Vaire-le-Petit walks

A gentle forest walk to the Montoille viewpoint overlooking Deluz and its old paper mill. You'll no doubt find yourself whistling as you climb the beautifully named Impasse de Chantemerle, but you'll soon need to catch your breath for the strenuous climb to the Grotte de sous Roche and the Château-Loriot viewpoint over the Doubs valley and the Vosges mountains, which will reward you for your efforts. A peaceful, wooded return journey, framed by the mossy rocks of a superb sinkhole.

From the sumptuous Château de Vaire-le-Grand, the whim and ruin of Jean-Antoine Boisot, son of a close friend of King Louis XIV, you will climb towards La Roche Blanche. This is an unsecured viewpoint (caution!) over the Doubs valley. You will be taken by surprise by the rustic fountain of Les Tilleuls and descend via the beautiful sunken path lined with wild garlic at La Vacherie. You will then return along the riverbank, in the shade of the Rochers du Château Loriot, to discover the old paper mill.

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.

A short but challenging walk to discover the Arcier springs that have supplied the city of Besançon since the distant Gallo-Roman era. A gentle warm-up, accompanied by the music of gushing water. Then a lovely climb up the slopes of the Grand Bois, still accompanied by the murmur of the water.

A short walk, almost entirely through the forest, very pleasant, very close to Besançon but offering a complete change of scenery and plenty of variety.

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.

Aigremont overlooks the Doubs valley. Once crowned by a small fortified castle, legend has it that on these ruins, a shepherd intrigued by the behaviour of his flock—which was drawn to a patch of evergreen grass—discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary. Carried down to the village, it mysteriously returned to its rock, where a chapel was built. You will reach it by following magnificent jagged ledges, discovering from these heights the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.

Forest walk to the viewpoint of the Chapelle de Montoille sur Deluz and the Doubs valley, peaceful today but still echoing with the industrious sounds of the old mines and paper mills of yesteryear, to the Rochers du Château Loriot viewpoint, and finally down to the Grotte de sous Roche and the village.

This is a challenging hike offering three viewpoints over the Doubs valley and its meanders, the Val de Roulans, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. You will visit the two villages in the valley, Laissey and Deluz, which are peaceful today but still echo with the industrious sounds of the old mines and paper mills, and enjoy their genuine and simple riches: here a naive war memorial, there an ancient forgotten cul-de-four oven or an old wash house.

On the outskirts of Besançon, this entirely woodland hike will take you from the outskirts of Thise to the summit of the Côte de Marchaux via the aptly named Sentier des Dolines, then along various roads and tracks to reach the highest point of the route. The return journey along the ridge line and then along some lovely paths presents no difficulty.

A very lovely, fairly short walk suitable for everyone, on the hills above the small village of Thise, east of Besançon. Minimal elevation gain, stony path.

The town of Thise and the March'en Thise Association have marked out four paths in the Bois de Thise to showcase different aspects of the woods, including the one described here: the Sentier Noir, known as the Sentier de Rufille.

The municipality of Thise and the March'en Thise Association have mapped out four trails in the Bois de Thise to showcase different aspects of this woodland, including the one described here: the 10 km red trail, known as the Sentier des Dolines.

Hike in the peaceful woods on the outskirts of Besançon.

Views of Beaupré Castle along an easy, picturesque route east of Thise. Alternative routes available. Wildlife and birdwatching. Picnic, sports and play area. Boules court. Second car park halfway along the route.

Follow the water’s path as it disappears into the underground channels (see ‘During’ section below) at Saône, Gennes and Nancray, only to reappear near Arcier. The footpath and small roads through the woodland will take you from one hillside to the other, offering alternating views of the plateau and the Doubs valley, before you reach the water again at the Arcier springs.

A short walk through the woods to discover these two batteries, which complemented the Fort de Montfaucon completed in 1878. They form part of the first phase of construction of the Besançon fortified camp and are named after the wooded localities in the midst of which they are situated.

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.

Explore Nancray, its water springs, its old mill, the Bois de la Côte, and finally return via the Forêt des Landes. And of course, take the opportunity to visit the Nancray Open-Air Ecomuseum of Comtois Houses, featuring around thirty typical rural houses from Franche-Comté.

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.

A challenging climb to Pic d'Aigremont and Mont Souvance, overlooking the Doubs Valley and visible from Besançon and Baume-les-Dames, observation points already used by the Romans. The discovery of various small objects from the Bronze Age at the summit of Mont Souvance, where the cross stands, indicates occupation since the Bronze Age.

A rocky outcrop, a Bronze Age residence in Franche-Comté; a feudal castle destroyed during the Revolution for fear that it would become a hideout for bandits; views of the Doubs valley; a pretty waterfall created by human hands in a bright and airy woodland setting.

Walk to the Chapel of Aigremont in Roulans and the viewpoint overlooking the Doubs on the Laissey side.

As you make your way down the wild Nacra gorge along a path—timid in autumn, hidden beneath the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring—you may catch a glimpse of the Vouivre river reflecting in the green waters of the Fontaine de la Dhuit. Then 1,000 years of military history, from Fort Woirol – with its powder magazines, signal post and anti-aircraft batteries – to the feudal castle and, finally, the ‘Belvédère des Alpes’ viewpoint overlooking the Doubs valley, the Citadel and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.

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.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its anti-aircraft batteries, its redoubts and, finally, a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

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.

A short, cool, shaded walk to discover the Fontaine des Acacias, one of the only water sources in the Chailluz Forest, carved out at the foot of a small cirque of mossy rocks in a wild sinkhole. Return via the floral trail to another sinkhole: the Creux Vivier.

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.

Walk starting from Saône towards Gennes and back via the Bois de la Petite Chevillotte.

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

An easy family walk. The Roulanais route alternates between villages, small roads, paths through the undergrowth and forest tracks.

This easy route alternates between a ridge trail offering views of the Doubs valley and more wooded sections.

An easy forest walk leading to the Fort de la Dame Blanche from the Grandes Baraques car park. From the fort, the view over the Ognon Valley is splendid.

From the town hall in Vieilley and its beautiful wash house fountain, you will climb towards the line of ledges overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges, hopefully without encountering that unsettling woman who haunts these places after dark. Then, from the old fortifications, you’ll descend via a wild path towards the valley.

This is a forest walk in the Chailluz Forest, whose name comes from "chaille", a rock similar to flint, which our ancestors used to make arrowheads. You will climb up to the beautiful line of cornices overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges mountains. And as you will no doubt be doing this walk on a beautiful sunny day, you are unlikely to encounter the disturbing lady who haunts these places after dark.

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.

Lime production in Chalezeule is a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 12th century; it was the village’s main economic activity, and its name, Calisola, was derived from the word for lime. After exploring the lime kilns, this walk offers superb views of the feudal castle of Montfaucon, the Doubs valley and, following a short detour to the Grand Désert – a vast expanse of scree – our Citadel and the old town nestled within its circular shape. Then, after a fascinating stroll through the fort’s moats, you’ll venture, just a stone’s throw from the bustling town, onto quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of budding boxwood, for a visit to the Grotte du Renard.

The Montfaucon viewpoint over the Doubs valley, the Citadel, the Jura mountains and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. Fort Woirol, its forward battery, its redoubts and a leap back 1,000 years with a lovely view of the ruins of the feudal castle.

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.

A route for experienced and cautious walkers. ‘Just 6 short kilometres,’ you might think dismissively. Pffft! A leisurely Sunday stroll. Be wary, however. This short hike has plenty of challenges in store for you, and you’ll appreciate the wild, refreshing atmosphere of the Nacra ravine, the climb up the Côte d’Arbois – which isn’t quite as gentle as it sounds – and its unspoilt viewpoint overlooking the ruins of the feudal castle nestled in a charming little valley. The return journey is more peaceful, via Fort Woirol and the Alps viewpoint.

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.

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.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, nestled in the hollow of a charming valley for nearly ten centuries, the ruins of the ancient medieval fortress overlook the Doubs valley. After a visit to the keep and the old village, you’ll make your way beneath the ruins of the old castle. Then, descending into the wild, refreshing coolness of the Nacra gorge, you’ll return to the village via a path that’s rather shy in autumn, hidden beneath the leaves, but charming and lined with daffodils in spring.

A peaceful walk in our Comtois countryside to discover the riches of two villages on the first step of the plateau: the remains of an ancient castle that allow us to dream of the lost beauty of our once fortified villages and the often overlooked treasures of their churches.

Walk in the Chailluz Forest and climb up to the Dame Blanche viewpoint.

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).

This walk allows you to discover: - Moncey Castle, former property of Marshal Moncey, who was Marshal of the Empire under Napoleon, - the restored old centre of the village of Moncey, its old railway station and its greenway, which follows the old railway line, - and a walk through the forest in the mountains, then across the village of Venise, with the option of walking around the lagoon to discover its flora and fauna.

A pleasant walk in the shade of the trees in the Chailluz forest, passing by the Fontaine des Acacias (a forest water source carved into the side of a sinkhole). An easy route through the coniferous woodland.

From Dammartin, a Templar commandery until 1373, you will cross a beautiful pine forest, giving our Comtois countryside a slightly Landes-like appearance, to spot a few herons in the hollow of the pond. Then, from the Gouffre du Seu, you will reach Bretigney with its beautiful fountains and return via the superb ridge line and its rocks, with views over the Doubs valley and the Vosges mountains.

From Bonnay church, you will climb up to this beautiful line of cornices overlooking the Ognon valley to reach the Fort de la Dame Blanche viewpoint over the Vosges, following in the footsteps of the disturbing woman who haunts these places after dark. Then, from the ancient fortifications, you will descend via a wild path towards the valley and its villages with their beautiful fountains, returning to Bonnay and its castle via the old Tacot road.

From the pretty little village of Ougney la Roche, you will walk along the banks of the Doubs, discovering the silhouette of the Château de Roulans standing out against the sky. Then you will climb up cool forest paths to the beautiful ridge and the Roche du Rechandet, overlooking the Doubs valley from Besançon to Baume-les-Dames, with views of Mont Souvance, Montagne Notre-Dame d'Aigremont and the Vosges mountain range.

A touch of holiday spirit as you take the train. A varied route passing through the Marais de Saône (information about the marsh), exploring the Creux sous Roche, and the Notre-Dame de la Libération viewpoint.

Built in the 19th century in the heart of nature, Fort de Brégille overlooks Besançon and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the old town topped by its citadel and, in the background, the Besançon hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont. After a short detour to the Grand Désert, a vast expanse of scree, you enter the Monts de Bregille forest for a visit to the Renard cave and the Clémentigney viewpoint overlooking the upper Doubs valley and the ruins of the feudal castle of Montfaucon.

The forts of Beauregard and Bregille offer a special walk for residents of Besançon seeking greenery and sweeping views of the capital of Franche-Comté and its hills. They offer superb views of our Citadel. Then, just a stone's throw from the bustling city, you will find yourself on quiet paths, accompanied by the scent of boxwood.

Hike in the Besançon area, allowing you to climb up to Fort de Bregille with a superb view of the city and the citadel.

There are plenty of fountains in Besançon! Some more imposing than others, some more interesting, some steeped in history. Rather than admiring one by chance or even walking past it with complete indifference, why not go on a hunt for the 20 fountains? An urban and cultural stroll that will help you discover Besançon in a fun way.

In 1940, the Archbishop of Besançon, Mgr Dubourg, vowed to erect a statue to the Virgin Mary if the city was not destroyed. From this splendid viewpoint overlooking the loop topped by its Citadel, you can continue on your pilgrimage to the Grotte-Ermitage de Saint-Léonard and Notre-Dame-des-Buis, before returning with a spring in your step via the foothills of the Citadel and the Forts des Buis, stopping off at the many viewpoints over the city and other more rugged spots overlooking the Doubs and Mercureaux valleys.

From the Liberation Monument, built in 1945, and its crypt dedicated to the memory of war victims, you can enjoy beautiful views of the city topped by its Citadel on one side and, on a clear day, the Vosges mountains on the other and the Jura ridges. Then, as you walk along the beautiful ridgelines, 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.

This hike starts at Notre-Dame de la Libération, built in 1945, and offers a varied route combining heritage, panoramic views and forest trails. From the very first steps, you can see the old town of Besançon dominated by its citadel, before opening up to the countryside and the Jura mountains. With its steep paths, rocky ridges and wilder sections, this short circuit is no Sunday stroll, but a real hike just a stone's throw from the city centre.

Du splendide belvédère de Notre-Dame de la Libération, sur la boucle surmontée de sa Citadelle et sur les monts jurassiens, vous poursuivrez par la voie romaine vers la Grotte-Ermitage de Saint-Léonard et reviendrez à la chapelle par les Monts des Buis.

In just five kilometres, you will discover Notre-Dame de la Libération, overlooking Besançon from its altitude of 500 metres, built in gratitude for the city's preservation during the last war. Then you will cross the Monts des Buis, climbing towards wilder viewpoints over the Doubs valley.

Starting from the small chapel overlooking the citadel and the Besançon circular route, you’ll walk alongside the ruins of the Fort de l’Ouest des Buis to reach the viewpoint over the Mercureaux Valley, where a temple dedicated to the god Mercury once stood. After this stretch through the woodland, you’ll emerge onto the slopes of La Jourande and its views over the Besançon hills and their fortifications.

From the small chapel overlooking the Citadel and the Besançon circular route, you’ll follow the ditches of the old fort—which looks like a haunted forest—to reach the Bout du Monde and its waterfall. Along the way, an ancient Roman road, several viewpoints over the Mercureaux Valley and the Doubs Valley and its hills: the Côte de Planoise, Chaudanne, the Citadel, Bregille and the old feudal keep of Montfaucon.

From the chapel, with views over the city of Besançon and the Citadel, you’ll walk through the hills accompanied by the pleasant scent of boxwood. Then, you’ll follow the narrow gorge of the Mercureaux stream as you climb towards the viewpoint over the Val d’Arguel, where you can imagine the feudal castle that once stood there, sadly now destroyed.

A lion, small and large virgins. No! You are not in an arena, despite the Roman past of our Vesontio, but on the heights of the Chapelle des Buis with its splendid views of the Citadel overlooking the city of Besançon. You will then reach the charming little valley of Les Mercureaux via a ridge path winding through the box trees.

Starting from the small chapel overlooking the Citadel and the Besançon circular route, you will follow a stream through the cool little valley of Les Mercureaux where, it is said, a temple dedicated to the god Mercury stood in ancient times. Then you will return at a more brisk pace along the old Roman road to Fort des Buis, stopping at the many viewpoints over the Doubs valley.

Head towards the Chapelle des Buis and Notre-Dame de la Libération viewpoints overlooking the city of Besançon and its citadel via a ridge path scented with boxwood, running alongside the walls of an old abandoned fort and the charming little Mercureaux valley.

Just a stone's throw from Besançon city centre, this hike will allow you to discover the capital of Franche-Comté from several different viewpoints. You will also discover the Citadel built by Vauban and several other forts and architectural features that made up the city's fortification system.

The citadel, a masterpiece by Vauban, overlooks the old town, which is enclosed in a circular bend in the river (the Boucle), from a height of over 100 metres. Its ramparts offer spectacular panoramic views. You will climb up along the ramparts and casemates, then descend the other side towards the entrance to the city, the Porte Rivotte and the toll house. Then, walking along the riverbank, you will discover the towers and bastions that protect the city, ending at the Gare d'Eau, the old goods port.

Hike to discover Fort de Chaudanne with its panoramic view of Besançon and the citadel and the small paths surrounding the site.

A short climb up one of Besançon's seven hills: Chaudanne, with its unspoilt natural beauty, its dry grasslands shaped by nature and man, its fort and its views of the Citadel, the old town and the southern Doubs valley.

From the countryside to the city: crossing the dry grasslands, shaped by human hands for centuries, you’ll climb up to Fort de Chaudanne and its views over the old town, crowned by its protective citadel. You’ll descend the wooded hillside along a lovely path to follow the peaceful river, stopping for a moment by the bubbling waters of the old dam at the foot of the ramparts.

An urban hike to discover the hills of Besançon. Natural factors such as soil, climate and altitude, combined with the action of water, have shaped the hills of Chaudanne and Rosemont, which are remarkable natural areas. Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of unspoilt nature, proving that our provincial Besançon has managed to remain a city in the countryside.

Hike to discover several viewpoints on the outskirts of Besançon.

Viewpoint, castle, wash houses, banks of the Ognon, nature reserve pond: discover Perrouse and Buthiers.

Balade entièrement forestière et empruntant des chemins blancs et forestiers.

This easy circular route through woods and meadows will take you from the outskirts of Fontain to Notre Dame de la Libération, its crypt and its magnificent view of Besançon, the first plateau and the first peaks of the Jura. You will also discover the chapel of Notre Dame des Buis and a gentle return via the wild Mercureaux valley.

Climb the 146 steps of the Tour des Bois to discover a 360° panorama from a height of 26 metres. A third of the route is through woodland and the rest follows a track through the wind farm, one of the largest in France, which is shared between Rougemont, La Tour-de-Scay and Autechaux, in the Central Doubs. On clear days, you can see 36 of the farm’s 43 wind turbines from the top of the tower.