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France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Besançon

Palise

Citadel of Besançon – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Palise

Routes

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Besançon

Palise

Citadel of Besançon – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Palise

Hard

3.0

(1)

riders

Citadel of Besançon – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Palise

03:50

61.4km

870m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel 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 21, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 16.4 km for 51 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

23.7 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

23.8 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.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

24.3 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

24.4 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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32.7 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.

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Tip by

37.1 km

The Doubs

Highlight • Other

Beautiful bike path and beautiful scenery.

Translated by Google •

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42.2 km

Deluz Lock

Highlight • Historical Site

Supply station for cyclists on the Eurovelo route and other tourists:
Information, toilets, showers, kiosk with snacks and drinks. Rest area with seating, partially covered.
Nice place to stay on the beautiful Doubs cycle path.

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53.3 km

Col de la Grande Côte (467 m) via Marchaux

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

Nice little climb, quite regular, in a beautiful forest atmosphere

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Tip by

55.5 km

Col de la Côte Chazot

Mountain Pass

61.4 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.5 km

18.4 km

9.68 km

7.24 km

3.26 km

258 m

104 m

Surfaces

40.6 km

8.88 km

7.49 km

3.98 km

510 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (470 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

33°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Citadel of Besançon – Canal du Rhône au Rhin loop from Palise

Besançon Citadel River Tunnel

Citadel Canal Tunnel

Citadel Tunnel

Citadel of Besançon

Canal du Rhône au Rhin

The Doubs

Deluz Lock

Col de la Grande Côte (467 m) via Marchaux

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