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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Citadel of Besançon – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon-Viotte

Routes
Running trails & routes
France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Citadel of Besançon – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon-Viotte

Hard

4.5

(4)

518

runners

Citadel of Besançon – Rivotte Gate loop from Besançon-Viotte

01:41

15.4km

190m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

923 m

Battant Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

It is the most famous bridge in the city. This bridge which spans the Doubs was built in Roman times. Today the bridge has been rehabilitated and it accommodates the tramway.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

1.43 km

Les quais de la Boucle

Highlight • Other

From the banks of the Doubs, you will be able to appreciate the limits of the historic center of Besançon, which is nicknamed by us, the Loop. Small nickname which comes to him from the laces of the river which surrounds him in an almost closed loop.

You will also be able to observe the outposts of the Citadel, with in particular the bastion of the water guard and its ramparts.

The statue of the Marquis Jouffroy D'Abbans dominates the Battant bridge, he who experimented with the first steamboat on the Doubs in 1776.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3

2.10 km

Chamars Urban Fitness Area

Highlight • Rest Area

4

3.90 km

View of the Vauban Citadel

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here you get a good idea of the size of the citadel.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

5.01 km

Velotte lock

Highlight • Other

In addition to its interest for navigation, the lock of Velotte deserves to linger there a little for its ornithological potential.

Indeed, the lock is a landmark for gray herons and cormorants. And if you take the time, you may also see the blue and orange reflections of kingfishers swirling along the Doubs river.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

12.7 km

Citadel of Besançon

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Citadelle de Besançon is an impressive fortress located on Mont Saint-Étienne, high above the city of Besançon.
Construction of the Citadelle began in 1668 under the direction of the French military engineer Vauban, known for his defense works. The fortress served as an important military stronghold and played a crucial role in the defense of France's eastern borders.
The Citadelle is a masterpiece of military architecture, with bastions, ramparts, underground tunnels and other defenses. The design reflects Vauban's innovative approaches at the time.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Citadelle de Besançon is part of the "Fortifications of Vauban", recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. This group of fortifications spread across France testifies to Vauban's military designs.
Within the Citadelle there are several museums and attractions, including the Museum of French Resistance and Deportation, the Comtois Museum which highlights regional history, and the Besançon Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in France.
The Citadelle offers breathtaking views over the city of Besançon and the surrounding valley. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical importance, architectural splendor and panoramic views.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

13.1 km

Rivotte Gate

Highlight • Monument

A remnant of the 16th century fortification. After the French victory, Louis XIV had the pediment decorated with a symbolic sun. The rock of the citadel rises above the Porte Rivotte with its steep walls, which used to plunge into the river, and with the narrow strip along which one can go up or down. Two tunnels through the rocks (one for road traffic, the other for ships and pedestrians) allow you to avoid the bend of the doubs.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

15.4 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.28 km

3.16 km

1.86 km

1.57 km

352 m

177 m

Surfaces

11.2 km

3.37 km

429 m

317 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Monday 20 July

27°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Fort de Chaudanne et la citadelle de Vauban — loop — running around Besançon

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