The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Forêt De Frétoy
4.4
(187)
639
hikers
37
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De Frétoy traverse a landscape dominated by vast, ancient broad-leaved forests, primarily composed of oaks, hornbeam, and beech. The region is shaped by river valleys, including those of the Aube and Seine, and features the unique karstic formations of the Langres Plateau, with limestone gorges and tufa waterfalls. Elevated points, such as Le Haut du Sec at 526 meters, offer panoramic views over the dense woodlands.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Forêt De…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.0
(2)
6
hikers
19.6km
05:14
210m
210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
6.78km
01:50
90m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.7
(10)
23
hikers
4.03km
01:06
60m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The marshes of the Druyes valley, covering an area of 63 hectares, have been renatured. They have since hosted great biodiversity. In particular, you will be able to observe unique Burgundy-Franche-Comté species such as the spotted locustella or the water rail. At the end of the well-developed path, you will find an ornithological observatory. Access is open and free all year round.
2
0
City of character which deserves to be among the most beautiful villages in France with a little more development. To have : 1 - the castle and the small surrounding village after a beautiful climb from the village. 2 - the pond hidden behind the houses in the center. A quiet corner with a beautiful overview of the village. There you will understand where the name Belles Fontaines comes from.
0
0
It was only at the end of the 12th century that the current castle of Druyes appears in the texts. Previously, during the 11th century, a first wooden castle would have been built on the site of the said castle. Druyes is part of the first generation of castles from the time of King Philippe Auguste. It is built on a square plan of 52.3 meters per side. It is an imposing building which is one of the most important specimens of military architecture from the Romanesque period in Burgundy. Private property, the castle is open to visitors. It is reached by crossing the postern which is the gateway to the fortified village, where absolute calm seems to reign. The castle dominates the town of character of Druyes Les Belles Fontaines, which deserves to be listed among the most beautiful villages in France, if it were a little better highlighted. Note a beautiful climb to climb from the village to the castle
1
0
Very nice walk made in May 2019. I recommend!
0
0
the swamp can be visited via a short path between the reeds and the trees. Due to the wooden path you usually come out of the swamp with dry feet, but some parts can be soggy in spring
0
0
Fortified Gate - classified as a historic monument. This gate is part of the enclosure of the lower courtyard of the castle which crowned the rock overlooking the valley and dominating the only possible crossing of the river. A second gate existed on the current rue de la Rampe. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. It was protected, to the east, by four still visible towers, one of which has just been restored. On the west coast, the enclosure appears as a very large wall, 2 m thick and 4 m high. It is incorporated into gardens and houses, but still visible. It was lined with a dry ditch. The postern did not include a drawbridge. It was closed by a heavy double door, the stone pivot cups of which can still be seen in the lower part. The machicolations made it possible to throw stones at the attackers. They probably date from the 14th century. This door has been classified as a historic monument since May 9, 1888.
7
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Forêt De Frétoy?
Forêt De Frétoy offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features 37 routes suitable for families, with 10 of these specifically categorized as easy, perfect for younger children or those new to hiking.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes in Forêt De Frétoy?
Family hikes in Forêt De Frétoy primarily take you through vast, ancient broad-leaved forests, dominated by oaks, hornbeam, and beech. You'll also encounter scenic river valleys, as the park is shaped by rivers like the Aube and Seine. Some areas feature unique geological formations from the Karstic Langres Plateau, including limestone gorges and tufa waterfalls.
Are there any easy circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several easy circular routes. For example, the Porte de la Ville Parking Loop is an easy 4 km hike, ideal for a shorter family outing. Another great option is the Graanveld – The swamp of Andruyes loop from Blin, which is just under 7 km and also rated easy.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Forêt De Frétoy?
The park is accessible year-round, but autumn is particularly recommended for family hikes. The vibrant colors of the ancient broad-leaved forests create a stunning backdrop, and the crisp air makes for a very pleasant experience. Spring also offers beautiful scenery as the forests come alive.
Are there any specific trails that pass by interesting natural features like waterfalls?
While our featured family-friendly routes don't directly pass by major waterfalls, the region is known for its unique tufa waterfalls, especially around the Étufs Waterfalls loop. These delicate formations are a distinctive feature of the Karstic Langres Plateau within the wider Forêts National Park.
What do other hikers say about family-friendly trails in Forêt De Frétoy?
The family-friendly trails in Forêt De Frétoy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 193 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-marked paths, and the opportunity to enjoy nature with children.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Forêts National Park generally welcomes dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially to protect the park's rich biodiversity, which includes rare species like black storks and various deer. Always check specific trail regulations before you go.
Are there any longer, but still family-friendly, routes for older children?
For families with older children looking for a bit more of a challenge, the Bridge Over the Druyes – Saint-Romain Church loop from Druyes-les-Belles-Fontaines is a moderate 9.7 km route. It offers a longer adventure while still being manageable for active families.
Are there any cultural attractions or historical sites near the family hiking trails?
Yes, beyond the natural beauty, the region offers cultural heritage. The 12th-century Cistercian Auberive Abbey is a notable site with historical architecture and gardens. The village of Rochefort-sur-Brévon, with its privately owned castle, is also worth exploring. These can be interesting additions to a family day out.
What should we wear for hiking with family in Forêt De Frétoy, especially in autumn?
In autumn, it's advisable to dress in layers. The weather can change, so waterproof outer layers are recommended. Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes are essential for navigating forest paths. For younger children, consider bright colors for visibility and ensure they have appropriate footwear.
Are there good parking options available at the trailheads?
Many trailheads in Forêt De Frétoy, especially for family-friendly routes, offer convenient parking. For instance, the Porte de la Ville Parking Loop explicitly highlights its parking accessibility, making it easy to start your adventure.
Most popular routes in Forêt De Frétoy
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
