Besançon, a town with a commitment to the nature on its doorstep. Spend a car-free weekend exploring the Doubs region and all it has to offer along the Eurovélo6 cycling itinerary. You'll visit the area by bike and sometimes by canoe! Of course, there's no shortage of heritage features, ranging from chapels to caves. Last but not least, you'll try the local culinary delights, while always being kind to the planet.
Low carbon suggestions
Coming by train
With a central train station and a TGV station for high-speed rail links, Besançon is easy to reach by train from many cities across France and Europe:
PARIS in 2h05 PARIS ROISSY – CDG in 2h45 STRASBOURG in 1h50 LYON in 2h10 LILLE in 3h15 MARSEILLE in 3h30 BRUSSELS in 4h50 LONDON in 6h00
Getting around in Besançon on foot, by bike or using public transport
Once you reach the train station, you can: - pick up an E-bike with saddle bags from Happy’s Expérience, who will arrange a time and place to meet you near Viotte station. - alternatively, purchase a Besançon Tourism Pass, which entitles you to unlimited travel on the city's buses and trams, as well as admission to the 4 key attractions (Citadel, Museum of Fine Arts & Archaeology, Victor Hugo Museum and Time Museum)
Day 1
Breath of fresh air and greenery galore, visiting Besançon by E-bike or canoe
Mizenboite / BFC Tourisme
A workout for the thighs by E-bike...
You'll start by meeting Marion, who rents out E-bikes in Besançon, near Viotte station. From there you'll follow a section of a legendary cycling itinerary that runs between the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea, the Eurovélo 6!
You'll pedal your way along the river Doubs through bucolic surroundings.. and in the safety of the EV6 cycling itinerary where motorised vehicles are not allowed. The 11-km stretch leading to Avanne-Aveney offers an easy bike ride that anyone can do.
For dinner, our selection of eco-friendly restaurants
Le P'tit Tonneau in Boussières: French cuisine prepared in-house
Le Bistro d'Olivier in Montferrand-le-Château: traditional dishes, served on the terrace in summer
A guilt-free night's sleep
A restful night on the Eurovélo 6 cycling route
At Boussières, right by the EV6, Les Gîtes de l'Orée du Bois offer a multitude of solutions, ranging from aparthotel to gîte. The wide choice means you're bound to find what you're looking for. Close to both the river Doubs and the Chaux forest, they promise a restful night amid natural surroundings.
From the gîte, get your day off to an energetic start by walking up to the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Mont! This 5.4-km walk takes you through the picturesque village of Thoraise, before a short, steeper section. Your climb will be rewarded by a stunning view over the Doubs valley.
At the end of the day, you can catch a train back to Besançon, as bikes are allowed on the TER service. The EV6 cycle path makes it easy to reach Saint-Vit station, where trains run hourly to the Franche-Comté capital. Marion from Happy's Experience will be waiting at Viotte station to collect the E-bikes!
Do you have any questions about this idea for a holiday?
The Tourist Office for this destination can answer all your questions. The team of holiday advisors is on-hand to advise you on the suggestions detailed in this idea for a holiday, and to help you plan a personalised holiday that takes all your needs into account.
