Citadel of Besançon – Montfaucon Viewpoint loop from Scey-en-Varais

Road cycling routes

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Besançon

Scey-Maisières

Citadel of Besançon – Montfaucon Viewpoint loop from Scey-en-Varais

Hard

riders

Citadel of Besançon – Montfaucon Viewpoint loop from Scey-en-Varais

03:32

68.5km

1,110m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 25.0 km for 10 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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21.7 km

Liberation Monument

Highlight • Historical Site

The Mémorial Notre-Dame de la Libération in the Chapelle des Buis is a memorial site erected in memory of the victims of the Second World War.
The Mémorial Notre-Dame de la Libération is located on the Mont des Buis, within the moats of a former fortress, which overlooks the city of Besançon at an altitude of almost 500 meters.
This memorial dominates the city and houses a crypt with more than 5,500 names engraved in stone. These names represent both civilian and military victims from the departments of Doubs, Haute Saône and Territoire de Belfort.
The Mémorial Notre-Dame de la Libération is a place of memory and tribute to those who gave their lives during one of the most turbulent periods in history. A religious and military ceremony is held annually on September 1 at this special place to commemorate the victims.

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22.2 km

The citadel from above

Highlight • Other

25.0 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.

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25.5 km

Mouillère footbridge

Highlight • Other

pedestrian crossing above the canal

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26.1 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.

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32.9 km

Montfaucon Viewpoint

Highlight • Historical Site

This belvedere is one of the most spectacular in the heights of Besançon. It opens a wide window onto the Doubs valley, the Citadel of Besançon and the Jura mountains. As a bonus, when the horizon clears, you can also enjoy a superb view of the Mont-Blanc range.

This belvedere is also an opportunity to learn a little history since you are on the site of Fort Woirol with several observation posts and the Montfaucon redoubt.

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64.7 km

Cycling bridge over the Loue

Highlight • Other

This Green Way is a pleasant gentle slope in the middle of the forest, with smooth asphalt

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65.8 km

Chapel of Notre Dame du Chène

Highlight • Religious Site

This chapel was built in 1863, following an apparition of the Virgin Mary on April 3, 1803. According to legend, a young girl found an old statue from the time of Louis 14 in the tree in front of which Mary appeared to her. This "holy oak" was felled a few decades after the apparition, and the statue now stands in the church. Below the chapel on the street, a bronze statue commemorates the place where the oak was and where the apparition is said to have taken place. Next to the chapel there is now a pilgrims' hostel that tells the story of the network of the Via Franzigena.

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