4.5
(776)
8,818
riders
418
rides
Touring cycling routes around Arguel are characterized by varied terrain, including river valleys, rolling hills, and historical sites. The region is situated near Besançon, offering routes along the Doubs river and around notable landmarks like the Fort de Chaudanne and the Vauban Citadel. Cyclists can expect a mix of paved paths and quiet roads, with some routes featuring moderate elevation changes.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
8
riders
45.1km
02:57
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
33.8km
02:39
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8
riders
27.7km
01:53
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
18.0km
01:34
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
29.0km
02:12
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The columns look very dramatic - it seems like a staged event
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Shortly after the Chalet d'Arguel, the cycle path becomes rocky, smooth and then rough. We briefly considered turning around, but then continued on. A beautiful plateau! It was worth it, because apart from a racing driver in a municipal vehicle, there was nothing going on here. And the route got better too - fine gravel. I also took some photos that make the route more visible on Trailview.
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Chalet d´Arguel is a hamlet and belongs to Pugey. There is also a chapel here. The "chalet" has an eventful past: https://www.pugey.fr/2023/07/22/le-chalet-darguel/
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The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Buis, also known as the chapelle des Buis, is a Christian building dating back to at least the 17th century. It is located in Besançon, in the La Boucle district, and is considered one of the most remarkable chapels in the city. History: Although no official documentation is available, it is believed that the site may have housed a small temple to Mercury in Roman times, or perhaps even a cave where a hermit named Saint Leonard resided. A 13th-century hermitage stood on this site before the current chapel was built, sometime between the 17th and 19th centuries. After being damaged in 1815, the chapel was restored and expanded in 1865. Architecture: The chapel consists of three stacked plinths with stairs on all four sides. On top is a cube-shaped block with a statue of a woman raising her arms to the sky, symbolizing resurrected freedom. The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Buis is a place of historical significance and a tribute to those who have prayed and reflected here over the centuries. 🙏🕊️
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A beautiful view of the La Loue, which is currently swollen by the rain
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The Notre-Dame des Buis chapel, commonly known as the Buis chapel, is a Christian building dating from at least the 17th century. The site in which it is placed as well as its architecture make it one of the most remarkable chapels in the city. Established on a ridge above the Saint-Étienne hill, the sector was a busy route of passage, a strategic military site. It has become a spiritual center and an exceptional environmental space. La Chapelle des Buis, despite its isolation and small demographics, enjoys a rich environmental and architectural heritage, with its thick forest, its places of worship and its countless statues. The chapel is located in the hamlet of Chapelle des Buis, on the edge of a small cliff more than 470 m high. In front of it stands one of the most beautiful panoramas of Besançon and the citadel of Besançon. About 400 m away is Notre-Dame de la Libération. Wikipedia
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This street is really recommended - like from another time! It's nice to drive and there's always something to discover.
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There are over 400 touring cycling routes available around Arguel, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has highly rated these routes, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 950 reviews.
The touring cycling routes around Arguel cater to all abilities. You'll find a good mix of easy (around 60 routes), moderate (over 150 routes), and difficult (over 200 routes) paths, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.
Yes, Arguel offers several easy and family-friendly touring cycling routes. A great option is the Small loop around the city center of Besançon and the Fort de Chaudanne — The Doubs and cycle routes, which is 5.6 miles (9.0 km) long and follows the Doubs river, passing by the city center and Fort de Chaudanne. Another easy route is the Saint Peter's Church – View of the Vauban Citadel loop from Besançon, which is 7.2 miles (12 km) and leads through urban and scenic areas.
Touring cycling around Arguel is characterized by varied terrain, including picturesque river valleys, rolling hills, and historical sites. Many routes follow the Doubs river, offering scenic views and a mix of paved paths and quiet roads.
Absolutely. The region is rich in history. You can cycle past significant landmarks such as the Citadel of Besançon, the Fort de Chaudanne, and the Vauban Citadel. The Thoraise Tunnel and the Porte Noire (Black Gate) are also notable historical sites you might encounter.
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Arguel offers several difficult long-distance routes. The The Doubs – Citadel of Besançon loop from Fontain is a difficult 37.2 miles (60.0 km) path that provides an extensive journey along the Doubs and includes views of the Citadel of Besançon. Another challenging option is the Chez Gervais – Chalet d'Arguel loop from Larnod, covering 32.7 miles (52.6 km) with significant elevation changes.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Arguel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Small loop around the city center of Besançon and the Fort de Chaudanne, The Doubs – Citadel of Besançon loop from Fontain, and Saint Peter's Church – View of the Vauban Citadel loop from Besançon.
The duration of touring cycling routes in Arguel varies greatly depending on the distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Small loop around the city center of Besançon can be completed in under an hour (approx. 38 minutes). Longer, more difficult routes, such as The Doubs – Citadel of Besançon loop from Fontain, can take several hours (approx. 3 hours 45 minutes).
Yes, the Arguel area is home to several impressive castles and fortifications. Cyclists can enjoy views of the historic Citadel of Besançon and the Vauban Citadel. Additionally, Cléron Castle is another notable historical site in the vicinity.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the scenic river paths along the Doubs, and the opportunity to explore historical fortifications and charming urban areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance routes.
Yes, several routes provide excellent views of the iconic Besançon Citadel. For instance, the Saint Peter's Church – View of the Vauban Citadel loop from Besançon is specifically designed to offer scenic vistas of this historic landmark. You can also find a dedicated highlight for the View of the Besançon citadel from the greenway.


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