4.6
(353)
13,474
riders
496
rides
Road cycling routes around Arguel are characterized by varied terrain, ranging from gentle riverside paths to more challenging ascents. The region features a network of well-maintained roads that traverse open countryside and pass through local villages. Cyclists can expect routes with moderate elevation changes, offering both scenic views and opportunities for sustained effort. The landscape provides a mix of agricultural areas and natural settings suitable for road biking.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.6
(11)
326
riders
28.2km
01:19
300m
300m
Cycle an easy 17.5-mile loop from Besançon, featuring the unique Thoraise Tunnel and scenic views along the Doubs river.
5.0
(3)
47
riders
91.2km
04:17
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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82
riders
19.8km
00:53
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
49
riders
27.4km
01:13
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(3)
37
riders
47.7km
02:11
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
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UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
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If you would like to visit the saltworks and the exhibitions in addition to the walk, you should plan at least 90 minutes.
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A ship tunnel (1810) that can be walked through from the side as a shortcut for the Le Doubs river canal. On the other side of the canal there is a lock about 3-4 m high. There is a water curtain at both portals and the interior is beautifully and decoratively lit. Worth seeing.
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The Citadelle de Besançon is an impressive fortress located on Mont Saint-Étienne, high above the city of Besançon. Construction of the Citadelle began in 1668 under the direction of the French military engineer Vauban, who is known for his fortifications. The fortress served as an important military stronghold and played a crucial role in the defense of France's eastern borders. The Citadelle is a masterpiece of military architecture, with bastions, ramparts, underground tunnels and other defenses. Its design reflects Vauban's innovative approaches at the time. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Citadelle de Besançon is part of the "Fortifications of Vauban", which were recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. This group of fortifications spread across France bears witness to Vauban's military designs. Within the Citadelle are several museums and attractions, including the Museum of French Resistance and Deportation, the Comtois Museum which highlights regional history, and the Besançon Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in France. The Citadelle offers breathtaking views of the city of Besançon and the surrounding valley. It is a popular tourist destination for its historical importance, architectural splendor, and panoramic views.
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Here you get a good idea of the size of the citadel.
9
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There are over 480 road cycling routes available around Arguel, catering to a wide range of abilities and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 12,000 of these routes.
Road cycling routes around Arguel feature varied terrain, from gentle riverside paths to more challenging ascents. You'll find a network of well-maintained roads traversing open countryside and passing through local villages, with moderate elevation changes offering both scenic views and opportunities for sustained effort. The landscape provides a mix of agricultural areas and natural settings.
Yes, Arguel offers several easy road cycling routes. For example, the Banks of Western Besançon Loop is an easy 28.2 km (17.5 miles) route that offers pleasant views along the riverbanks and through the western areas of Besançon. Another accessible option is the View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney, a 15.5 km (9.6 miles) trail with scenic views.
For those seeking a more demanding ride, the La Saline Royale — Loop from Besançon is a difficult 91.2 km (56.7 miles) path featuring significant elevation gain and traversing diverse landscapes around the historic Saline Royale. There are 193 difficult routes in total, offering plenty of options for advanced cyclists.
The road cycling routes in Arguel are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, from river valleys and open fields to rolling hills and charming villages, as well as the well-maintained roads.
Yes, several routes offer views of significant landmarks. For instance, the View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney provides scenic views of the Vauban Citadel. Other nearby attractions include the Citadel of Besançon and the Thoraise Tunnel.
Absolutely. The region around Arguel is rich in history. You can encounter historical sites like the Vauban Citadel and the Porte Noire (Black Gate). For castles, the Citadel of Besançon and Cléron Castle are notable points of interest.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Arguel are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Banks of Western Besançon Loop, the La Saline Royale — Loop from Besançon, and the View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney.
One of the longer routes is the La Saline Royale — Loop from Besançon, which spans 91.2 km (56.7 miles). This route offers a significant distance for those looking for an extended ride.
Yes, there are 265 moderate difficulty routes around Arguel. An example is the Fontain – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney, which is 36.3 km (22.5 miles) long with over 800 meters of elevation gain, providing a good challenge without being overly difficult. Another is the Ornans – Cycling bridge over the Loue loop from Mérey-sous-Montrond, a 50.5 km (31.4 miles) route with similar elevation.
Yes, road cycling around Arguel is characterized by routes that often pass through charming villages, offering a glimpse into local life and providing diverse scenery. The network of roads is well-suited for exploring these picturesque settlements.


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