It’s called “Explore Doubs”. It is both a website and an application. On the occasion of International Trails Day this Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Doubs Department is inaugurating a new digital platform to discover or rediscover 200 hiking trails. We’ll explain how it works.
It is an invitation to discovery, almost to adventure. On the occasion of International Roads Day this Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Department of Doubs unveiled its new “digital companion” for hikers. An interactive platform for all those who wish to discover (or rediscover) the territory, treat themselves to a life-size getaway, on foot or by bike.
Called “Explore Doubs”, it is both a website and a mobile application, which lists more than 200 circuits throughout the department. The tool was imagined and designed in collaboration with Doubs Tourisme, tourist offices, intermunicipalities and regional natural parks.
“We work a lot on outdoor activities with tourist offices and associations which maintain these trails, it’s a real partnership and we wanted to promote all these paths”explains Béatrix Loizon, vice-president of the Doubs Departmental Council, in charge of the management and preservation of natural heritage, climate transition and tourism.
“It’s also about enriching each other, adds the chosen one. For example, around Ornans, we will immediately have two or three walks proposed, the important sites, the accommodation, the restaurants and the viewpoints not to be missed. The device is also free. Above all, it must meet the expectations of the first interested parties.
It’s something practical, fun, it’s very easy to use. It was a strong request from practitioners. Hosts and tourist offices brought this up to us: there was a lack and the need to have the most complete tool possible.
Béatrix Loizon, vice-president of the Doubs Departmental Council, in charge of the management and preservation of natural heritage, climate transition and tourism.
Concretely, the application gives the possibility to download a detailed description of the route in PDF or to obtain the GPX track (or “GPS eXchange), this special file format which allows you to store your route on your computer or your smartphone and so you don’t get lost. You can obviously choose your route according to its mileage or its elevation. “Explore Doubs” will tell you the points of tourist interest to visit along the way and in the surrounding area.
The creators of the platform highlight the diversity of itineraries, from hiking trails to gravel trails, including Courbet Trails and Sensitive Natural Areas. Thanks to Geotrek technology, designed in 2012 and used today by 7 national parks in France (Ecrins, Mercantour, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Vanoise, Cévennes, Port-Cros), as well as numerous regional natural parks, information on the trails is constantly updated by local stakeholders.
Last advantage but it is significant: the mobile application also works offline, allowing users to access essential information wherever they are. It is already operational.
And “Explore Doubs” could soon “expand with new mountain bike trails and why not climbing spots”, promises Béatrix Loizon with enthusiasm. “It’s full of information and good tips, we can’t resist!”, she assures.
