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Routes
Road cycling routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon
Ruffey-Le-Château

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ruffey-le-Château

Routes
Road cycling routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon
Ruffey-Le-Château

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ruffey-le-Château

Moderate

42

riders

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Ruffey-le-Château

03:13

71.3km

580m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 19, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 44.3 km for 10 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

16.2 km

Suspension bridge

Highlight • Other

Suspension bridge initially built between 1893 to 1897 to replace the existing ferry. However, it was cut in two in 1944 during the withdrawal of German troops. The ferry therefore resumed service until 1951, when the bridge was rebuilt on the foundations of the previous one.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

28.9 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

3

35.9 km

Saint Vincent Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Church dating from 1830, listed as a Historic Monument since 1998, with its so-called imperial tin dome. You can notably admire its freestone porch bell tower.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

38.4 km

Lock 53

Highlight • Other

very pretty

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

44.8 km

Mouillère footbridge

Highlight • Other

pedestrian crossing above the canal

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

45.4 km

Citadel Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

The Besançon canal tunnel, opened in 1882, allows the Rhône-Rhine canal to pass under the citadel and the old town. The old towpath has been converted into a cycle path.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

45.5 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

B

71.3 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

38.2 km

24.2 km

5.12 km

3.47 km

208 m

110 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

61.6 km

9.63 km

< 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 (310 m)

Lowest point (210 m)

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Weather

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Saturday 11 July

35°C

21°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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