Top 3 summer hikes in Pays Horloger

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Top 3 summer hikes

Since summer can be quite hot, we've put together a top 3 of our favorite hikes that will give you the chance to stay in the shade and even stay cool. 6, 8, or 12 km, you'll enjoy them without too much difficulty and have plenty of time to explore the Doubs Gorges, the Dessoubre and Waroly, or the cliffs above Saint-Hippolyte and the Bisontin Cave.

No. 1 – Waroly

Waroly river dessoubre hike pays horloger Doubs Jura
Waroly hiking, stream water pays horloger Doubs Jura
Waroly shadow moss hiking pays horloger Doubs Jura

In the Dessoubre valley, near the village of Orgeans-Blanchefontaine, a family hiking route allows you to discover the Waroly valley. This hike is easy to do and promises the most imaginative an immersion in a magical world where elves are not far away. Stream, tufa and numerous waterfalls mark the route. Haven of tranquility and freshness, you will be immersed all along the path in a wild, preserved and mysterious atmosphere, where once the mountaineers officiated their Celtic rituals... You will be nice and cool there, that's for sure, you will be able to approach the Dessoubre, and who knows, observe a fly fisherman in silence.
For those who are motivated and thirsty for discovery, do not hesitate to discover the Waroly caves, accessible from the village of Mancenans, at a distance of 500 meters.

 

Distance: 6 km

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Elevation: 220 m

Departure: Orgeans

Do the Waroly hike

No. 2 – Franco-Swiss

Chapel Bief Etoz Goumois hiking pays horloger Doubs Jura
the goule doubs goumois hike pays horloger swears
Theusseret Goumois hiking Doubs pays horloger swears

An accessible hike, without too much elevation gain, to cool off in summer. Enjoy thethe freshness of the forest and have a little Swiss side getawayThe route allows for several very pleasant stops, such as the chapel and the drinks break on the terrace on the Swiss side.

This hike will take you along the banks of the Doubs on both the French and Swiss sides, a true "Franco-Swiss Pearl." We start from the small Franco-Swiss village of Goumois and head towards the Seignottes site, not far from the nautical stadium. We pass right next to the canoe-kayak course, which can be used for national and international competitions.

We continue along this river that separates us from Switzerland until we reach the Chapel of the Bief In Etoz, which has been renovated, take a moment for a peaceful break. Now, head towards La Goule, cross the bridge, and voilà, we're in Switzerland! There we are, across the river, and can admire France!

Finally, we arrive at the Theusseret dam. There, like us, if you've brought a few Swiss pennies, you can enjoy a drink on a terrace while admiring and listening to this waterfall. It's time to head back to the village of Goumois, passing once again near the water sports stadium, but this time on the Swiss side. Crossing the Goumois bridge to return to France, you'll often see canoes on the river or fishermen along the banks.

This is a lovely getaway in the fresh air that can end with a meal in a restaurant in Goumois or the nearby Moulin du Plain!

Distance: 12 km

Time: 3h

Elevation: 220 m

Departure: Goumois

Take the Franco-Swiss Pearl hike

No. 3 – The Bisontin cave

view of Saint-Hippolyte cliffs, hiking caves in Bisontin pays horloger Doubs Jura
viewpoint of the Doubs reach hike pays horloger swears
Besançon cave hike pays horloger Doubs Jura

Largely shaded, this 8 km hike is done without too much difficulty and promises to very beautiful views and a beautiful curiosity. A cave whose ceiling collapsed a long time ago. Magnificent.

We might as well warn you right away: the (slight) difficulty is concentrated at the beginning, but you'll enjoy the rest of the hike more. You'll need to summon up a bit of courage for the start of the hike, which concentrates the 250 m of elevation gain in the first third. You'll quickly enjoy a short break at the Notre-Dame du Mont chapel with a first view of Saint-Hippolyte and a visit to this chapel, which echoes the heritage and charm of the characterful town. You're now in the shade for almost the entire hike.

That's it, you're at the top, at "Viaton", the climb is over, you're going to be amazed. The hike remains accessible to families, however, it is strongly advised to remain cautious. The passage that is now approaching requires you not to let the children go ahead unsupervised. You will in fact follow the cliffs and get close to the void. Before heading back down, make a short stop at the very pretty viewpoint overlooking the Doubs river and the small village of Bief.

The descent through the stones is a bit tricky, you go along the rock faces, and soon you see a crevice, there it is, the Bisontin caveIt is said to have taken its name from a townsman who once came to hide his contraband loot in the area. Take the time to continue along the wall to reach the next small rock shelter. When you turn around, you realize the size of this cave. The rest of the route is through the forest and across fields before finding the return path, which passes by the chapel again.

Fast, accessible, nuanced, this hike is one of the must-sees in the area.

Distance: 8 km

Time: 2h30

Elevation: 270 m

Departure: Saint-Hippolyte

Take the Bisontin Cave hike

The hiking circuits

Find more marked trails for hiking in Pays Horloger.

Hiking in Pays Horloger

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