La Cras Estate
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La Cras Estate

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Alice COLAS (crédit)

Micro-Adventures 

Plan your holiday with ease

 low-carbon

Micro-Adventures

In a world where life is moving ever faster, take the time to slow down and get back to basics. Through our micro-adventures, explore Dijon and its surroundings in a different way – whether for a few hours or a few days – and let yourself be surprised by the hidden treasures right on your doorstep. Experiences to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you to get away from it all without travelling far.

Fancy an even more personalised experience? Get in touch with our team: we can work with you to create a bespoke micro-adventure, tailored to your preferences.

Eco-traveller Days

What if the adventure didn’t last a whole day? Unusual ideas

In the footsteps of bats A twilight walk

  • Head to Plombières-lès-Dijon and follow the Moulin canal, taking time to enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings and the crystal-clear water, before taking the Chemin des Contours, which passes through several community gardens.
  • Pass under the impressive Neuvon Viaduct to explore the heart of the forest.
  • Set off to explore the forest trails and the Grotte du Contard, discovering its history, geology and role in bat conservation.
  • As night falls, let yourself be enveloped bythe forest’s nocturnal atmosphere: listen to its sounds and watch the wildlife come to life.
  • Awaken your senses by learning to listen to the bats’ ultrasonic calls using a detector, conditions permitting.
  • Head towards the cave and explore its surroundings, depending on site access conditions and what’s possible at the time, with a return walk by the light of your headlamps.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Best time ofyear: from spring to early autumn

A little challenge: spot the first movement in the twilight and guess which animal has just taken flight.

On foot to the stars A car-free evening to gradually leave Dijon behind and rediscover a real night sky.

  • Set off from Dijon in the late afternoon.
  • Gradually make your way through the neighbourhoods and then the first stretches of countryside towards the hills of Talant, until you reach the Parc de la Fontaine aux Fées.
  • Walk until you find a spot where the lights of Dijon fade enough for you to make out the first stars.
  • Bring a small head torch, but switch it off once you’ve settled down.
  • Why not bring a small thermos flask of a hot drink to enjoy under the stars?
  • Look out for the constellations, listen to the sounds of the night, and spot the satellites.
  • Make your way back on foot, by bike or by public transport.

Duration: 3 to 5 hours

Best time of year: spring, summer, autumn

A little challenge: try to identify three constellations and spot a moving satellite.

The challenge of the unknown path A micro-adventure with no set itinerary – by design.

  • Set off on an adventure from Dijon, choosing a starting point that’s accessible by tram, bus or on foot.
  • Plan your exploration with a paper map or an offline map, then choose your direction at random: north, south, east or west.
  • Venture into the unknown by walking for an hour along public paths, letting your curiosity guide your choices at every junction.
  • Find your own little corner of nature, a spot that makes you want to take a break and put down your rucksack.
  • Unpack your picnic, enjoy the moment and take the time to savour this impromptu getaway.
  • Head back to Dijon via a different route, with the feeling that you’ve discovered a little slice of unexpected territory.

Recommended area: the Cras plateau, between Dijon and Plombières-lès-Dijon. Watch out for steep, rocky sections and areas near the quarries.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Best time of year: all year round, barring adverse weather conditions.

A little challenge: let chance guide your choices at a crossroads or ask a passer-by for advice, to see where the adventure takes you – whilst staying safe at all times.

Sunrise over the hills Get out of bed before sunrise to discover Dijon in a different light.

  • Set off before the town wakes up, adjusting your departure time to suit the season, with a head torch in hand, to walk up to the heights of Fontaine-lès-Dijon.
  • Climb as the first light of dawn breaks, enjoying the tranquillity of the streets and paths that are still asleep.
  • Settle down before dawn to enjoy a hot coffee and a packed breakfast, with a view over Dijon and the plain.
  • Marvel at the sunrise and watch the city slowly come to life from the heights.
  • Extend your walk in Fontaine-lès-Dijon by exploring Saint Bernard’s birthplace and the church that overlooks the hill.
  • Head down into the old village, then follow the Combe Souillot trail through the gardens, orchards and cultivated fields.
  • Make your way back to Dijon via the old alleyways, or carry on exploring as you please before heading back into town.

Duration: 3–4 hours

Best time of year: spring, summer, autumn

The little challenge: Getting back into town before the working day has really begun.

To the Forgotten Forts For a historical adventure

  • Set off to exploreHauteville-lès-Dijon – whether by public transport or by car – for a walk in the hills above the city.
  • Explore the area around Hauteville Fort, also known as Fort Carnot, by following the designated paths around this former military defence.
  • Take a journey back in time as you admire, from the outside, the fortifications, moats and defensive structures that once protected Dijon.
  • Continue your walk across the agricultural plateaus, along peaceful paths and through wide-open landscapes.
  • Find a lovely vantage point overlooking the Dijon plain to take a break surrounded by nature.
  • Finish the loop gently by returning to the village via the signposted paths.

Please note: the fort may not be accessible from the inside. Please respect the fences and any access restrictions.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours

Best time of year: spring and autumn.

A little challenge: locate the other forts in Dijon’s defensive belt on a map and work out how they were able to guard the approaches to the city.

The Hidden Heights of Talant A stroll through medieval alleyways and views of Dijon

  • Get to Vieux Talant by bus or on foot from Dijon.
  • Stroll aroundNotre-Dame Church and through the narrow, historic streets.
  • Look out for the viewpoints over Lake Kir, the Ouche Valley and the town.
  • Head down to the Parc de la Fontaine aux Fées via the accessible paths.
  • Stop for a snack with a view of the city.
  • Head back up to the old village via a different route, checking the elevation gain before setting off.

Duration: 2 to 3½ hours

Best time of year: all year round, particularly in autumn

A little challenge: go and talk to the locals in Talant and ask them what their favourite spot in the town is. Then set off to explore these places.

A short tour of the wine-growing villages An adventure through villages, vineyards and country lanes

  • Set off along the trails of the Côte from Chenôve, before reaching Marsannay-la-Côte and its charming old village.
  • Head up into the hills along the signposted paths that wind through the vineyards, gradually revealing the hillside scenery.
  • Keep your eyes peeled! Low stone walls, winegrowers’ huts, rows of vines and panoramic views over the Dijon plain: so many little treasures to spot along the way.
  • Take a well-deserved break with a light snack overlooking the vineyards, in a designated area, whilst respecting private plots.
  • Extend the adventure as you wish by continuing on to Couchey if time and the route allow, before heading back down to the village.

Tip: some of the hillside paths are steep, rocky and exposed to the cliffs. In wet weather, opt for an easier loop along the vineyard paths.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Best time of year: September and October for the autumn colours, April and May for the spring foliage.

A little challenge: spot three details of the vineyard landscape that you wouldn’t notice from the road: an old low wall, a ‘cabote’ or a plot marker.

La Colombière along the River Ouche: as far as Longvic

  • Leave the centre of Dijon on foot and head for the Parc de la Colombière, with its wide avenues and centuries-old trees.
  • Leave the busiest areas behind and venture towards the far end of the park, to the banks of the Ouche.
  • Follow the course of the river, taking the time to observe the reflections, the birds, the roots and the vegetation lining the riverbank.
  • Leave the city behind as you continue your exploration along the accessible public paths towards Longvic.
  • Find your own little spot of tranquillity for a picnic by the water’s edge, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, without disturbing the wildlife.
  • Extend your outing at your own pace as far as Longvic to discover the arboretum and the royal pond before turning back via a different route, if possible, or heading to Dijon to return by public transport (check timetables and stops in advance).

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the route and breaks.

Best time of year: all year round

A little challenge: reach Longvic by following the River Ouche, and spot five natural features you’d never have noticed from the road.

Magny-sur-Tille its ponds and its chapel

  • Change your surroundings by travelling to Magny-sur-Tille by bus from Quetigny or by your own means.
  • Explore the area around the ponds by following the Marais trail, a loop of around 5 km, and keep an eye out for birds, small footbridges and signs of life along the banks.
  • Set yourself a spotting challenge: how many species of bird can you spot?
  • Take time to pause by the water’s edge and soak up the tranquillity of the marshes.
  • Settle down with a sketchbook to draw the landscape or note down the birds you’ve spotted.
  • Fancy continuing your exploration? Discover the Sauvestre trail and the intriguing story of Françoise Sauvestre, a 19th-century healer and clairvoyant, whose chapel is adorned with numerous messages of thanks.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours to complete both routes.

Best time of year: spring and autumn, particularly for birdwatching.

A little challenge: Get comfortable, put your phone away and sit still for 15 minutes with your eyes closed. Listen to the sounds of nature: birds, leaves, the wind… Can you recognise them all?

In the footsteps of a lock keeper

  • Hop on your bike in Dijon and head for the towpath for a trip along the water.
  • Let the canal guide you towards Longvic andOuges, through peaceful countryside, past barges and locks.
  • Stop off atthe Petit-Ouges lock to explore the lock-keeper’s house and delve into the history of those who once ensured the canal ran smoothly.
  • Keep an eye out along the route for the sculptures and artistic curiosities dotted along the banks, depending on the installations on display.
  • Set off again at a leisurely pace as you follow the canal on your return journey, in tune with the rhythm of the water and the scenery.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route.

Best time of year: spring and autumn.

A little challenge: find the most surprising artwork or sculpture and imagine the story behind it.

The Eco-Traveller’s Charter There are other ways to travel!

Alternative ways to get around

  • Choose walking, cycling and public transport for your journeys.
  • Consider taking the train or carpooling to reach your starting points.

Shop locally and responsibly

  • Discover local and seasonal produce at markets, from local artisans and in restaurants.
  • Choose souvenirs made locally or in France to support local craftsmanship.
  • Bring a water bottle and a reusable bag to minimise packaging.

Respect the footpaths and the countryside

  • Whether you’re hiking or cycling, stay on marked and authorised paths to protect the natural environment.
  • Respect vineyards, crops and private property: do not enter plots of land or pick grapes.
  • Take your rubbish away with you and leave the area clean after your visit.

Protect the flora and fauna

  • Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
  • Do not pick wild flowers and respect the vegetation.

Practise good habits 

  • Sort your waste according to local guidelines (recycling bins, compost, glass, etc.).
  • Save water and energy in your accommodation: switch off the lights, avoid long showers, and turn off the air conditioning when you’re not there.

🌿 A simple gesture to help protect nature
By following these best practices, you’ll be helping to preserve the landscapes and footpaths that make the area around Dijon so special.

Discover initiatives The POTEs Route In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The POTEs Route is an alternative tourism option designed to help you discover the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region through the POTEs’ ecological transition initiatives.

Are you looking for ideas for days out in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to discover the region in a different way? Set off on the POTEs Route, led by the Ordinary Pioneers of Ecological Transition!

The POTEs Trail offers a wide variety of stops: workshops, guided tours, meet-ups, sporting and cultural activities…

You’ll find all the stops offered by the POTEs on the map on the website.

FAQ