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France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Citadel of Besançon – Citadel of Besançon loop from Besançon

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Citadel of Besançon – Citadel of Besançon loop from Besançon

Easy

riders

Citadel of Besançon – Citadel of Besançon loop from Besançon

00:36

8.44km

120m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 3.10 km for 260 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.06 km

Pont de Battant with its statue of Jouffroy d'Abbans

Highlight • Bridge

Pont de Battant is the oldest bridge in Besançon, crossing the Doubs and connecting the historic districts of La Boucle and Battant. The bridge dates from Roman times and originally had seven arches, of which one now remains. The bridge was restored and widened several times, and was partially destroyed during World War II. The bridge is now used by tram traffic and is sometimes the scene of an informal market. The bridge also has a statue of Jouffroy d'Abbans, the inventor of the steamboat, who lived nearby.

Translated by Google •

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2.50 km

View of the Quai Vauban

Highlight • Viewpoint

It is best to cycle on each side of the Doup

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4.32 km

Cycle path on the old railway bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This former railway bridge now serves as a cycle and pedestrian path. It offers two superb views of the Doubs as well as the Citadel.

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4.87 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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4.90 km

Citadel Canal Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The tunnel is part of the complex system of waterways that cross the city and is designed to allow ships to pass through the city without having to pass through the city center. It provides an underground passage for boats, bicycles and pedestrians. There is a parallel tunnel for car traffic.

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5.39 km

Besançon Citadel River Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

The ship tunnel in Besançon is a special tunnel, specially designed for the transport of ships. The tunnel is located under the city and runs through the hill of the citadel of Besançon. It is one of the few tunnels in the world suitable for shipping and is approximately 1.6 kilometers long. The tunnel was built between 1879 and 1881 and is part of the Canal de Bourgogne, a waterway that connects the Yonne and Saône rivers. The tunnel is an important connection for shipping in the region and also attracts many tourists due to its unique character.

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5.74 km

View of the Vauban Citadel

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here you get a good idea of the size of the citadel.

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5.89 km

Citadel of Besançon

Highlight • Castle

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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.44 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.24 km

2.86 km

1.71 km

624 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.74 km

987 m

335 m

261 m

115 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Tuesday 30 June

28°C

19°C

37 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Citadel of Besançon – Citadel of Besançon loop from Besançon

Pont de Battant with its statue of Jouffroy d'Abbans

View of the Quai Vauban

Cycle path on the old railway bridge

Citadel of Besançon

Citadel Canal Tunnel

Besançon Citadel River Tunnel

View of the Vauban Citadel

Citadel of Besançon

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