Cycling along the Doubs river, an authentic French experience
At the foot of the Jura from Belfort to Dole on the Eurovelo 6 along the Doubs river.
- Alsace
- 8 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 45 km/day
- Itinerant
From Belfort to Dole
On this bike trip you will discover a true authentic French region: the Doubs valley! Your cycling route starts from Belfort, a magnificent city with its citadel and 18th century facades and follows the river Doubs, which meanders majestically.
Forests and cliffs are reflected in the green waters of the river. Many small villages invite you to a gourmet stop: you are here in the paradise of cheeses, sausages and other cold meats.
Your route also passes through the beautiful city of Besançon and Dole, which invite you for a stroll. You will also make a small detour through the forest to reach the royal saltworks of Arc-et-Sénans, revealing the industrial past of this region. This industrial inheritage is also displayed in the very interesting Peugeot museum near Montbéliard.
Program
You arrive in the beautiful city of Belfort. Behind the Vauban citadel and Bartholdi's lion sculpture, which made it famous, is a magnificent city with its wide shopping streets, its squares, its Haussmannian buildings with cheerful facades covered with geraniums. Belfort pulsates with life and is a wonderful gateway to the Franche-Comté.
- 31 km
- + 99 m
You leave Belfort along the banks of the Savoureuse river. You will have the choice between continuing straight along the canal or crossing the forest and following the Rhine-Rhone canal. Your bike route takes you to Sochaux to the Peugeot museum. Stop to discover this industrial epic before entering the small Renaissance town of Montbéliard.
Go up to the castle of the Dukes of Wurtemberg, see the Saint-Martin temple, the oldest religious building of the Reformation in France, and stroll through the streets of medieval origin admiring the houses with colorful facades. In the evening, don't forget to taste the famous Montbéliard sausage!
- 63 km
- + 234 m
Your bike ride of the day makes you discover the magnificent loops of the Doubs. You will leave Montbéliard and ride along the bucolic banks of the Doubs river in complete peace and quiet. From Isle-sur-le-Doubs the valley becomes majestic and very wild. You wind your way through the valley between sheer cliffs, which are a delight for rock climbers. Very beautiful arrival on the small city Baume-les-Dames, labeled "City of character" at the foot of the Babre cleft.
- 38 km
- + 118 m
The Doubs valley is particularly spectacular after Baume-les-Dames. The cycling itinerary is very diverse: green banks on a background of karstic rocks falling steeply and reverberating in the peaceful waters of the Doubs, small villages with colored tiled bell towers, towpaths lined with plane trees and old brick paper mills stretching their narrow chimneys to the sky. At the bend of a loop you arrive without even noticing it at the foot of the citadel of Besançon. I love this vibrant and cultural student city.
Besançon is very rich in historical and cultural heritage. But there is more to Besançon than just the citadel, which includes not only the Vauban fortification, but also several museums and a zoo. It is also a city full of energy!
Stroll through the semi-pedestrian shopping streets of the city centre and meet the many students, especially in the bars along the Doubs. This City of Art and History is also a Mecca for watchmaking; don't miss a visit to the astronomical clock and the superb time museum. Finally, you can follow in the footsteps of Victor Hugo, who was born in Besançon.
- 54 km
- + 237 m
Leave Besançon on a quiet little cycle path along the Doubs to the Thoraise breakthrough: an amazing river tunnel under a waterfall. By bike you have to go up to the village and then come back down with a beautiful view of the valley. Shortly afterwards you can choose to continue along the meanders of the Doubs or to make a small diversions to the caves of Osselle.
When you arrive in the small village of Ranchot, you leave the banks of the Doubs to cross the Chaux forest and reach the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Sénans. This 18th century saltworks is one of the first modern "factories". It was used to extract salt from the brackish water drawn from Salins, 20 km away.
- 39 km
- + 178 m
You cross the Chaux forest again to reach the banks of the Doubs. You ride along the canal towpath. You pass by beautiful limestone cliffs and fortified villages. In Rochefort-sur-Néron you can climb the cliffs and admire the beautiful view over the valley. By the towpath lined with plane trees you arrive at the marina of Dole at the foot of the cathedral. We were charmed by this city of Art and History, birthplace of Louis Pasteur. You will admire the cathedral, the covered market, but also at each street corner, here a coat of arms above a gate, there a carved door etc.
Discover Dole, a town of art and history, but also a gastronomic Mecca.
You leave the city after breakfast or you can also extend your stay.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let the accommodation know if you are arriving late.
Usually, bikes are delivered the evening before or in the morning of your first cycling day (around 9:00am).
To get to the departure point
By plane: flight from Bâme (Switzerland), and train to Belfort-Montbéliard TGV (50min)
By train: Regional train or TGV to Belforty-Ville or Belfort-Montbéliard TGV. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com
Car park
If you choose to drive, there is many option to park your car in Belfort. The best option is the parking lot “Centre-Theâtre”, which is free, and located in front of your hôtel in Belfort.
To get back to the starting point
Train: there is a train between Dôle and and Belfort with a connexion in Besançon. Duration : between 2h and 3h.
Private shutle: we can organize private transfer from Dôle to Belfort, please contact us.
storage facility for the duration of your trip (upon availability).
- Alsace
- 8 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 45 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Alsace
- Fairly easy
- ~ 45 km/day
- Itinerant