The EuroVelo 6 is 100% marked in both directions. The EuroVelo 6 logo features on all the signposts. You can't miss it, it is the European flag with a '6' in the middle!
Cycle touring
EuroVelo 6: The Rivers Route
Departure : Abergement-la-Ronce
Arrival : Allenjoie
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, via the Jura Mountains. Here's a brief description of what you can expect from the EuroVelo 6. This famous European cycle route covering almost 4,000 km is also a great opportunity to explore the various places from a different perspective, while riding alongside the most beautiful rivers. The section through the Jura Mountains is an easy-going 175-km route, from Dole to Belfort along safe paths that are reserved for cyclists, pedestrians and rollerbladers.
Easy-going bike ride
As a family along the water's edge
If you're looking to cycle at a leisurely pace, then the EuroVelo 6 is for you. This is one of the easiest and most enjoyable cycle touring routes in France. Leave the 4,000-km European route from Nantes to Budapest to the sporty cyclists and just opt for the section that runs alongside the canals and rivers in the Jura Mountains.
This route is perfectly suitable for a first cycle touring experience as a family and you'll be riding along the ancient towpaths that run alongside the Doubs and the Rhone-Rhine Canal.
You'll be pedalling at a leisurely pace along easy and enjoyable greenway routes. You'll cross through pretty 'Villages in Bloom' on the water's edge, towns bearing the 'Cité de Caractère' (town of character) label, or the 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire' (town of art and history) label, and some extraordinary architectural and cultural heritage, including two UNESCO sites.
175 km route
188 m Min. altitude
366 m Max. altitude
3 days 4 hours cycling per day
Enjoy the fresh air alongside the canals and rivers
Panoramic view from one of the sheer rock faces along the route
Take a detour to admire a breathtaking view of the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO site
Montbéliarde cattle will accompany you along the greenway routes
Baume-les-Dames and the Vallée du Doubs
100% nature: views to admire along the way
The varying scenery along the route is surprising, as you pass by countless rivers, streams and landscapes, each one very different to the last: wooded hillsides, sheer rock faces and cliffs, fields with Montbéliarde cattle grazing away peacefully, rounded peaks with panoramic views, wild and unspoilt forests, etc.
Finding your way
Top-quality marking
A spot of culture
Some unmissable charming towns
We'll begin on the north side in Montbéliard, the 'City of Princes', with colourful half-timbered houses and a château that looks like it's come straight out of a fairy-tale.
The route then continues on a gentle slope alongside the peaceful Rhone-Rhine Canal as far as the Vallée du Doubs. The river winds through wooded hillsides and past rocky ledges. You'll pass through Baume-les-Dames, then Besançon and the magnificent Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO site, before reaching one of our favourite towns that resembles a smaller version of Venice: Dole. This is the last charming stopover before leaving the river Doubs behind you and following the Saône.
The Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg in Montbéliard straight from a fairy-tale
In Besançon, the cycle route runs alongside the Doubs with the walls of the Citadel towering over the river
In Besançon, the Porte Noire leads to Saint-Jean Cathedral and the Citadel of Besançon
The Citadel of Besançon, recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO
The Quartier des Tanneurs in Dole
The waters of Dole
Take a break
The establishments bearing the 'Accueil Vélo' label
You have nothing to worry about, the EuroVelo 6 is dotted with places to eat and sleep, all within 5 km of the route. Campsites, hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday gites and restaurants can be found alongside the route, for a well-deserved rest.
The route and key stopovers
Two UNESCO sites, towns bearing the 'Ville d'Art & d'Histoire' label, towns with ancient heritage sites... There are so many opportunities to stop off for a spot of culture along the route.
The EuroVelo 6 in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The essential guide
Unusual lodgings, bed & breakfasts, campsites, hotels, holiday gites, museums, unmissable sites, charming towns, towns and villages in bloom, curiosities, tourist offices, technical assistance, safety information, advice and so much more. This is the ultimate guide to download and keep in your backpack at all times.
Get a good night's sleep and a delicious meal
Our recommendations close to the cycle route
Appartments and Gîtes
Les Gîtes de l'Orée du Bois - Pavie TORPES
Hotels - restaurant
La Chaumière DOLE
Restaurant
Restaurant de la Rive VOUJEAUCOURT
Graded campsite
Camping - Les Bords de Loue PARCEY
Bed and breakfast
La Grange du Hérisson BYANS-SUR-DOUBS
Appartments and Gîtes
L' Adresse à Besançon BESANCON Easy itineraries
Other ideas for cycle touring
