4.4
(12)
137
riders
24
rides
Gravel biking around Novillars offers access to diverse landscapes in the Doubs department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The region is characterized by its strategic location along the Doubs River, providing scenic routes through green valleys and past karstic rock formations. Proximity to the Jura Mountains introduces varied terrain, including extensive forests, plateaus, and challenging climbs. This area is a recognized hotspot for gravel biking, featuring a network of trails that wind through natural features and connect to charming villages.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.5
(2)
11
riders
118km
09:26
1,630m
1,630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.0
(2)
11
riders
31.3km
02:44
390m
390m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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5.0
(1)
2
riders
46.4km
03:38
380m
400m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
16
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
15
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Very beautiful hike and wonderful view... in good weather!
0
0
Great for a stop to have a beer on a terrace
0
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
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The Tallenay washhouse, built in the 19th century, once served the village's washerwomen. Fed by a spring, it is typical of the region's utilitarian architecture, with its gable roof and stone basins.
1
0
If you would like to visit the saltworks and the exhibitions in addition to the walk, you should plan at least 90 minutes.
1
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Here you get a good idea of the size of the citadel.
9
0
Beautiful place on the river Loue
5
0
Novillars and its surrounding area offer a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 35 trails available. These routes cater to various skill levels, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of the Doubs department.
The gravel biking routes around Novillars are primarily categorized as moderate to difficult. You'll find approximately 16 moderate trails and 20 difficult trails, offering options for both intermediate riders and those seeking a greater challenge with significant elevation gains.
The gravel biking experience around Novillars is highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 200 gravel bikers have already explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic beauty of the Doubs River valley and the challenging climbs in the foothills of the Jura Mountains.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Novillars are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the difficult route Grande Côte pass – Trail Between Fields and Woods loop from Fort Benoit offers a challenging circular ride through varied terrain.
Gravel biking near Novillars offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll ride through extensive forests, alongside the scenic Doubs River, and across plateaus with views towards the Jura Mountains. The routes often feature green valleys, karstic rock formations, and connect charming villages, providing a diverse and immersive natural experience.
While many routes are moderate to difficult, the region's broader network, including sections of the EuroVelo 6 along the Doubs River, offers more accessible, often paved or greenway sections suitable for families. For a moderate ride with varied scenery, consider Saône who can!, which is a good option for those looking for a less strenuous experience.
Novillars is located near Besançon, a larger city with public transport connections. While direct access to specific trailheads from Novillars via public transport might be limited, many regional cycling routes, including parts of the EuroVelo 6, are designed to be accessible, often passing through towns with train stations. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules for connections to starting points of specific routes.
Absolutely. Many gravel routes in the region offer stunning viewpoints and pass by historical sites. You can often catch views of the impressive Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore the Deluz Lock along the Doubs River. The routes frequently connect to charming villages with their own heritage.
The Doubs region is generally excellent for gravel biking from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. While winter riding is possible, some higher elevation trails or those in dense forests might be affected by snow or mud, so checking local conditions is recommended.
Yes, the Doubs River is a central feature of the region's cycling network. The Deluz Lock – The Doubs loop from Deluz is a prime example, offering an extensive ride through the picturesque Doubs Valley. The EuroVelo 6 also utilizes sections along the Doubs, providing scenic riverside cycling.
The broader Doubs department is known for its natural water features. While specific gravel routes directly from Novillars might not pass major waterfalls, the region is home to impressive sites like the Lison Waterfalls and the Saut du Doubs. The Arcier springs are also a point of interest along sections of the EuroVelo 6, which is accessible from the Novillars area.
Many routes start from or pass through villages and towns where public parking is available. For example, routes like the Grande Côte pass – Trail Between Fields and Woods loop from Fort Benoit often have designated starting points with parking facilities. It's best to check the specific tour details on komoot for recommended parking locations near your chosen trailhead.
Absolutely. The Novillars area offers several challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers. The Grande Côte pass – Trail Between Fields and Woods loop from Fort Benoit, with its significant elevation gain, and the extensive Deluz Lock – The Doubs loop from Deluz, covering nearly 87 km, are excellent options for those seeking a difficult and rewarding ride.


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