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Hiking trails & Routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Vauban Citadel – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Vauban Citadel – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon

Moderate

4.3

(25)

172

hikers

Vauban Citadel – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon

02:37

9.39km

170m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 30, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

171 m

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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

2.67 km

Pont Battant in Besançon

Highlight • Bridge

An ideal place for a stroll at sunset.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3

4.47 km

Porte Noire (Black Gate)

Highlight • Monument

Triumphal Arch: La Porte Noire is a Roman triumphal arch, similar to the Arch of Constantine in Rome. It is considered one of the best preserved Roman triumphal arches in France.
Dating: The construction of La Porte Noire dates back to the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Caracalla.
Architecture: The triumphal arch is made of sandstone and has an impressive design. It is believed that it was originally decorated with statues and reliefs, but many of these decorative elements have disappeared over time.
Name: The name "Porte Noire" comes from the dark color of the stones used in the arch.
Historical significance: La Porte Noire testifies to the Roman presence in ancient Besançon, then called Vesontio. It is a tangible reminder of the city's rich history as an important Roman stronghold.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

4.51 km

Construction history: Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century and was completed in the 16th century. It is a fine example of Gothic architecture, with later additions and renovations replacing the original Romanesque structure.
*Architectural features: The cathedral exhibits typical Gothic features, including pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and an impressive rose window. The facade is decorated with sculptures and carvings.
*Cathedral interior: The interior of the cathedral houses various works of art, altars and chapels. The Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament are some notable parts of the interior.
*Organ: The cathedral also houses a historic organ, which is regularly used for musical performances and concerts.
*Stained glass windows: Like many Gothic cathedrals, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon also has beautiful stained glass windows.
*Religious importance: The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Besançon.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

5.68 km

Besançon Zoo

Highlight • Other

The Citadel of Besançon is a massive 17th-century fortification. Its spacious grounds house a lovely little zoo.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

6.32 km

Vauban Citadel

Highlight • Historical Site

By passing the first gate, you can discover a beautiful green esplanade, and beautiful views of Besançon.
This first access is free and therefore allows you to enter and appreciate the Citadel from the inside.
To go further you must buy a ticket which gives access to several museums.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

7.73 km

Saint Peter's Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Impressive church in the old town.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

8.83 km

Rivotte Gate

Highlight • Monument

A remnant of the 16th century fortification. After the French victory, Louis XIV had the pediment decorated with a symbolic sun. The rock of the citadel rises above the Porte Rivotte with its steep walls, which used to plunge into the river, and with the narrow strip along which one can go up or down. Two tunnels through the rocks (one for road traffic, the other for ships and pedestrians) allow you to avoid the bend of the doubs.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

9.39 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.17 km

3.91 km

1.02 km

191 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.41 km

3.13 km

576 m

146 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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

Highest point (360 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

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Weather

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Thursday 9 July

37°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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