Besançon / Ranchot

Leave behind Besançon, crowned by its citadel (part of a Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Site), riding westwards on a greenway that meanders along with the Doubs River. The Doubs Valley’s sides remain very steep, the natural amphitheatres of greenery dominated by forts that controlled the way in times past. Now, just river boats and the odd cry of a bird of prey break the silence. Midway along this stage, the Canal de Monsieur Tunnel, also known as the Percée de Thoraise, avoids a 4km-long meander for both boats and cyclists, but the latter do need to tackle a testing climb of some 100m! At Ranchot, a cycle trail called the Voie des Salines leads off through Jura woods to Arc-et-Senans, where you can visit the staggering Ancien Régime saltworks, the Saline Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adding great interest to the longer version of this stage.

The Route

Greenway all along from Besançon to Ranchot, except for a short stretch on a road shared with motorized traffic at Thoraise. Here, the steep climb up the hillside presents the only difficulty along this stage.

Link via the Voie des Salines to the Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans UNESCO World Heritage Site
From Ranchot to Arc-et-Senans, you ride along a cycle lane alongside the D31 road for 15km. It’s possible to continue riding on from Arc-et-Senans to the town of Dole via small roads, following the Loue Valley.

Link 
At Ranchot, you can join the Tour du Jura Vélo Loisirs.

Don't miss

• Besançon: a welcoming, lively city; designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its cultural riches; the remarkable historic centre; the Vauban Citadel, unmissable, UNESCO-listed and perched on high; numerous museums; events put on year-round
• Thoraise: the Canal Monsieur Tunnel, also known as the Percée de Thoraise; the château and chapel
• Osselle: the outdoor leisure centre; the Grottes d’Osselle (caves open to visitors, located on the river’s west bank)
• Saint-Vit: the Guy Picard Base de Loisirs, or outdoor leisure centre
• Arc-et-Senans: the very grand Ancien Régime Saline Royale, or Saltworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site -  03 81 54 45 45