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Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Dole

Ranchot

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ranchot

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Dole

Ranchot

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ranchot

Hard

4.7

(245)

1,264

riders

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ranchot

05:59

99.8km

600m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

22.5 km

Château de Thoraise

Castle

22.8 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

30.9 km

The Doubs

Highlight • River

Beautiful scenery and nice bike path.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

36.8 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

37.8 km

The Doubs

Highlight • River

In addition to its interest for navigation, the lock of Velotte deserves to linger there a little for its ornithological potential.

Indeed, the lock is a landmark for gray herons and cormorants. And if you take the time you may also see the blue and orange reflections of kingfishers swirling around the Doubs river.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

75.1 km

Viewpoint

78.0 km

Canal du Rhône au Rhin

Highlight • Other

Currently, July 2022, major construction site and route closure from Orchamps towards Audelange.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

82.1 km

Cliffs along the Doubs / Rhône–Rhine Canal

Highlight (Segment) • Canyon

On this section of the Rhône-Rhine canal, the cycle path is bordered by cliffs. It is a very pretty passage, with a few picnic spots.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

85.8 km

Rochefort-sur-Nenon cycle path

Highlight • Cycleway

Great landscape and beautiful EV6 bike path.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

98.3 km

Confluence of the Rhône–Rhine Canal and the River Doubs

Highlight • River

At this location, the canal and the river are closely adjacent to each other. It's a beautiful sight to see. Here the two rivers travel together in the valley.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

99.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

70.9 km

14.4 km

11.4 km

2.56 km

395 m

174 m

102 m

Surfaces

80.3 km

16.6 km

2.67 km

433 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (260 m)

Lowest point (200 m)

Weather

Friday 10 July

36°C

21°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 8, 2024,CRR24 Tag 2 - Besançon: dem Wasser entlang ins Herz des Département Doubs

A short, beautiful stage along the Rhine-Rhone canal and the Doubs to Besançon. The city center is worth a visit, but why is the beer so expensive here?

Showing Translation

July 5, 2024,1. Besançon a Dole 2024-07-05 09:56:57

The end of the route takes you directly to the campsite.

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May 17, 2023,23F7: Dole-Besançon

Only a short stage today because my buddy's bike had to go to the workshop.

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September 14, 2022,Von Audelange nach Chalezeule

Today was the day of the highlights on the route. It was always paved paths almost always directly along the river Doubs or its side canal. My first destination today was the Grottes d'Osselles, huge stalactite caves, a little off the main route. We were guided through the labyrinth of caves in a small group; that was very impressive. Even …

Showing Translation

August 17, 2025,14_Tag_EuroVelo_6 Dole >> Besançon

Today's route:

> Breakfast at 7:20 a.m.

> Start at around 8:15 a.m., first down the mountain from the hotel

> A varied route, along

Le Doubs, the Rhine-Rhône Canal, and a tunnel for ships (pictured)

> This Sunday, there was already quite a bit going on on EuroVelo 6, in both directions

Showing Translation

May 27, 2024,Tour de France 2024 - Étape 13 - De Dole à Besançon

A fantastic stage, primarily along the Doubs and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin that runs alongside it.

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June 9, 2022,le tour 22-09 Dôle

Once again the implementation of today's tour was mainly determined by the weather forecast. And once again we were very lucky with the weather, except for a few raindrops, we didn't get anything, so we arrived at our accommodation in Dole on time. The bike path on the Velo 6, which runs across Europe, passed the canal and the river …

Showing Translation

September 23, 2022,Besançon-Viotte - F1/Dole

had time Midday freshening headwind. After lunch I missed a sofa 😉

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Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ranchot

Thoraise Tunnel

The Doubs

Citadel of Besançon

The Doubs

Canal du Rhône au Rhin

Cliffs along the Doubs / Rhône–Rhine Canal

Rochefort-sur-Nenon cycle path

Confluence of the Rhône–Rhine Canal and the River Doubs

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