Highlights
- Gy castle, 3 km off the route
- Franche-Comté vineyards
- Hilltop village views
Stage conditions
| Section | France |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Moderate |
| Shade | Partial |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Dampierre-sur-Salon is on Mobigo line 608 Vesoul–Gray, with line 602 also passing through the area. The stage ends at Bucey-lès-Gy; Gy, 3 km away, is better served: Mobigo regional line LR612 runs between Gy and Besançon and LR601 between Gy and Vesoul, so from Gy you can reach Besançon-Viotte station by coach for TGV and TER trains. None of the three villages has a railway, and the nearest stations are Besançon and Culmont-Chalindrey. Timetables and the interactive line map are on viamobigo.fr.
What the season does
May to September in the stage data, with partial shade. Gy is a hilltop village with a castle and vineyards, and the Monts de Gy tourist office stresses reserving beds in advance and carrying a credential, because the gîtes are small. Summer is comfortable; the hills give some breeze. Hunting runs from mid-September to the end of February in the wooded hills, so wear something bright at weekends in autumn. The official route via Bucey-lès-Gy is the line the local pilgrim gîtes are built around.
Safety on this stage
Some hilly sections, says the stage data: 350 m of ascent on farm tracks and lanes through mixed farmland, nothing technical. Walk facing traffic on the D-roads between villages and give way to farm machinery. In hunting season, from mid-September to the end of February, keep to the marked GR route in the woods and respect 'chasse en cours' signs. If you detour to Gy, its lanes climb steeply to the castle; ordinary village care, and mind the cobbles when wet.
Water and food
Water is moderate. Dampierre has a grocery and a bakery for the morning, so leave with lunch. The villages between are small and there are no fountains on the tracks. Bucey-lès-Gy, the stage end, has the pilgrim gîtes. Gy, 3 km off the route, has the Hôtel Pinocchio with a restaurant; ask your host about shop hours, which we could not confirm, and buy for the next day, as the walk to Besançon passes only Cussey-sur-l'Ognon.
Where pilgrims sleep
The Monts de Gy tourist office lists pilgrim beds at Bucey-lès-Gy (Gîte des Monts de Gy, 13 places; Gîte Chez les Doms; a private home), the Gîte du Domaine de Fontenelay at Gézier, and in Gy the Hôtel Pinocchio, which gives a special pilgrim rate on presentation of the credential, and the Domaine de la Charmotte. Our directory adds the Gîte de la Fontaine. Reserve ahead.
Sources: Mairie de Dampierre-sur-Salon — Bus Mobigo · Mobigo — Réseau régional Haute-Saône, fiches horaires · Office de Tourisme des Monts de Gy — Accueil pèlerins · Le Montagnard — Calendrier chasse France 2025-2026
Common questions
How long is the Dampierre-sur-Salon to Bucey-lès-Gy stage?
It is 33.6 km (20.9 mi) and takes about 9 hours of walking, from Dampierre-sur-Salon to Bucey-lès-Gy.
How hard is Dampierre-sur-Salon to Bucey-lès-Gy?
It is rated easy with 350 m of ascent and 330 m of descent over mixed terrain.
Is there water on the Dampierre-sur-Salon to Bucey-lès-Gy stage?
There is a moderate amount of water along this stage — carry enough between resupply points.
How do I get to Dampierre-sur-Salon and away from Bucey-lès-Gy?
Dampierre-sur-Salon is on Mobigo line 608 Vesoul–Gray, with line 602 also passing through the area. The stage ends at Bucey-lès-Gy; Gy, 3 km away, is better served: Mobigo regional line LR612 runs between Gy and Besançon and LR601 between Gy and Vesoul, so from Gy you can reach Besançon-Viotte station by coach for TGV and TER trains. None of the three villages has a railway, and the nearest stations are Besançon and Culmont-Chalindrey.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Bucey-lès-Gy?
The Monts de Gy tourist office lists pilgrim beds at Bucey-lès-Gy (Gîte des Monts de Gy, 13 places; Gîte Chez les Doms; a private home), the Gîte du Domaine de Fontenelay at Gézier, and in Gy the Hôtel Pinocchio, which gives a special pilgrim rate on presentation of the credential, and the Domaine de la Charmotte. Our directory adds the Gîte de la Fontaine. Reserve ahead.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.