Pasques: Hiking, Nature and History

When planning a stay in Pasques, you can consider different interests: hiking, nature watching, cycling and traces of cultural history. The routes described vary in length and in the landscapes they pass through. They are complemented by specific natural and local features. This makes it easy to match these themes with your own travel interests.

Hiking by distance and landscape

As of 2023, the Circuit de Pasques is an easy route covering 7.3 kilometres with 277 metres of elevation gain. The route starts at the village shop, where ample parking is available. Wide agricultural tracks cross open landscapes. There is an occasional chance of spotting wildlife; the route also offers the opportunity to observe plessage, the traditional practice of weaving hedges.

At 17.5 kilometres, the Traversée des 5 vallées is longer. It starts near the Lavoir de Pasques. As of 2023, the Traversée des 5 vallées follows open limestone tracks and passes through shady stretches of woodland; it also offers panoramic views over the Ouche Valley. The two routes therefore differ not only in distance but also in their landscapes: the Circuit is described as having wide tracks and open spaces, while the Traversée adds woodland sections and valley views.

For planning a hike, the difference between 7.3 and 17.5 kilometres provides a clear point of reference. For the Circuit, the easy rating and specified elevation gain of 277 metres add further details to the distance. The Traversée is defined by its open and shady route and views over the Ouche Valley. You can take both distance and landscape into account when planning.

Nature watching with a time reference

The Abîme du Creux percé is a sinkhole approximately 60 metres deep. During the winter count of 2024–2025, a colony of more than 800 Brandt’s bats (Myotis brandtii) was recorded there. The number refers to that counting period, while the depth describes a geological feature of the sinkhole. For nature enthusiasts, the site combines a distinctive landform with a clearly dated wildlife observation.

Between Prenois and Pasques, a cave overlooks the forest and attracts many hikers. The two nature features have different points of interest: at the Abîme, the focus is on its depth and the winter count, while at the cave, it is on the view over the forest and the hikers it attracts.

Washhouse and historical traces

Below the village, beside a pond edged by watering troughs, stands a washhouse built in the 19th century. The site thus combines a water feature with a structure whose date of construction is known. For trip planning, this architectural trace adds a cultural and historical element to the themes of hiking and nature watching.

Archaeological sites also bring different periods into view. The Bas du Fourneau site is dated to the 11th to 12th centuries. The dating of Lisière de Citeau is expressed more tentatively: it is thought to date from the 1st to 3rd centuries. A medieval date and a much earlier period, presented as a possibility, therefore sit side by side.

Pasques is also home to two well-preserved processional staffs from the 18th century. They depict Saint Léger and Saint Eloi of Pasques. These objects complement the archaeological sites with specific examples of religious art and two named depictions of saints.

Cycling and drinking water points

For cyclists, the Ecole des cols 21 course is another named planning point. The cycling course has drinking water points on the summits of Pasques and Urcy. This specific information complements the details about hiking routes with a cycling perspective, without conflating the two activities.

Discover more destinations: Brochon, Montigny-Sur-Aube, Corgoloin, Maconge, Champagny, Moloy, Champagne-Sur-Vingeanne, Sainte-Marie-La-Blanche.

For the broader travel overview: Cote-Dor.