Circuit du Haut-Bois

The Banney forest marks the transition between the forest massifs of the Vosges Saônoises, rich in beech, and those of the plains of Haute-Saône with their varied species. This former forest of the monks of Luxeuil Abbey has many treasures: springs, fountains, an ancient Roman road and the Napoleon road.
At the start of the circuit, there is a children's playground and a park with wild boars and Sika deer.

From the wooden shelter, take the tarmac road that runs alongside the Sika deer enclosure and enter the forest. After 300 m, at the fork in the road, take the path down to the right and reach the Fontaine des Bons Cousins, named after the Bons Cousins Charbonniers guild dating back to the Middle Ages.

Leave the fountain to join the forest road. At the crossroads, it is possible to shorten the route by taking the path on the left (blue markings). To stay on the main circuit, continue for 600 m and then turn left.

At the junction, you can shorten the route again by going straight on (red markings). To stay on the main circuit, turn right. Below, in the copse, is the resurgence of the old Fontaine des Baraques. Take the path which goes left into the forest and joins the Route Napoléon, built in 1865 at the time when Napoleon III used to visit the waters of Plombières.

Take the path opposite and after 300 m turn left. Continue for 400 m and cross the forest road to take a path opposite.

At the crossroads, take the path that goes down to the right and leads you to the Fontaine du Tonneau. This astonishing fountain is a curious water collection system of Gallo-Roman origin. Take the path that goes against the forest road. Continue along this winding path for 800 m to reach the Lévêque Fountain with its three cascading pools.

Rejoin the forest road and at the crow's feet, take the path on the left which leads you to the Route Napoléon. Turn right and after 400 m take the path on the left which leads you back to the game park.