Dole / Ranchot

This short stage between Dole and Ranchot sticks, all the way along, to the iconic cross-European cycle route, EuroVelo 6. Before heading off, do make the most of an in-depth visit of Dole. The tourist office can advise you on all there is to see in town so that you appreciate to the full its history, historic centre and culinary stops. After taking a few last photos as you proceed along the picturesque canal-side Avenue de Lahr, time to hit the open road, or rather the cycle route. The Tour du Jura Vélo Loisirs follows the Doubs River and its parallel canal, making use of towpaths, passing locks and small villages lined with fishermen’s cottages. This stage proves a sheer delight for cyclists. The lock-keepers’ houses, the angling pontoons and anglers’ boats, the colourful houses and the pleasure boats cruising along the canal add to the joys of this deeply bucolic stage.

The Route 

Starting out from Dole train station, head for the town’s tourist office. We recommend that you park your bike outside this Office de tourisme (on Place Grévy, a central square) to then be able to make the most of the town centre, including exploring the lanes, known here as treiges. Next, join the EuroVelo 6 route along Avenue de Lahr, heading in the direction of Rochefort-sur-Nenon. Keep on this cycle route up to Ranchot. At Orchamps, you leave the banks of the Doubs, climbing a bit, riding on via La Barre. Take care crossing the D673 a bit before Ranchot, dismounting here.

Practical information

• Wide range of services available at Dole, Rochefort and Ranchot
• Dole train station has step-free access
• Accueil Vélo-accredited accommodation at Dole, Romange, Ranchot and Fraisans
• Bicycle repair facilities at Dole and Fraisans

Don't miss

• Dole: a ville gastronomique (culinary town) and Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its heritage riches, Maison natale de Louis Pasteur, the great 19th-century scientist’s birthplace, in Dole, Hôtel Dieu de Dole, an historic hospital, Canal des Tanneurs de Dole, Collégiale Notre Dame de Dole, a grand church, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dole, the town’s fine arts museum, Doubs River, its canal and locks
• Rochefort-sur-Nenon: the small town centre and viewing point, or belvédère, over the Saut de la Pucelle waterfall
• Les forges de Fraisans, historic forges