Practical information on hiking | Haute-Saône Tourisme I Découvrez un territoire authentique

The hiker's charter

This charter encourages hikers to adopt a respectful attitude towards nature, by preserving the ecosystems and fauna they come into contact with on their walks.

Respectprotected areas

In Haute-Saône, you’ll find a number of outstanding natural areas (nature reserves, nature parks, Natura 2000 zones, etc.) that are protected by regulations. Some areas, for example, prohibit the presence of dogs, even on a lead. Before you leave, find out about the specific rules to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Stayon the trails

Follow the signposts and don’t take shortcuts to limit trampling of the flora. Also remember to close fences and gates after your walk. Respect areas of passage and private property. Do not pick fruit from trees or flowers along footpaths. Wild animals are not used to hearing our noises.

Keepdogs on a lead

We see them as friends, but wild animals see them as predators! For everyone’s comfort and safety, keep your pets on a lead.

Retrieveits waste

To keep the paths clean, do not litter, light fires or smoke in the woods, on forest edges or near undergrowth. In the event of a fire, call 18 or 112.

Sharenatural areas

Hiking is not the only activity practised on the paths. Share the countryside with other sporting activities (cycling, mountain biking, horse riding) and be aware of other users.

For more informationon hunting seasons

Find out more at the town halls (notice boards) and wear a fluorescent yellow waistcoat on the paths during the hunting season.

Keeping a low profile

Wild animals are not used to hearing our noises. Keep a low profile if you want to have a chance of spotting them and not disturb their peace and quiet.

Equipment and Emergency numbers

Preparing for your hike:

Before setting off on a hike, it’s essential to prepare your equipment carefully.

The choice of footwear is vital to ensure a good fit and optimum comfort on the trails.
Your clothing should also be adapted to the weather conditions: a windbreaker and a fleece-type jumper may be essential.
And don’t forget to hydrate! Allow at least 1.5 litres per person for a half-day’s walk, which is essential in both summer and winter. Take a few energy snacks with you too.
Choose a rucksack with a capacity of 20 to 40 litres, ideal for a day’s hike. Finally, top off your pack with safety accessories: first-aid kit, torch, multi-purpose knife, sun cream and glasses.
Take something with you to show you the route: a map, a topoguide or the My Haute-Saône app.
And before you set off, check the weather forecast!

Download the application

A hiker holding her Millet hiking bag on the edge of a pond - Plateau des 1000 Étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Hiking|Charlotte Mosca

Hikers stroll along a forest path - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Hiking |Maxime Naegely

Emergency numbers :

EMS: 15
Fire brigade: 18
Police: 17
SMS emergency: 114

Presentation and description of the signposting used for the Long-distance Hiking (GR) and Short-distance Hiking (PR) trails in Haute-Saône — ©Signposting for walks

Decode Beaconing

Knowing the signs and how to read them is the key to finding your way around and not getting lost. Hiking routes are signposted so that you can easily follow the path from start to finish.

Long-distance footpaths (GR®) are marked with white and red horizontal lines. These are often linear paths, approved and way-marked throughout France by the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre (French hiking federation), with the aim of crossing a region, a mountain range or entire countries on a touring hike, discovering the natural and cultural riches of the whole country.

In Haute-Saône, you’ll find the GR® 59, GR® 5, GR®7 and GR 533. The number of the GR® is indicated on the marker.

Petite randonnée (PR) routes are usually marked with a yellow, green or blue line. These routes last a maximum of one day. Some themed routes have specific markings (mine shafts, fish…). Their appeal lies in highlighting a particular theme, whether cultural, historical or other.

Hiking with children

Ready to take the kids on a wild adventure? Great! But be careful, there’s no question of turning your walk into a marathon! For mini-walkers up to the age of 7, bear in mind that they walk at a pace of 1 to 2 km/h, and aim for a total of 4-5 km. Are your explorers aged between 8 and 12? You can go up to 12 km. For teenagers, it depends on their fitness and experience. The main thing? That everyone has fun without ending up on the kneecaps!

A family discovers the Puits Sainte-Marie, a vestige of Ronchamp's mining past - Vosges du Sud — ©Ronchamp|Etienne Kopp

My Haute-Saône application

Take your phone with you to follow your route live with theMy Haute-Saône application!

Find all the routes and follow your itinerary in real time. Download the free My Haute-Saône app, then navigate to Visits > Itineraries and search for your route in the list. Then click Start to follow your progress on the route in real time. You can also see what there is to see and do in the surrounding area.