The best cycling routes around Besançon

Besançon offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 1,300 options available. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging ascents into the Jura Mountains.

Cycling around Besançon, you'll experience diverse landscapes shaped by the Doubs River and the Jura Mountains. Expect to see the iconic 'Boucle' of the Doubs River winding through lush forests, dramatic wooded slopes, and rocky ridges. The region also features serene river valleys, dense forests like the Chailluz, and rolling hills, with glimpses of the Alps on clear days. The Doubs Valley is particularly renowned for its breathtaking scenery.

The touring cycling routes in Besançon are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 2,600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's natural beauty, the well-maintained paths along the Doubs River, and the variety of routes that offer both leisurely rides and more challenging climbs.

Yes, Besançon has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for families. The Besançon — Avanne, loop through the city center and along the Doubs is an easy 11.7-mile (18.8 km) trail that follows the river, offering a pleasant ride. Another great option is the From Douvot to Baumes-les-Dames — circuit via the EV6 along the Doubs, an easy 13.4-mile (21.5 km) route that utilizes the EuroVelo 6 greenway, largely traffic-free.

Absolutely! Many touring cycling routes around Besançon are designed as loops or circuits, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Besançon — Avanne, loop through the city center and along the Doubs, and the From Douvot to Baumes-les-Dames — circuit via the EV6 along the Doubs. For a more challenging option, consider the Saint-Vit to Arc-et-Senans — loop via the Réserve biologique intégrale de Chaux.

Yes, the region around Besançon is rich in natural water features. You can cycle to areas like the Loue Gorges, where you'll find picturesque villages and caves. Specific highlights include the Lison Spring and the Source du Pontet. For a more dramatic sight, the Bout du Monde Waterfall is also within reach.

Besançon is a 'City of Art and History' with significant landmarks. The most prominent is the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Vauban, offering panoramic views. Many routes, such as the Besançon — Avanne loop, pass by the Doubs River, which itself is central to the city's history. Further afield, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, another UNESCO site, is accessible via cycling routes like the Saint-Vit to Arc-et-Senans loop.

Yes, Besançon is a key point on the **EuroVelo 6 'Rivers Route,'** which is a major European cycling path stretching from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. This route offers a largely traffic-free experience, primarily utilizing greenways and towpaths along the Doubs River and the Rhine-Rhône Canal, providing an excellent option for long-distance touring cyclists.

The best time for touring cycling in Besançon is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with lush green landscapes. Summer offers warmer temperatures, ideal for enjoying the river and outdoor activities, while spring and autumn provide cooler rides and beautiful seasonal colors.

Yes, many routes in the Besançon region traverse varied landscapes. The Forests, Meadows, and Valleys Trail is a moderate 16.4-mile (26.4 km) path specifically designed to showcase this diversity, taking you through woodlands and open fields with scenic views.

Yes, you can explore the picturesque Ognon Valley. The Ognon Valley and Le Chemin Vert Loop is a moderate 18.5-mile (29.8 km) route that allows you to discover this beautiful area, offering a mix of natural scenery and peaceful cycling.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Besançon and its surrounding Jura Mountains offer more demanding routes with significant elevation changes. An example is the Loop 2: Between the Ornans plateau and the source of the Loue, a difficult 37.8-mile (60.8 km) route with over 900 meters of elevation gain, exploring the Jura rivers.