Other outdoor activities in Haute-Saône | Haute-Saône Tourisme I Découvrez un territoire authentique

The trail

Looking for a challenge, sport and adventure? There are several signposted trail circuits in Haute-Saône.

In the Pays des 7 Rivières region, there are 2 marked trails, one in Rioz and the other in Dampierre-sur-Linotte. The first is the Trail des Gouffres, starting from the Lac de la Faïencerie. The route covers 17km and 390m of ascent, with technical descents, good climbs and singles. The Trail des Dolines starts from the church square in Dampierre, and takes you on a 14km nature trail. As you pass over the heights of the village, slow your stride to admire the panorama.

A man trail runs at Mont de Vannes, in the heart of the Plateau des 1 000 étang , in the forest - Vosges du Sud — ©Trail Au Mont De Vannes|Etienne Kopp Photographie

In the 1000 Etangs

On the Plateau des 1000 Étangs, another circuit allows you to take advantage of the slopes of the Vosges Massif. Take in the beautiful views and enjoy a 100% natural experience. Starting in Faucogney, the Monts Rocheux trail (14km, ascent 530m, difficult) awaits you, combining discovery of the natural and cultural heritage. From the Place du Champ de Foire, you’ll come to the Saint-Martin chapel overlooking the valley. The end of the route takes you to the Rochenoz viewpoint, where you can look down on Faucogney’s historic heritage: the medieval MXV tower, the Comtois bell tower of Saint-Georges church, etc.

Gravel

In the 1000 Étangs area, two mountain bike trails are ideal for gravel riding: ” Le Mont du Breuchin ” in Faucogney and ” Le Cygle ” in Melisey.

From Faucogney, the Monts du Breuchin trail climbs up to La Voivre, where you will find the ruins of the Annegray monastery, founded by Saint Columban in the 6th century. The trail then passes through the typical countryside of the 1000 Étangs, with its forests, ponds and traditional farms.

With Le Cygle, you can discover the 1000 Étangs along easy paths! You’ll appreciate the serenity of the places you pass through. From ponds to sandstone plateaux, each place reveals a mystery in the heart of moors and forests.

In the Vosges du Sud, don’t forget La Planche des Belles Filles, a renowned cycling destination that offers great opportunities for gravel biking and a link to the Ballon d’Alsace.

Donkey rides

Donkeys are a delight for children… and their parents. From March to September, the “P’tits sentiers an’imés”, a travelling educational farm located on the heights of Saint-Bresson, offers donkey rides. On marked trails ranging from three to ten kilometres in length, you can wander freely with your family or friends through calm, soothing countryside.

For an even more rewarding experience, opt for a guided walk with Perrine and Pierrot, the enthusiastic owners. At the donkey’s pace, you’ll explore small paths, sometimes even off the beaten track. Your guides know the region inside out, and will help you discover its secrets.

You’ll admire the scenery while learning about the local geography, the history of the glaciers that have shaped the landforms, and the local legends. You’ll also learn to identify the birds, trees and edible plants you come across. These walks with a donkey, whether independent or accompanied, promise a memorable experience combining nature, discovery and conviviality.

Donkeys can be hired for a day or half-day.

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Donkey preparing to set off on a hike with its pack in front of a caravan - Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés - Plateau des 1000 étangs - Vosges du Sud — ©Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés|Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés

Hiking with donkeys on the Plateau des 1000 étangs - Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés - Vosges du Sud — ©Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés|Les Petits Sentiers Ân'imés

Becoming an explorer Caving in the Arbecey chasm

While many walkers enjoy family walks in the forest of Arbecey, others progress under their feet, in a more discreet and sporting way, along an underground river in the “Gouffre d’Arbecey”. The “Réseau du Chaland” stretches for more than ten kilometres, an exceptional site in Haute-Saône and a classic for amateur and professional cavers in eastern France.

It’s easy to get to, thanks to its good-sized caves and facilities, and offers a magnificent spectacle of underground rivers, fossil galleries, pools and concretions. The site is therefore accessible to as many people as possible.

So, if you’re a beginner and fancy the experience, it’s perfectly possible to visit the chasm. During the summer season, Jussey Tourisme offers caving trips led by a qualified guide.

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Amateur cavers discover the Réseau du Chaland, where there is an underground river, fossil gallery, pools and concretions - Unusual - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Caving Arbecey|Maxime Naegely

An amateur caver discovers the Réseau du Chaland where there is an underground river, fossil gallery, pools and concretions - Unusual - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Caving Arbecey|Maxime Naegely

Horse riding

This is the place to get off the beaten track, with almost 500 kilometres of bridleways stretching from the southern Vosges to the Val de Saône. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, there are plenty of possibilities.

For a day or several days, as a family or with experienced riders, there are rides to suit all levels. Take the Melisey equestrian loop, for example, a 90km route that can be completed in 3 or 4 days, ideal for riders looking for adventure on the Plateau des 1000 Étangs. Leaving Melisey, you’ll head for picturesque villages such as Beulotte-Saint-Laurent and Belfahy, the highest village in Haute-Saône. You’ll pass through some remarkable natural sites, including the Ballons Comtois nature reserve. You’ll pass near Mont de Vannes, offering magnificent views over the valley, before descending to Saint-Barthélemy, a village whose church is topped by a bell tower of glazed tiles bearing the Lorraine Cross. You will return to Melisey by crossing the river Ognon on “Le Grand Pont”, a remarkable structure rebuilt in the 19th century from ashlar.

Women riders cross a river on horseback - Equestrian tourism — ©Equestrian tourism|Noélie Weinachter

A horsewoman rides with her horse and dog on the paths of the 1000 Etangs - Vosges du Sud, Haute-Saône — ©Equestrian tourism at Les 1000 Etangs|Noélie Weinachter

The ninety kilometres of the Boucle de Melisey-Vosges du Sud can be completed in three or four days. Melisey is the gateway to the Col des Croix and the Ballon de Servance. At the southern end of the Vosges massif, you’ll find yourself in the Ballons Comtois Nature Reserve. Created in 2002, it covers 2,259 hectares! A special feature at the end of the route is the village of Saint-Barthélemy, with its 1731 church topped by a bell tower decorated with a Lorraine cross.

If you’d like to spend several days riding your horse, there are no fewer than seventy-five accommodation options for riders and their mounts in the département.

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Flying over Haute-Saône In a hot-air balloon

Discover Haute-Saône as you’ve never seen it before! A hot-air balloon flight will give you a unique perspective on the region’s landscapes and heritage.

Imagine floating above the 1000 Étangs and admiring the mosaic of forests and ponds, admiring a panoramic view that few have the privilege of contemplating. From the sky, the natural beauty of the Haute-Saône is revealed in all its splendour, creating lasting memories.

Your hot-air ballooning experience goes far beyond a simple flight, as you’ll be able to watch the preparation for the flight and the inflation of the balloon. You’ll leave with a mind full of spectacular images. So book your hot-air balloon flight and get ready to experience magical moments in the skies over Haute-Saône!

A child on a tree climbing adventure - PAN - Vallée de l'Ognon — ©Tree climbing|PAN

Adventure in the trees

Discover accrobranche at four leisure centres in Haute-Saône! Put on your harness and follow the routes through the trees. Where can you experience this adventure?

Acro’Cîmes at Thiénans
Accro Rioz
Accro’Planche at La Planche des Belles Filles
Woka Marnay

Each park offers a variety of courses to suit all levels, guaranteeing moments of pure enjoyment with family and friends.

A forest experience
Climb from tree to tree, test your agility on a variety of fun workshops, and above all, take to the air on some impressive zip lines!

For the youngest adventurers

There are specially designed courses for the little ones to enjoy in complete safety, so the whole family can make the most of this outing.

With escape games, Outdoor adventure

Discover a new way to have fun with family and friends with Explor’Games and outdoor escape games! These adventure games combine fun and exploration, offering a unique experience for all ages.

In the Southern Vosges, two exciting adventures await you, ready to put your detective skills to the test while enjoying the countryside and heritage, at Lure and La Planche des Belles Filles.

On the Vesoul-Val de Saône side, four captivating games will help you discover the destination from a new angle. There’s something for young and old alike. Get ready to solve riddles, explore unusual places and experience colourful adventures!

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A family discovers the heritage of Ray-sur-Saône thanks to an Explor'Game - Cité de caractère - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Ray-sur-Saône|Maxime Naegely

On the green

Come and perfect your swing at Golf des Vosges du Sud, located near the town of Luxeuil-les-Bains. This 18-hole course is complemented by a driving range, providing an ideal setting for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

If you’d like to explore other options, you’ll also find the Bournel golf course in the Doubs region, which boasts a charming setting with a uniquely styled château. Its course extends over a vast 80-hectare park, perfect for a day’s golf in the heart of nature. A little further afield, the Rougemont-le-Château golf course, located in the Territoire de Belfort, winds its way through 60 hectares of greenery, offering a pleasant sporting experience in the heart of a natural environment.

Whether you’re here for an introduction to golf or to improve your game, Haute-Saône and the surrounding area promise you a great time on the green. Get your clubs ready and come and enjoy a great day out on the region’s courses!

The activities Nautical and river

In Haute-Saône, adventure can also be found on the water. Sailing on the Saône, paddling on theOgnon, fishing in the many rivers or taking advantage of the leisure centres to try out water sports: you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a peaceful day on the water, Haute-Saône has it all!