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
An accessible hike, without too much elevation gain, perfect for cooling off in the summer. Enjoy the cool forest air and a short getaway to the Swiss side . The route offers several pleasant stops, such as the chapel and a refreshment break on a 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
Mostly shaded, this 8 km hike is relatively easy and promises stunning views and a fascinating sight: a cave whose ceiling collapsed long 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 scree is a bit tricky; you hug the rock faces, and soon you spot a crevice—there it is, the Grotte du Bisontin (Cave of the Besançon Native). It's said to take its name from a city dweller who used to hide his contraband loot in this area. Take your time continuing along the rock face to reach the next small rock shelter. As you turn back, you realize the true size of this cave. The rest of the route is through forest and across fields before rejoining the return path, which leads back past the chapel.
Fast, accessible, nuanced, this hike is one of the must-sees in the area.