Gilley

A small town in the Doubs, Gilley is located about fifty kilometres from Besançon. Of ancient origin, the territory of Gilley has developed over the centuries, gradually taking on the face that we know today. One of the particularities of the commune is that it is part of the Republic of Saugeais, a micronation self-proclaimed in 1947, composed of eleven communes, which has its own government as well as… its own currency.
In this dynamic village of 1,700 inhabitants, 22 associations are represented. The economic activity is intense with more than 400 jobs in different sectors: crafts, public works, shops, services, industries and the wood sector. Not to mention about twenty farms, linked to a large Comté cheese factory, which you can visit.
Gilley is situated between 850 and 1,050 metres above sea level, in a medium mountain environment, allowing tourist development in summer as well in winter. Walking through the village, you can admire the church of Sainte-Anne, rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. Among other things, it has a beautiful bell tower with a slender spire and two impressive towers in the front.
But it is mainly for its natural heritage that the commune is appreciated by visitors, who can follow the signposted hiking trails of 10, 14, 20 and 25 km.
If the Cougnet pond is popular with fishermen, it also offers several forestry trails and allows you to discover the Source du Glaçon, a very beautiful natural site. Don’t miss the Chemin du Train, 20 km of old railway lines accessible on foot or by bike, with 5 themed reception areas and related discovery loops. Within the same perimeter, a 1,600-metre-long health trail will give you the opportunity to keep in shape thanks to its 11 elements. In winter, 4 marked cross-country ski trails are available, accessible from the station (2 green trails of 4.5 km, 1 blue trail of 8 km and 1 red trail of 12 km).
It is therefore a village where life is good, in the middle of the fir trees and hilly pastures of the Haut-Doubs, where you can ski and snowshoe in winter and enjoy the wonders of the surrounding nature in summer, while tasting the Comté cheese from the fruitière (cheese dairy) and the smoked sausage and ham from the tuyés (smoke houses) of our famous salami makers.

Municipality of Gilley
www.gilley.fr
www.tuye-papygaby.com