Montbéliard / Baume-les-Dames

At Sochaux-Montbéliard, the Allan River and the Canal du Rhin au Rhône join forces, directing you gently towards Vaujecourt and the Doubs Valley. As the Doubs Valley narrows, the forts of Mont Bart and Mont Bavans recall how manmade defences were added to this natural frontier. You’ll need strength to climb to the Fort du Mont Bart to benefit from the stunning views along the whole valley. EuroVelo 6 then leads you on through undulating, green parts, beside rivers and through forests. After L'Isle-sur-le-Doubs, the natural meanders in the Doubs provide wonderful views over the countryside as well as historic towns dotted around the old Franche-Comté Region. Nestling below the Jura hills lies the town of Baume-les-Dames, with its interesting architecture, a welcoming place for passing cyclists.

The Route

You join a cycle path at the exit to Montbéliard leading as far as L'Isle-sur-le-Doubs. Between Clerval and Roche-lès-Clerval, the route follows a quiet little county road (the D319), with some slopes along the way. Then there’s a cycle path alongside the canal up to Baume-les-Dames.

Link very well waymarked from the commune (parish) of Bart to the Fort du Mont Bart. It’s a very steep climb to reach the fort. There are bicycle parking facilities at the entrance to the fort.

Don't miss

• Montbéliard: the historic town centre; the Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg; the museum; the Parc du Près-la-Rose public gardens
• Dampierre-sur-le-Doubs: a village turned towards the canal
• L’Isle-sur-le-Doubs: a lively river port with historic houses overlooking the Doubs River
• Clerval: Musée de la Mémoire et de la Paix (recalling World War II in these parts)
• Baume-les-Dames: a pretty historic town with a remarkable heritage; the river port; cruises on the Doubs; rock-climbing trail