain bike route. Go around the fort's moats.
(4) 600 metres after the fort entrance, look for a double telephone pole in the shape of an inverted V on your left. Walk about ten steps and leave the gravel road, heading back into the woods via the small path. Stay on this well-marked path, which is marked at intervals by a blue strip. You will once again walk along a pretty cliff path. When it begins to descend slightly, you will see some old signposts. Descend to the left, towards Vieilley, the beautiful wild wooded hillside.
(5) At the bottom, you will reach a wider forest path. Continue downhill to the left. The path can be muddy and slippery in wet weather. At the edge of the woods, descend towards the village along the small tarmac road with a beautiful view of the church on your left, then pass in front of the beautiful fountain-wash house and the town hall.
(6) Continue along Rue de la Cure, passing another small fountain and wash house. At the main street (Rue du Général de Gaulle), turn left, passing in front of the Château de Vieilley. The building is private, but the path leading to it is communal. You can take a quick look inside. Almost at the edge of the village, turn right onto Chemin de Bonney, towards the sports complex. Immediately after, turn right again onto the small gravel lane that joins the old Tacot road.
(7) Turn left onto this beautiful stone-paved path lined with trees. You will quickly pass an old railway station. At the wooden barriers, continue straight on to Bonney, taking the small gravel path that runs along the left side of the old railway line. At the junction with the small tarmac road, turn left and pass in front of the château.
(8) At the intersection by the drinking trough, turn right onto Rue des Fontaines, then right again onto the village's main street (Route de la Vallée) to soon find Place du Souvenir and the car park on your left (S/E).
The route includes cliff-top paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
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