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Road cycling routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon
Novillars

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Novillars

Routes
Road cycling routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon
Novillars

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Novillars

Hard

5.0

(6)

142

riders

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Novillars

07:40

176km

1,250m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 42.0 km for 390 m

After 176 km for 177 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

21.4 km

Bois Monsieur

Forest

2

29.8 km

Suspension bridge

Highlight • Other

Suspension bridge initially built between 1893 to 1897 to replace the existing ferry. However, it was cut in two in 1944 during the withdrawal of German troops. The ferry therefore resumed service until 1951, when the bridge was rebuilt on the foundations of the previous one.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

42.2 km

Château de Thoraise

Castle

4

42.5 km

Thoraise Tunnel

Highlight • Historical Site

The breakthrough of Thoraise is a canal that saves 4km of navigation on the Doubs. Provided you have a small boat.
On the upstream side, pay attention to the curtain of water covering the entrance to the tunnel.
On the downstream side, at the exit you will find a lock which will allow you to join the main Rhine-Rhône canal.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

51.1 km

Lock 53

Highlight • Other

very pretty

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

57.1 km

Citadel Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

The Besançon canal tunnel, opened in 1882, allows the Rhône-Rhine canal to pass under the citadel and the old town. The old towpath has been converted into a cycle path.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

57.2 km

Citadel of Besançon

Highlight • Viewpoint

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, known for his defense works. 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. The design reflects Vauban's innovative approaches at the time.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Citadelle de Besançon is part of the "Fortifications of Vauban", recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. This group of fortifications spread across France testifies to Vauban's military designs.
Within the Citadelle there 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 over the city of Besançon and the surrounding valley. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical importance, architectural splendor and panoramic views.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

83.6 km

Great bike path right on the Doubs

Highlight (Segment) • Other

9

149 km

Cycle path along the Doubs

Highlight • Other

Section of EuroVelo 6 which runs along the Doubs in an incredible setting, far from any road.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

10

151 km

This magnificent section approaching Baume-les-Dames reveals a bucolic setting. Between the Rhône-Rhine Canal and the Doubs River, it's a delight to progress through this environment.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

167 km

Réserve biologique dirigée de Laissey

Nature Reserve

B

176 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

86.5 km

56.0 km

17.5 km

8.46 km

6.65 km

1.00 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

157 km

17.8 km

1.16 km

353 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (340 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Friday 10 July

36°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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