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Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon

Forêt De La Menère

The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Forêt De La Menère

4.5

(762)

6,233

hikers

170

hikes

Family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De La Menère are characterized by a peaceful forest environment with diverse deciduous trees, offering scenic beauty throughout the seasons. The terrain primarily consists of gentle paths and moderate elevation changes, making it accessible for various skill levels. This area near Besançon, France, provides a tranquil setting for outdoor activities, distinct from more crowded regions. The forest's landscape is defined by its woodlands, with routes often incorporating historical points of interest like Château Galland.

Best family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De La Menère

  • The most popular family friendly hiking route is Monument and church in Thoraise loop from Thoraise, a 2.7 miles (4.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete. This easy route features gentle gradients and passes by local landmarks.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Schleuse – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Montferrand - Thoraise, a moderate 5.5 miles (8.8 km) path. This route offers a mix of forest paths and canal-side sections with minimal elevation gain.
  • Local hikers also love the The double lock on the Doubs – The Canal Grocery loop from Avanne-Aveney, a 5.8 miles (9.4 km) trail leading through varied woodlands and along the Doubs river, often completed in about 2 hours 27 minutes.
  • Hiking in Forêt De La Menère is defined by its deciduous woodlands, tranquil forest paths, and occasional historical points of interest. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy to moderate family friendly routes.
  • The routes in Forêt De La Menère are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 700 reviews. More than 6000 hikers have used komoot to explore Forêt De La Menère's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

7

hikers

#1.

Thoraise Tunnel – Schleuse loop from Grandfontaine

22.3km

06:06

340m

340m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Tips from the Community

Robert Georges
May 20, 2025, L'Épicerie du canal

Great for a stop to have a beer on a terrace

Translated by Google

0

0

Lock in the connecting canal to the ship tunnel, approx. 3-4 m high.

Translated by Google

2

0

A ship tunnel (1810) that can be walked through from the side as a shortcut for the Le Doubs river canal. On the other side of the canal there is a lock about 3-4 m high. There is a water curtain at both portals and the interior is beautifully and decoratively lit. Worth seeing.

Translated by Google

2

0

Jeroen
August 13, 2024, Percée de Thoraise

It is also possible to walk through the tunnel.

Translated by Google

5

0

The water channel in the tunnel is very impressive.

5

0

In honor of the dead of the First World War

Translated by Google

2

0

Particularly impressive in good weather ☀️

Translated by Google

2

0

Rocher de Valmy, Tower of Montferrand

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2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Forêt De La Menère?

Forêt De La Menère offers a wide selection of routes suitable for families. There are nearly 170 hiking trails in total, with over 60 specifically categorized as easy, making them ideal for outings with children.

What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Forêt De La Menère?

The trails in Forêt De La Menère are generally characterized by peaceful forest environments with varied deciduous trees. While paths are mostly gentle, some sections can become muddy during wet weather, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The region research indicates a tranquil escape with diverse woodland.

Are there any circular routes suitable for families?

Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Forêt De La Menère are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the easy-rated Monument and church in Thoraise loop from Thoraise is a great option at 4.4 km, perfect for a family walk.

What are some notable landmarks or points of interest along the family trails?

While the forest is cherished for its serene atmosphere, the nearby Château Galland, a historic manor dating back to approximately 1860, is a notable point of interest. Some hiking loops, like the 'Château Galland boucle' mentioned in the region research, integrate such historical sites into the experience.

Is Forêt De La Menère suitable for hiking with toddlers or strollers?

Many of the easy-rated trails in Forêt De La Menère feature gentle paths and manageable distances, making them suitable for families with toddlers. For stroller-friendly options, look for routes described as very flat and wide, though specific stroller accessibility can vary by trail. The region research highlights 'easy family outings' and 'gentle elevation changes' on paths like the 'Bambouseraie boucle'.

Can we bring our dog on the family hikes?

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Forêt De La Menère, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in areas where wildlife might be present or near other hikers. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of the forest for everyone.

What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Forêt De La Menère?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 740 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful forest environment, the well-marked paths, and the opportunity for a tranquil escape from more crowded areas, making it ideal for family outings.

Are there any moderate family-friendly routes for slightly older children?

Yes, for families with slightly older children or those looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are many moderate routes. Consider the Schleuse – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Montferrand - Thoraise, which is 8.8 km long and offers a pleasant experience without being overly strenuous.

What is the best time of year to visit Forêt De La Menère with family?

Forêt De La Menère is beautiful year-round, with its deciduous trees offering picturesque scenery that shifts with the seasons. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for hiking, with mild temperatures and vibrant colors. However, be aware that paths can be muddy during wet periods.

Are there any longer family-friendly routes for a full day out?

For families seeking a longer adventure, the The double lock on the Doubs – The Canal Grocery loop from Avanne-Aveney is a moderate 9.4 km route that provides a good distance for a full day out, allowing for breaks and exploration along the way.

Is parking readily available for accessing family hiking trails?

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, the region is generally accessible. It's advisable to check the starting points of individual routes on komoot for information on nearby parking facilities to ensure a smooth start to your family hike.

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