Hiking guides and maps for Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Hiking in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Rich in unique historical heritage and unspoiled natural landscapes, Burgundy-Franche-Comté is a prime destination for hiking enthusiasts. From Burgundy strolls through the vineyards of the Mâconnais to forest escapades in the Morvan, and ridge trails in the Jura, this region offers a rare diversity of itineraries. Whether on foot, on a hike, or on a day trip, there’s something for everyone.
Discover Burgundy-Franche-Comté on foot
The charm of hiking in Burgundy-Franche-Comté lies first and foremost in its diverse landscapes. Burgundy, a land of vineyards and medieval villages, offers peaceful paths winding between dry stone walls, vineyard enclosures, and Romanesque churches. Along the Saône-et-Loire, the trails offer splendid views of the Charolais mountains, the rocks of Solutré and Vergisson, or the wooded hills of Brionnais.
Franche-Comté, on the other hand, seduces with its wilder side. From the Jura massif to the Doubs plateaus, hikers discover a more mountainous nature: dense forests, limestone cirques, and spectacular springs like the Loue and Lison rivers. Those seeking a refreshing dip will also appreciate the numerous glacial lakes and ever-present waterfalls.
And what about cultural heritage? Cluny Abbey, spa towns like Salins-les-Bains, cities of art and history like Besançon or Dijon… Each stop is a dive into history.
The great hiking routes in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- GR®13 – Morvan Crossing
It connects Fontainebleau to Bourbon-Lancy, crossing the Morvan Regional Natural Park, a land of mid-altitude mountains, deep forests, and lakes.
- GR®59 – From the Vosges to the Jura
This route passes through the Doubs and Jura plateaus. It offers a Franche-Comté hike full of hills, ridges, valleys, and viewpoints.
- GR®76 – Tour of the Mâconnais
A perfect route for exploring the wine-growing region of Burgundy: golden stone villages, terraced vineyards, and panoramic views of the Saône.
- GR®7 – Watershed
It crosses the region from north to south through its highlands, notably the Plateau des Mille Étangs in Haute-Saône, a little-known hiking paradise in Franche-Comté.
- GR®P Tour of Mont d’Or and the 2 Lakes
A shorter route in the Haut-Doubs, with ridge crossings and panoramic views of the Alps on a clear day.
- GR®213 – From Dijon to Autun
Perfect for hiking in the Côte d’Or, this trail crosses the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise, then reaches the forests of the hinterland.
Day hike ideas
If you want to enjoy a weekend in nature, the region has no shortage of ideas:
- Chalon-sur-Saône Hiking : Easy access from the city to explore the Côte Chalonnaise and its wine-growing villages like Givry and Mercurey.
- Saône-et-Loire Hiking : Numerous trails around Cluny, Tournus, and Paray-le-Monial.
- Côte d’Or Hiking : Loop around Gevrey-Chambertin or Nuit-Saint-Georges, among vineyards and stone walls.
- Franche-Comté Hiking : Trails in the Langouette Gorges, the Cirque de Consolation, or around the source of the Loue River
Our essential products for hiking in Burgundy-Franche-Comté
- The FFRP’s Jura on Foot guidebook : In the footsteps of Gustave Courbet with long-distance hiking routes over 7 days.
- The Routard guide Burgundy, the back roads : Go from vineyards to cellars, from farm inns to castles. Make the most of your trip.
- ING Top 100 Doubs Map : Discover the Doubs department on foot, you will enjoy hiking in the regional park
A region structured for hiking
Burgundy-Franche-Comté benefits from a dense network of marked trails thanks to the fieldwork of departmental committees affiliated with the French Hiking Federation (FFRandonnée). This network guarantees maintained and well-marked trails, whether GR®, GR® de Pays, or PR (Walking & Hiking).
Departments such as Saône-et-Loire, Côte-d’Or, and Doubs have hundreds of trails open to the public, maintained in collaboration with local authorities and natural parks. The Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park and the Morvan Regional Natural Park are particularly active in developing sustainable trails.
In addition to traditional trail markings, many loops are now available as downloadable maps, topographical guides, or GPX trails through tourist offices.
Furthermore, certain sections of greenways and cycle routes are also suitable for hiking: this is particularly the case with the Nivernais Canal and the Voie Bleue along the Saône.
Between hiking in Burgundy and hiking in Franche-Comté, this vast eastern region captivates with its authenticity, unspoiled nature, and ancient heritage. Whether you’re dreaming of a forest trek in the Jura, a stroll through the vineyards of Saône-et-Loire, or a cultural stay around Chalon-sur-Saône, the trails await you.