Besançon
Ornans
Besançon
Our advice to bring your bike on a train🌎 Countries crossed
🕔 Travel time
💼 Journey type
Getaway in the Loue Valley: from Besançon to Ornans, following in Courbet's footsteps
Want to enjoy nature, art, and adventure without a car? This train + bike + bus tour takes you to the heart of the Doubs region, between Besançon and Ornans, in the magnificent Loue Valley. Between emerald rivers, limestone cliffs, and hilltop villages, it's a concentrated dose of heritage and nature to be savored at a leisurely pace. Just a few hours by train from Paris, treat yourself to a 3-4 day micro-adventure at the pace of the rails, wheels and river. And to go further, find more information in our guide “What to do in the Doubs region”.
Paris, FranceBesançon, France
High speed train
(≈ 2h33)
Besançon, FranceHôpital-du-Grosbois, France
Regional train
(≈ 00h29)
Hôpital-du-Grosbois, FranceOrnans, France
Bike
(≈ 00h45)
Ornans, FranceBesançon, France
Day bus
(≈ 00h33)
Besançon, FranceParis, France
High speed train
(≈ 3h00)
Map
Detailed itinerary
From Paris, head to Besançon, capital of the Doubs and a UNESCO World Heritage gem. A city of art and history, Besançon blends culture and the outdoors in perfect harmony. Dive into its creative and historical atmosphere with the Vauban Citadel, the Doubs riverfront, the Museum of Time, and the colorful street art of the Battant district. For a different perspective, hop in a kayak on the Doubs River — an unforgettable experience where nature and architecture meet.
Next, take a regional TER train to Hôpital-du-Grosbois, a peaceful stop surrounded by forests and meadows. It’s the perfect place to start your bike ride through the Loue Valley. The route gently descends toward Ornans, following quiet country roads and rolling Comtois landscapes.
Welcome to Ornans, the “Little Venice of Franche-Comté,” made famous by painter Gustave Courbet. Its hanging houses, flowered bridges, and turquoise river form a picture-perfect scene. Don’t miss the Courbet Museum, overlooking the Loue, or the artist’s workshop, just a few steps away, for a glimpse into the master of realism’s world.
For outdoor lovers, the valley is a paradise of gentle adventure: canoeing or kayaking on the Loue, via ferrata in Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, or hikes up to scenic lookouts like Notre-Dame du Mont or the Rocher d’Ully. For a peaceful, eco-friendly night, stay at the Eco-Camping de la Roche d’Ully, and for dinner, enjoy the riverside terrace of Chez Gervais, known for its local fish and relaxed charm.
Take the Mobigo bus back to Besançon for a final gourmet stop: Les Gamins, in the city center, combines refined cuisine with a friendly atmosphere.
Finally, hop on the TGV back to Paris, your mind filled with green hills, turquoise reflections, and soft memories. A simple, accessible, and 100% car-free journey — proof that all it takes to truly disconnect is a train, a bike, and a bit of curiosity.
Paris - Besançon
Besançon - Hôpital-du-Grosbois
Hôpital-du-Grosbois - Ornans
Ornans - Besançon
Besançon - Paris
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