Doubs River Cruise
Vedettes de Besançon
A boat trip around the bend of the Doubs River, passing through the tunnel beneath the citadel hill and through a lock, with views of the old town and Vauban's ramparts from the water.
Boats depart from a landing near Pont de la République and circle the old town along the Doubs. The highlights are the roughly 390-metre canal tunnel beneath the citadel hill and the water levels rising and falling as you pass through the lock. Along the way you will see the Vauban arcades on the quay and the citadel walls. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with several departures daily from about April to October. Book in advance in peak season. Tickets cost about €15. From the riverbank you can also cycle around the bend on EuroVelo 6.
Opening hours
Approx. Apr–Oct (check official website for schedules)
Nearby sights
- Parc Micaud
- Musée du Temps (Palais Granvelle)
- Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie
- Grande Rue & Old Town
- Victor Hugo's Birthplace
- Porte Noire & Square Castan
- Cité des Arts et de la Culture
- Besançon Cathedral & Astronomical Clock