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Bike touring routes & trails

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Rivotte Gate – Citadel of Besançon loop from Roche-lez-Beaupré

Bike touring routes & trails

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Rivotte Gate – Citadel of Besançon loop from Roche-lez-Beaupré

Moderate

4.6

(31)

281

riders

Rivotte Gate – Citadel of Besançon loop from Roche-lez-Beaupré

01:58

31.4km

280m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. 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

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 10.5 km for 116 m

After 11.6 km for 211 m

After 12.1 km for 56 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

10.1 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

10.6 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

3

11.2 km

Besançon Cathedral (Saint-Jean Cathedral of Besançon)

Highlight • Religious Site

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

4

11.7 km

Saint-Maurice Church

Highlight • Religious Site

The church of Saint-Maurice, founded in the 6th century, was rebuilt from 1711 to 1714 and has a Jesuit-style façade with a carillon perched on it.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

12.1 km

Saint Peter's Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Impressive church in the old town.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

14.0 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

22.3 km

Canal du Rhône au Rhin

Highlight • Cycleway

The Rhône-Rhine Canal connects a navigable tributary of the Rhône, the Saône, to the Rhine. It is bordered by a cycle path that crosses the beautiful Doubs Valley and runs alongside the river. On the opposite bank, you'll see many cyclists using an old towpath that once allowed boats to travel upstream along the canal.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

26.7 km

The Doubs

Highlight • Other

Beautiful bike path and beautiful scenery.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

31.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.8 km

13.2 km

2.78 km

569 m

124 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

30.2 km

667 m

232 m

198 m

124 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 (290 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Friday 10 July

36°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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