Ranchot / Dole

For those cyclists who don’t opt to take the Voie des Salines, the Ranchot to Dole stage is the shortest on this cycle route! From Osselle, with its outdoor leisure centre, the banks of the Doubs are broad and flat. Just the sound of grey herons flying off may disturb the peace. After taking in the lovely old fortified village of Rochefort-sur-Nenon, as you approach Dole, historic capital of the French county (département) of Jura as well as the wider former Franche-Comté Region, the cliffs against which the town was built come into view. In the centre, seek out the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, immersing you in the life of the great 19th-century scientist. Dole is best explored on foot, so park up your bike to wander around it.

The Route

Take care at Ranchot, at the crossroads of two county roads (routes départementales).
A greenway links Ranchot to Dole, with just a few short stretches on roads shared with motorized traffic, while there’s a significant slope to tackle at La Barre.

Link via the Voie des Salines leading to the Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Ranchot to Arc-et-Senans, you ride along a cycle lane beside the D31 road (for 15km). It’s possible to return to the town of Dole via small roads leading you through the Loue Valley.

Link 
At Ranchot, to the Tour du Jura Vélo Loisirs cycle route

Don't miss

• Ranchot: the chapel; the campsite beside the Doubs River
• Rochefort-sur-Nenon: the typical regional church; the vestiges of fortifications; the panorama; the Rocher du Saut de la Pucelle (a cliff with associated legends)
• Dole: Notre Dame collegiate church; the Maison Natale de Louis Pasteur (the great scientist’s birthplace); the Canal des Tanneurs, crossing the historic centre; the river port, or port fluvial; fine townhouses (hôtels particuliers); the Ligne des Hirondelles panoramic train line from Dole to St-Claude  
• From the link from Ranchot:  Arc-et-Senans - la Saline Royale (magnificent Ancien Régime royal saltworks designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), 03 81 54 45 45