Urcy walks

A lovely hike around the Combe du Leuzeu, a hotspot of the Resistance in Côte d'Or. A battle between the Resistance fighters and the Vichy militia saw the former emerge victorious in July 1944.

The commune of Urcy is best known for its famous hill climb motor race, which celebrated its60th edition in September 2018. This little corner of the Côte d'Or is also ideal for walks. Exploring this area on foot is a real pleasure, surrounded by nature, far from the noise and hassle of everyday life. You may even encounter our forest friends along the way. So put on your walking shoes and go for a stroll in the nearby forests.

Set off from the village of Clémencey on a walk that winds its way along forest tracks and less well-trodden paths, taking in four iconic sites. The route first leads to the Leuzeu farm, a former monastic barn that became a key centre of the Burgundian Resistance in 1944, before climbing towards the Col de la Mialle (or ‘Maille’ according to the IGN), then on to the Col de la Toppe, traversing nearly two kilometres of woodland. The circular route ends at the Rente de Chamerey, one of those isolated farms typical of the Dijon region. A varied route, combining rural heritage, history and unspoilt nature, along trails that are sometimes technical but always offer a change of scenery.

A hike that takes you back in time to discover the remains of a German camp dating from the Second World War. A lovely walk through the Détain-Gergueil National Forest with an accessible cave.

Discover a little-known natural wonder from Gergueil: the Roche Chèvre cave.

Following a disused railway line before skirting the Burgundy Canal between Pont de Pany and Sainte-Marie-sur-Ouche, the route takes us on a circular route through the Liau Forest, passing through Arcey,

In the forest of Velars-sur-Ouche, you’ll reach Mont Aigu amidst moss-covered hills, creating the impression of being in a spectacular world. At the Roche d’Anse viewpoint, a panorama unfolds over the surrounding plains and forested hills. You won’t want to miss taking a photo of the Anse just below. You’ll pass the 15th-century Château de Montculot. The building was unfinished when Lamartine acquired it in 1760. In the village of Urcy, you can have a picnic at the wash house near the church. On Rue Lamartine, a local sculptor exhibits unique works. Through the woods of Combe Roulé and then Combe à la Feuille, you’ll reach Arcey, where the houses have been beautifully renovated. Through the Arcey forest via the Jean Sage Trail, then the Bois de la Chapelle aux Chiens, you’ll arrive at the Burgundy Canal. Return to Pont de Pany by following the canal. If you wish, there is a pub near the station car park.

The rocky spur of Roche d'Anse is the highest point of Plain de Suzard (532m). Like a bow, a natural arch completes the southern entablature, reminiscent of the cliff at Étretat.

You can explore the superb Combe Durey from within, as well as discover countless varieties of mushrooms.

Discover the Rentes de Chamerey, Écotois and Leuzeu farms starting from Flavignerot. A short and different variation on the Rentes route. A completely shaded route with smooth trails and relatively gentle slopes will allow for easy progress that is accessible to most people.

A walk through wooded hills and vineyards, passing through four renowned wine-growing villages.

This route starts from Flavignerot and links the various ‘rentes’ (isolated farmsteads) in the western Dijon region It thus links Mont Afrique, the ‘Rente Neuve’, the ‘Rente de Chamerey’, the ‘Rente de la Reppe’, the village of Clémencey, the ‘Rente des Écotois’ and the ‘Rente du Leuzeu’. It offers the chance to explore the beautiful, unspoilt landscapes of the western Dijon region, a vast limestone plateau dominated by Mont Afrique at an altitude of 600 metres, deeply carved by numerous wild valleys.

The classic trail for a tour of Mont Afrique via the rampart walk. With little elevation gain, beautiful panoramic views and several military structures from the Séré-de-Rivières line, this is an ideal hike for training or getting back into the swing of things!

Combe d'Arvaux, known as Combe aux Mammouths, with its Cave aux Loups.

A circular route starting from Fleurey-sur-Ouche that leads to two plateaus via the Cave aux Loups, a ruined feudal castle belonging to the Dukes of Burgundy, the Chapelle Saint-Louis, the Château de Lantenay and the Viaduc de Fain, before returning via the suburbs of Velars-sur-Ouche and the banks of the Ouche.

A circular route starting from Fleurey-sur-Ouche which, running alongside the Burgundy Canal, takes us to Pont de Pany before heading up towards La Chassagne (golf course, castle, farm and private aerodrome) to reach the archaeological site of Mediolanum. Return via the outskirts of Mâlain and Ancey, before heading back down to Fleurey through the Combe Jardin and the Bois de Morcueil.

A circular loop through the woods to (re)discover this famous monument in the Dijon region, which has undergone a beautifully executed restoration. And beautiful views of the Dijon region and the Ouche valley. A very pleasant walk on a full moon night.

A circular route starting from Agey, which crosses the Veluze forest, offering glimpses of a few vestiges of the past, and continues through Vaux-Les-Grenant and Remilly-en-Montagne.

This walk between two villages in the Ouche Valley, listed in the Côte d’Or PDIPR, is a variation on the Tour de Marigny. It bypasses the section running from the Table du Druide to Marigny Castle to head directly to Auvillard. This circular loop thus halves the distance, making for an easy walk of less than 7 km, comprising a slightly uphill outbound leg to Saint-Victor through woodland and meadows, and a flat return to Barbirey between the Ouche and the Burgundy Canal.

This walk passes through the Bois de Ruère, where the “Table du Druide” viewing platform offers panoramic views over the Gironde valley and the Roche-Chèvre massif. Next come the ruins of Marigny Castle. Don’t miss, after the drawbridge, the remains of the gatehouse, the dovecote and the chapel. Once you’ve crossed the Ouche at Saint-Victor, the return route follows the towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne.

White-marked route passing through 14 points of interest: evocative rocks, caves, excavations, springs, panoramic views, remains of dry stone buildings, etc.

Nice walk, starting from Barbirey-sur-Ouche, on both sides of the Gyronde valley, to the old Oizerolles farm and back via the Marigny hills.

This hike, which includes a steep climb (called the Montée du Ouf by hikers from Dijon), allows you to discover the historic Leuzeu farm, which is very well equipped for hikers, and Mont Afrique, one of the highest points in the Côte d'Or.

This route, starting from Ancey, will allow you to discover this picturesque village and will take you from the mysterious, wooded Combe Piron to two viewpoints:- the Combe Piron viewpoint, overlooking the forest of the combe, Notre-Dame d'Étang and Mont Afrique,- the Roche Aigüe viewpoint, which offers views of the Ouche valley, the village of Mâlain, the cliffs of Baulme-la-Roche and the surrounding countryside. On the way back, you can explore the Roche Aigüe limestone quarry, whose walls are pierced by two deep tunnels closed off by gates to protect the bats from curious humans.

Short hike to discover the Fontaine du Naizou and the village of Flavignerot.

Walk on the Velars-sur-Ouche plateau, on the border with Plombières-lès-Dijon, through woods and farmland, with sections through four valleys. The Fontenotte and Tuilerie springs are on the route.

A challenging hike with elevation gain, ideal for preparing for mountain races.

A beautiful view from Roche Aigüe and an interesting glimpse at old mining installations

Discover the witch village of Mâlain, its castle and the village of Prâlon.

Very nice walk with two aspects, the ascent through deciduous woods and the descent through a rocky area with a view of the Gevrey Chambertin vineyards.Quite a steep climb, with some tricky steps on the way down.Make sure you wear appropiate clothes.

A very short walk in this valley, well known to the people of Dijon. The route is through open woodland on a wide path. There is a long descent, then a return trip with a short, steep climb at the apiary. Very good signposting. Several other routes are available in the area.

Starting from the Couchey orientation table, a route above the Vaulon, Pévenelle and Semetrot valleys. Particularly recommended in summer when it is hot. This route is in the middle of the forest with views over the entire Dijon plain and Mont Blanc, weather permitting.

This walk, starting from the car park by the Couchey orientation table, takes you around the tops of the Vaulon, Semetrot and Pévenelle valleys. There are several viewpoints for walkers to enjoy, amidst forests, cliffs and limestone meadows dotted with flowers in spring.

A short walk along the Félix Batier path, which can be summed up as follows: a mix of flat sections, ascents and descents, steep climbs and steep descents. The descent into the Brochon valley and the ascent on the opposite side should be tackled with caution. A route not to be undertaken with children.

An easy walk through woods and open countryside in the footsteps of Henri Vincenot: cave, hamlets and the Castle of the Dukes of Burgundy in Châteauneuf.

This a short pleasant walk, mostly in the shady forest with just a modest amount of climbing. There is a fascinating historic connection in that one of Napoleon’s grenadier guards, Noisot, created in his own name the Parc Noisot and the associated walks, waymarked with symbols of Napoleons’ Russian, Egyptian and Italian military campaigns. This guide is for the longer but most fulfilling route – the Russian route. About halfway along is a staircase of 100 steps marking the number of days Napoleon took to regain power after release from first captivity. The walk is also of geological interest, being part of the Combe de Fixin. The meaning of Combe is a narrow gorge, ravine or small valley often containing a mixture of limestone, cliff faces, and forestry, leading to a plateau, but with no significant water course, with similarity to the Combes in England such as Ilfracombe. The excellent Tourist Office in the nearby and famous Gevry Chambertin can tell you more.

Some pleasant stopping points, including the Cents Marches de Fixin, the Chamerey Rent with views of Chamboeuf, and the Col de la Toppe.

Depart from Fixin towards Chamerey then Ecotois, return via Chamerey then Fixey. A mainly forest route.

There are a number of interesting places to visit, including the 100 Fixin steps ('Cent Marches des Fixin') and the top of the Combe Lavaux ridges.

Pass through the Cent Marches de Fixin (100 steps), then head for the top of the Combe de Fixey on the south side, then on the north side to descend through the vineyards.

A very pleasant walk in good weather, following in the footsteps of the historic past of the Vergy hill, through existing buildings and the remains of ancient monuments.

This trail will take you to the 100 steps of Brochon and its valley and springs, and then the 100 steps of Fixin and its valley.

A good climb over a reasonable distance. A pleasant hike along the ridges of the combes, combining rocky landscapes, forests and caves. The route is fairly shady, ideal in fine weather.

A beautiful walk around Lantenay leading to the Pasques plateau via the little Chapelle Saint-Louis.The return journey takes you over the Combe d'Arvaux, with its panoramic views over the Ouche valley.

A circular route starting from Étang-Vergy leading to Bévy, Collonges-lès-Bévy, then to Chevannes through the forests of Collonges, Chevannes and Arcenant, skirting Meuilley and Messanges, before reaching Curtil-Vergy. Along this walk through woods and vineyards, you’ll find remarkable trees, a megalithic site, a resurgent spring, the ruins of an abbey, not to mention wash houses, mills and restored old buildings.

30 km from Dijon, on the heights of the Côte Nuitonne, take a walk in the Val de Vergy, a historic site in Burgundy and stronghold of the "valiant" Vergy family, a prestigious family deeply rooted in past and present memories. Étang Vergy, Abbaye Saint Vivant, Curtil-Vergy and Bévy are all on our route.

This is stage 8, the final walk in the Route des Grands Crus (RDGC) series, starting in the world famous Grand Cru Burgundy wine town of Gevrey-Chambertin, ending on the outskirts of Dijon. It begins at Gevrey church, taking you past the Chateau up through woods to the delightful Parc Noisot and past Clos Napoleon vineyard and restaurant to the charming villages of Fixey, Couchey and Marsannay before passing the last major vineyard of the Cote d'Or to the outskirts of Dijon at Genove. It is dog friendly and a reasonably easy walk after a climb at the start. The Yellow Red (YR) lines to indicate the RDGC make for good navigation.

From hills to valleys, climb to new heights! Hautes-Côtes and Côte de Nuits... Gevrey-Chambertin... Great names that evoke famous vineyards and their Grands Crus... and a varied and little-known natural heritage! A generous environment where rich and diverse flora and fauna thrive.

Stroll around the ruins of the region's most powerful fortified castle. Visit the ruins of the Abbey of Saint-Vivant and explore the Abîme de Bévy.

This hike offers beautiful views of three valleys: the Côtes de Nuits, the valley at the foot of the Reulle-Vergy spur and the valley on the Détain-Gergueil forest side. Also on the programme are the pretty, traditional villages of Corboin and Concoeur, then Segrois. Not to mention the Abbey of Saint-Vivant, which is currently being renovated.

A walk starting from Gevrey, above the vast vineyards through the woods overlooking the Côte. You’ll discover an old tramway track – quite unusual in these parts – and paths through the woods in the valleys of the plateau, before returning via the upper reaches of the Combe Lavaux, a nature reserve.

A short walk, mostly on flat ground. Two fairly steep climbs, straight up the slope. A 150-metre stretch to be tackled with care along the unnamed valley, alongside the cliffs. The woodland is never dense and the paths are pleasant.

This hike follows parts of the route of the old Tacot de Gevrey to Beaune, which passed through Curley. It also takes you through mysterious valleys: the Combe Grisard and the Combe de Creuse. There are also beautiful views of the cliffs of the Combe Lavau.

A short, easy route in Combe à la Serpent, taking in its main attractions: the Aviators' Memorial, the dry stone apiary, two springs and numerous cadoles. The little path along the Bressey hillside is particularly spectacular!

A circular route around Gouville Castle takes you along the Vergy path, where you can admire the Combe des Grands Vaux, before returning via a good footpath to the Crosne spring, which flows from a small cliff.

This circuit will take you on a route that will allow you to discover pretty valleys and charming woodland paths near Dijon.

A lovely little walk alternating between valleys, plateaus, views and vineyards.

This hike, mainly in the forest and on the heights of the Côte-d'Or, will take you to the vast Grotte de Roche Chèvre cave, which is well worth a visit. Please note, however, that there are two passages with tall grass.

A beautiful route with varied scenery, passing through picturesque villages. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Ouche valley and the village of Baulme-la-Roche, situated below the cliff, during the final part of the walk.

This path crosses the Channel-Mediterranean ridgeline via the "mountain", into which the 4km Blaizy tunnel is bored. Along the way, discover the XV ventilation shaft, the panorama of the Ouche valley and the Baulme la Roche cliff.

A pleasant walk through the woodland around the Combe du Frêne.

A circular walk through the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, extending into the hinterland, offering the chance to visit an equestrian centre and see some unusual animals, as well as to explore the history of the rocky outcrop at Vergy.

Burgundy’s vineyards are an integral part of the region’s history. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Clos Vougeot.I suggest a short walk up to the heights of the vineyard, starting from Chambolle-Musigny.

This hiking itinerary takes in three springs and beautiful panoramas along wooded paths that wind their way through pretty combes.

Hiking, almost entirely in the forest, is very pleasant in summer. Beautiful views of the vineyards. In the centre of the village, there is a church and a magnificent lime tree.

Beautiful hike starting from the village of Chambolle. This trail allows you to (re)discover the Château d'Entre Deux Monts, the Château du Clos Vougeot, and the natural heritage of the Chambolle Musigny and Orveau valleys.

This route, just on the outskirts of Dijon, offers a varied walk alternating between wooded areas, meadows and fields, sometimes at the bottom of a valley or, conversely, across vast plateaus. It provides sweeping views towards Notre-Dame d’Étang or further afield towards Pont-de-Pany, as well as towards Plombières, Talant, Dijon and the nearby Lake Kir. However, this is a route with a significant elevation gain (over 660 m), featuring slopes that are at times quite steep, which can be tricky in wet weather or when there is snow. This walk is good training for longer hikes, so it’s best to approach it with a sporting spirit – though that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the time to appreciate its charms. Between Velars-sur-Ouche and Plombières-les-Dijon, this route largely follows the Sentier Bernard and, in part, the Sentier Sage – two trails signposted by the CAF in Dijon. The GPX track may prove very useful.

This walk follows the path that the monks of Cîteaux used in the Middle Ages to go and work in their vineyards in Vougeot. It passes through the pretty village of Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, with its beautifully restored castle, which was once a dependency of Cîteaux Abbey. The walk ends in front of Cîteaux Abbey.

This short hike takes you through a wide variety of landscapes and offers superb views of the Burgundy vineyards. For wine lovers, it runs alongside the prestigious Romanée Conti vineyard.