Hiking Collection by Luc Gesell
From one river to the next – France’s GRP between Loue and Lison
7 days
5-8 h/day
142km
3,760m
3,830m
Starting from the town of Ornans, the birthplace of Gustave Courbet, you hike to the bottom of the Loue Valley, where the river rises. It takes around two days to arrive there. You could walk in one day, but you would miss many interesting sights along the way. The trail alternates between the bottom of the valley and the cliff edges. Take your time – it’s precious.
After following the water for two days, you climb up the plateau that leads you to the Lison, its source and its valley. You enter a rural, quiet landscape that invites you to disconnect. The plateau is full of caves that you can explore but I didn’t include them as Highlights in this Collection as I only recommend visiting them with a guide. Underground caves are full of secrets, but experts show you them. Caving is not an integral part of the GRP, but there’s no denying the attraction and importance of the region’s caves. In Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, you can find out more information and organise an underground trip.
Let's get back to our route. Aside from the caves, the horizon is clear on the trail. Each stage brings new perspectives across the region thanks to the cliff edges and belvederes. At the top of a hill on one of the days, you're greeted with a 360° panorama and unexpected views over the Mont-Blanc chain. This GRP is also great for birdwatching, especially on the last day in the Valbois ravine nature reserve. This area is a small sanctuary for kites, falcons, woodpeckers, reptiles and insects. After the reserve, you slowly but surely descend to Ornans to complete the loop.
From a practical point of view, this GRP is not overly challenging as long as you’re a little organised. You find hostels in the villages, but you have to book in advance to ensure a bed. If your inner adventurer voice tells you ‘let’s wait and see until we get there, think about bringing your bivvy bag to spend the night outside – also a good option.
As for the season, the trail is accessible all year long but be careful to check the weather conditions (such as rain and snow) which impact the waterfalls and river levels.
It’s easy to reach Ornans by car and find car parking upon arrival.
To arrive by bus, you can find information on the routes and timetables here: viamobigo.fr/fr/reseau-regional-mobigo/71/doubs-fiche-horaires/282
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France’s GRP between Loue and Lison
109km
2,900m
2,900m
Last updated: November 20, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Activities
19.5km
06:51
520m
460m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18.1km
06:56
890m
570m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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16.7km
05:55
460m
480m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
24.6km
08:22
540m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
22.3km
07:38
410m
700m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.2km
06:42
500m
510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
21.1km
07:20
450m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
142 km
Duration
49:45 h
Elevation
3,760 m
3,830 m
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