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

Our ideas Tours in the Ognon Valley

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The Vallée de l’Ognon is criss-crossed by two major itineraries – the Via Francigena and the Pilgrim ‘s Way to Santiago de Compostela – but it also has many other treasures to discover along its signposted footpaths. From country lanes to shady paths, there’s something to suit all tastes and abilities. Ready to get your walking shoes on? Discover our selection of itineraries and let yourself be surprised by the beauty of the region.

From one rail to another

A walk, or rather three train-train walks in terms of the difficulties encountered. All three focus on the past and the present, with memories of the old “tacot” railway that linked Vesoul to Besançon at the beginning of the 20th century and the reality of the Rhine-Rhone TGV. Seventy-four kilometres for its ancestor, in just over four hours, the railway well deserved its nickname of tacot! If you take the red loop, you’ll find the track in question at Trésilley, which runs peacefully along the old rail line as far as Rioz, with the loops of the three circuits flirting with the Rhine-Rhône high-speed rail link between Mulhouse and Dijon. A different time, a different speed, a different way of looking at the countryside… The interest of the circuits, other than their recreational value of course, lies in their perspective: along the route, a series of panels draw parallels between trains of yesterday and trains of today (stations, energy, history, rolling stock, etc.).

Route 14 in three loops. Blue loop: 11 km. Yellow loop: 18 km. Red loop: 23 km. Start and finish at the Lac de la Faïencerie in Rioz.

A group of hikers walking through the countryside.A group of hikers walking through the countryside.
©Hiking|Pays des 7 Rivières
    Aerial view of Marnay, showing the river Ognon - Cité de caractère - Vallée de l'OgnonAerial view of Marnay, showing the river Ognon - Cité de caractère - Vallée de l'Ognon
    ©Marnay|Office de Tourisme du Val Marnaysien

      The walk Marnaysienne

      Situated on the banks of the RiverOgnon, Marnay invites you to take a stroll and explore its picturesque streets and surroundings. Leaving Marnay, follow the path along the river to a magnificent viewpoint. Continue your walk through the Bois des Plantes and the Hameau des Brosses, where forest scents and birdsong accompany you, before climbing the Bois des Prêtres hill. Follow the route of Santiago de Compostela back to Marnay, enjoying the soothing atmosphere of the Bois de la Lisa and the Ruisseau des Douis. This walk is an invitation to savour the natural beauty and heritage of Marnay.

      Length: 14 km. Difference in altitude 302 m. Medium difficulty. Start and finish at Le Paquey in Marnay.

      The Snail Line

      The Ligne des Escargots is the ideal place for walkers, hikers, joggers and cyclists in search of a peaceful setting. The route follows a restored former railway line, allowing you to discover the natural beauty and heritage of the area. There are fifteen interpretation panels along the way, providing information on the local flora and fauna. Accessible to all, this trail is a great family experience. As you walk along this safe path, you can admire the surrounding countryside while enjoying the picnic tables set up along the way. The Ligne des Escargots links Marnay to Moncley, crossing the recently renovated bridges over the RiverOgnon. It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature while learning about local history. Don’t hesitate to venture out on this picturesque trail!

      Length: 11 km. Difference in altitude 200 m. Easy. Starts in Marnay, round trip route.

      Focus on hiking bootsFocus on hiking boots
      ©Hiking|OT des Monts de Gy

        The Pelouses trail


        The route starts at the hamlet of Roche and takes you through varied landscapes to the vineyards of Chierenard. This route, which takes you up to the dry grasslands, allows you to appreciate the wild nature of the Monts de Gy. The paths, some of which are steep, reveal breathtaking vistas and unusual places. Halfway along, take a picnic break at the fountain in the hamlet of Saint-Maurice, an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The route alternates between shady and sunny areas, offering a varied experience. From mid-April to mid-May, the lawns come alive with the blossoming of wild orchids, adding a colourful touch to your walk. Marked with yellow rings, this trail is perfect for nature lovers keen to discover the local flora and fauna while enjoying a day in the great outdoors.

        Length: 12 km. Difference in altitude 380 m. Moderate. Start and finish at the hamlet of Roche, Bucey-lès-Gy.

        Panoramic view of the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon ValleyDry grasslands of the Monts de Gy
        ©Dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy|Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy
        A Dactylorhiza Maculata in flower in the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon ValleyA Dactylorhiza Maculata in flower in the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon Valley
        ©Dactylorhiza Maculata|Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy
        Panoramic view of the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon ValleyPanoramic view of the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon Valley
        ©Dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy|Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy
        Ophrys Bourdon in flower in the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon ValleyOphrys Bourdon in flower in the dry grasslands of the Monts de Gy - Ognon Valley
        ©Ophrys Bumblebee|Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy

          Circuit de la Baume Noire

          This walk takes you along a pleasant path near the ponds and the Dhuys stream. As you climb the wooded heights, you’ll take paths that lead to an open ridge, sharing part of the route with the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Don’t miss the Grotte de la Baume Noire, classified as a Regional Nature Reserve and home to protected species of bat. Although entry is forbidden, an explanatory panel provides information on this historic site, which has served as a refuge on several occasions since Gallo-Roman times. On the way back, enjoy a mix of minor roads and forest paths.

          Length: 14.5 km. Difference in altitude 520 m. Difficult. Start and finish in Fretigney.

          Baume Noire cave to see on the Baume Noire hike in the Monts de Gy - Ognon ValleyBaume Noire cave to see on the Baume Noire hike in the Monts de Gy - Ognon Valley
          ©Grotte de la Baume Noire|Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy

            The Mirabelle plum trail

            The mirabelle plums are ripe on this mirabelle tree, which is located on the Mirabelle Plum Trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley area.The mirabelle plums are ripe on this mirabelle tree, which is located on the Mirabelle Plum Trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley area.
            ©Mirabelles|Office de tourisme du Pays de Villersexel
            An orchard of mirabelle plum trees in bloom, on the Mirabelle Plum Trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley region.An orchard of mirabelle plum trees in bloom, on the Mirabelle Plum Trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley region.
            ©Mirabelle orchard|Office de tourisme du Pays de Villersexel
            Panoramic view of a village on the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley regionPanoramic view of a village on the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley region
            ©Mirabelle plum trail|Office de tourisme du Pays de Villersexel
            A Mirabelle plum tree in flower, on the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley region.A Mirabelle plum tree in flower, on the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel - Ognon Valley region.
            ©Mirabelle tree in bloom|Office de tourisme du Pays de Villersexel
            A group of hikers follow the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel region. They are walking along the road, surrounded by greenery, with a village in the background - Vallée de l'OgnonA group of hikers follow the Mirabelle plum trail in the Villersexel region. They are walking along the road, surrounded by greenery, with a village in the background - Vallée de l'Ognon
            ©Mirabelle plum trail |Office de tourisme du Pays de Villersexel

              The Mirabelle plum trail, starting in Fallon, takes you on a gourmet and cultural hike. We recommend this trail, which can be done as a half-day or full-day walk, during the mirabelle plum blossom season at the end of April. The trail is dotted with reading tables and picnic areas, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Don’t miss the orientation table on the Motte de Grammont, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding villages. Along the way, discover historic sites such as the old Mélecey cemetery and the old Fallon foundry, from which many of the cast-iron crosses in the cemetery can still be seen today.

              Length: 17 km. Ascent 377 m. Moderate. Start and finish in Fallon.

              All signposted routes

              Find all the routes in Haute-Saône on the dedicated page. There are around a hundred signposted routes throughout the region!
              All you have to do is choose…

              Discover All our selections

              A basket maker weaves wicker - Haute-SaôneA basket maker weaves wicker - Haute-Saône
              ©Basketry|Office de Tourisme des 1000 Etangs
              Selection of expertise
              A couple taste the coffees from Maison LaGrange in Marnay - MOF Torréfacteur - Vallée de l'OgnonA couple taste the coffees from Maison LaGrange in Marnay - MOF Torréfacteur - Vallée de l'Ognon
              ©LaGrange house in Marnay |Maison laGrange
              Local products Made in Haute-Saône
              Goat from the Parc aux Daims estate - Vesoul - Val de SaôneGoat from the Parc aux Daims estate - Vesoul - Val de Saône
              ©Fallow deer park|Maxime Naegely
              Animal parks and farms
              A break by the river with a view of the canoe - Vallée de l'OgnonA break by the river with a view of the canoe - Vallée de l'Ognon
              ©Canoeing on the Ognon|Emilie Rolandez - BFC Tourisme
              Places to see along the Ognon
              A couple hiking on the Ballon de Servance - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern VosgesA couple hiking on the Ballon de Servance - The 1000 Lakes Region - Southern Vosges
              ©Hiking in the Ballon de Servance|Etienne Kopp Photographie
              Vosges du Sud Tour suggestions
              A cyclist on the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du SudA cyclist on the ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles - Vosges du Sud
              ©Ascent of La Planche des Belles Filles|Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
              Cycling events not to be missed
              Festival-goers in front of the Rolling Saône stage in Gray, including a child raising his hands on the shoulders of an adult - Vesoul - Val de SaôneFestival-goers in front of the Rolling Saône stage in Gray, including a child raising his hands on the shoulders of an adult - Vesoul - Val de Saône
              ©Rolling Saône Festival|Emmanuel Pagand
              Vibrate to the rhythm of music festivals
              A hiker at the bend in the path. He is carrying a red hiking bag and poles - Vesoul - Val de SaôneA hiker at the bend in the path. He is carrying a red hiking bag and poles - Vesoul - Val de Saône
              ©Hiking |Maxime Naegely
              Selected tours Vesoul-Val de Saône
              Tray with bread, cheese, sausage, 2 glasses of apple juice. The image is coloured with a pink hat, grapes and ivy.Tray with bread, cheese, sausage, 2 glasses of apple juice. The image is coloured with a pink hat, grapes and ivy.
              ©Gastronomy|Johann Marmier
              Other specialities in Haute-Saône
              A woman helps herself to a picnic basket by the water. On a pink-checked tablecloth are local products: terrine, cheese, fruit, dairy products, pastries, etc.A woman helps herself to a picnic basket by the water. On a pink-checked tablecloth are local products: terrine, cheese, fruit, dairy products, pastries, etc.
              ©Picnic|JMPHOTOS
              Selection of gourmet events
              Aerial view of the Vesoul-Vaivre lake, showing small sailing boats in operation - behind them, the Motte de Vesoul - Vesoul - Val de SaôneAerial view of the Vesoul-Vaivre lake showing small sailing boats - Vesoul - Val de Saône
              ©Lake Vesoul-Vaivre
              Water sports in Haute-Saône
              A man trail runs at Mont de Vannes, in the heart of the Plateau des 1 000 étang , in the forest - View over the entire valley - Vosges du SudA man trail running at Mont de Vannes, in the heart of the Plateau des 1 000 étang , in the forest - View over the whole valley - Vosges du Sud
              ©Trail Au Mont De Vannes|Etienne Kopp Photographie
              Our selection of outdoor activities