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Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Besançon

Montferrand-Le-Château

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Montferrand - Thoraise

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

France

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Besançon

Montferrand-Le-Château

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Montferrand - Thoraise

Hard

4.9

(16)

riders

Thoraise Tunnel – Citadel of Besançon loop from Montferrand - Thoraise

04:35

71.0km

760m

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

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 53.2 km for 108 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

35.8 km

Thoraise Lock

Highlight • Monument

The locks are all small and nice to look at.
Then there is a tunnel for the ships, unfortunately not with a cycle path.

Translated by Google •

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36.8 km

Château de Thoraise

Castle

37.1 km

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.

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51.1 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.

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51.2 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.

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51.7 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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55.5 km