It is rare that nature offers us river loops as attractive as the one in Besançon! The old city is built in a meander of the Doubs, closed by an impressive citadel which dominates the river from the top of its 118 meters. The navigator has the choice to cut through the Tarragnoz tunnel or to follow the loop by the river, which we cannot recommend enough.
Two options
From the river, the citadel can be seen from very far. This achievement of Vauban dominates the whole city and the Tarragnoz lock, which marks the entrance to the city of Besançon. Just upstream, a river stop allows you to decide which direction to take. On the right, another lock opens onto the Tarragnoz tunnel.
Under the mountain
This 391-meter long structure was put into service in 1882. It is equipped with a towpath, transformed into a bicycle path and used by the Eurovélo 6. A system of traffic lights, coupled with those of the lock, constitutes an alternating system that regulates the traffic. At the other end, in the Rivotte district, a well-equipped harbor has been set up for passing boats. It borders the Cité des Arts, very close to the historical center and the citadel.
In the heart of the loop
The Doubs loop is nearly 5 kilometers long. It encircles the historic district of Besançon. The draught is only 1.30 m and often less than 1 meter. The channel is perfectly marked by buoys, put in place at the beginning of each season. We first pass in front of the bastioned tower of Chamars, before going along the entrance of the old water station, then the tower of Cordeliers.
A precursor
The quays offer many opportunities to linger, if only to salute the statue of Jouffoy d'Abbans who gazes at the river with a stern eye from the Battant bridge. We owe him a lot, since he was the first to test a mechanically propelled boat, back in 1776. The banks are bright and the inhabitants of Bisont are happy to sunbathe in front of the high facades that are reflected in the waters of the Doubs.
A bridge for lovers
The city is beautiful and there is a young, student atmosphere, which is very pleasant. With its balustrades decorated with padlocks by which lovers think of sealing their attachment, the Pont Battant looks like the Pont des Arts... The Pelote tower and a statue of the Minautore mark the entrance to the diversion canal that leads to the Saint Paul lock and the port of the same name.
In the air of time
Already, the eastern side of the citadel appears, and the loop is closed. This beautiful nautical interlude should not make us neglect to go ashore to discover the terrestrial side of Besançon. In this clock-making city, it is impossible not to visit the Museum of Time, its Foucault pendulum, but also the replica of a relief plan of 1722 which offers the best possible view of the Besançon of yesteryear.
The time pirate
After this incursion into the past, one need only cross the street to enter the workshop of Philippe Lebru, who practices a creative and contemporary interpretation of the watchmaking tradition. With his striped sailor's hat, bright eyes and neat beard, the master of the house never misses an opportunity to show off his character, putting on his magnifying glass which gives him the worrying look of a pirate captain.
A pacified citadel
The ramparts of the citadel surround a real city within the city which contains, among others, a zoological garden and a museum dedicated to the conservation of species and the preservation of biodiversity. This 11-hectare area can be explored freely, at your own pace, and offers many discoveries, even if only from the covered way.
After enjoying the panoramic view of the city, a flight of stairs brings the yachtsman close to his boat. The Pixel, a cultural and associative café-restaurant, with a sunny terrace, borders the pontoons. A beautiful place to celebrate the completion of the loop!
