At the Montbéliardot Arboretum, you can explore, picnic and relax. It is also a nature viewpoint on the outskirts of Montbéliardot, in the direction of Bonnétage. Hiking options range from the 2 km Sentier des Orchidées to circular routes of 9.8 and 20.1 km. Plants, scenery and exercise offer different ways to enjoy a stay here.
Botanical Trails and Scenery
The Sentier des Orchidées is a 2 km themed trail focusing on flora, particularly orchids. Its botanical focus makes it a shorter option for those interested in plants. The Chemin des Orchidées is a different trail: it leads from the Sentier Botanique de l’Arboretum de Montbéliardot alongside an old dry-stone wall and over a ridge. The similar-sounding names therefore refer to different trail profiles: the Sentier des Orchidées has a floral focus, while the Chemin des Orchidées follows the described route alongside the wall and over the ridge. Some obstacles on the Chemin des Orchidées may change seasonally.
The Circuit des Crêts: A Circular Hike with Plateau Views
The Circuit des Crêts passes through Montbéliardot and runs between the Plateau du Russey and the Dessoubre Valley. This moderately difficult circular hike is 9.8 km long; the distance and stated duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes are estimates. The route is in the Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger. Yellow-and-blue markings and signposts marked 42 help with navigation. Halfway along the route, the Montbéliardot Arboretum offers a place to picnic. The return route passes along the edge of the cliffs at Vie au Loup and offers panoramic views across the entire plateau. The Circuit des Crêts is also associated with the “Vallées du Dessoubre, de la Reverotte et du Doubs” Natura 2000 site.
Ruisseau du Pissoux: The Longer, Difficult Hike
The Ruisseau du Pissoux route also passes through Montbéliardot and by the arboretum, where hikers can take a short break. The circular hike is rated difficult, is 20.1 km long and is listed as taking six hours. It is described as a challenging hike through a wild, green natural landscape. Compared with the Circuit des Crêts, it is both longer and more difficult; the two routes therefore differ considerably in the time required and their difficulty rating. Trail conditions and signposting may change, so check the latest information before setting out.
Compare the Routes by What They Offer
To choose between them, consider the difference between a themed trail and a circular hike: the Sentier des Orchidées offers a short botanical experience, the Circuit des Crêts combines a moderately difficult circular hike with a picnic spot and views across the plateau, and Ruisseau du Pissoux is the longer, difficult hike through a wild, green landscape. The routes differ not only in distance but also in character. If you are considering Montbeliardot for a stay that includes hiking, you can decide whether flora, panoramic views or a longer, more strenuous circular hike should be the focus.
Discover more destinations: Laval-Le-Prieuré, Amancey, Charquemont, Brey-Et-Maison-Du-Bois, Valoreille, La Cluse-et-Mijoux, Cubry, Villers-Le-Lac.
For the main travel overview: Doubs.
