4.6
(347)
13,380
riders
426
rides
Road cycling routes around Pugey offer diverse terrain within the Grand Besançon Métropole, characterized by the scenic Doubs river and its greenways. The area features varied topography, including the prominence of Mont Saint-Étienne, which provides both challenging climbs and more leisurely routes. Cyclists can expect a mix of riverside paths and routes with significant elevation changes. The region's landscape includes picturesque river valleys and views of historical landmarks.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
82
riders
19.8km
00:53
160m
160m
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.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
12
riders
21.4km
01:05
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
54.2km
02:38
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
17
riders
15.7km
00:45
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Great for a stop to have a beer on a terrace
0
0
UNESCO World Heritage Site
0
0
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
0
0
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.
2
0
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.
9
0
There are over 400 road cycling routes around Pugey, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes.
Yes, Pugey offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney. This 15.5 km path follows a scenic riverside greenway and provides beautiful views of the Vauban Citadel, making it a pleasant and accessible ride.
Road cycling routes around Pugey are rich in scenic viewpoints. Many routes offer stunning vistas of the Doubs river valley and the historic city of Besançon. You can enjoy panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Citadel of Besançon, especially from greenways along the river. The Gouille Noire Viewpoint – Cléron loop from Chenecey-Buillon also features a notable viewpoint.
Absolutely. While many routes follow the Doubs river, the varied topography around Mont Saint-Étienne provides plenty of challenging climbs. For instance, the Fontain – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney is a moderate route that includes significant elevation gain, making it a good test for experienced cyclists looking for a workout.
Yes, many road cycling routes around Pugey are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Thoraise Canal Tunnel – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Busy and the Thoraise Tunnel – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Avanne-Aveney, both offering circular journeys through the picturesque landscape.
The region around Pugey is rich in history. Many routes offer views of the magnificent Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You might also encounter the ancient Roman triumphal arch, La Porte Noire, in Besançon, or cycle past the unique Thoraise Tunnel, a canal tunnel that's a highlight on several routes.
Yes, for those interested in natural beauty, the Bout du Monde Waterfall is a notable natural monument in the vicinity. While not directly on every road cycling route, it's an attraction worth exploring if you're in the area and looking for a short detour or a separate visit.
The road cycling routes in Pugey are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.7 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful riverside greenways, and the stunning views of historical landmarks like the Citadel of Besançon.
The duration of road cycling routes around Pugey varies significantly depending on the distance and elevation. Shorter, easy routes like the View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney can be completed in under an hour, while moderate routes such as the Thoraise Canal Tunnel – Thoraise Tunnel loop from Busy typically take around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Pugey is part of the Grand Besançon Métropole, which has a public transport network. While specific trailhead access points might require a short ride or transfer, the region's focus on outdoor activities suggests that key areas are generally accessible. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to starting points of routes, especially those originating from larger towns like Besançon or Avanne-Aveney.
Yes, the Doubs river is a defining feature of road cycling in Pugey. Many routes utilize the scenic greenway running along the Doubs, offering flat and picturesque rides. The View of the Vauban Citadel – Lock 53 loop from Avanne-Aveney is a prime example, following the riverside and providing beautiful views.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.