Departure: Pont de la République, Besançon 06 64 48 66 80
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Vedettes de Besançon
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Boat and bus pass

Besançon vue de l'eau et vue des hauteurs, dans la même journée.

Le bateau et le bus cabriolet des Vedettes de Besançon
  • Économie de 4 € par rapport aux deux billets séparés
  • En vente sur place et en ligne, nombre de places limité
  • Les deux départs à moins d'une minute à pied l'un de l'autre

The route

Plan des deux circuits : la boucle du Doubs en bleu et le circuit du bus en noir
Le pass combine les deux tracés : la boucle du Doubs en bleu et le circuit du bus en noir.
  1. La boucle du Doubs en bateau, écluses et tunnel sous la Citadelle
  2. Le centre historique en bus cabriolet
  3. Les deux départs à moins d'une minute à pied l'un de l'autre

One day, two views of Besançon: the boat + bus pass combines the guided river cruise on the Doubs and the panoramic convertible bus tour in a single ticket, sold online at a reduced price. It is the simplest way to discover the city both from the water and from the road, with one booking instead of two.

Two complementary ways to see the city

On the water, aboard Le Battant, you follow the loop of the Doubs for 1 hour 15 minutes: through the Saint-Paul and Tarragnoz locks, then into the 375 metre river tunnel beneath the Vauban Citadel, animated by light displays. The on-board commentary is in French, but the locks, the tunnel and the riverside views need no translation. On the road, Besançon’s only convertible sightseeing bus covers the Grande Boucle, 10 km in 45 minutes, passing the monuments, the Battant district and the UNESCO listed Vauban fortifications, with a downloadable audioguide in English, German, Spanish and Italian. The two experiences are genuinely different: the cruise takes its time on the river, while the bus gives you the full sweep of the city in a single circuit.

How does the boat + bus pass work?

The pass is sold online or on site. The two departure points are just 100 metres apart: the cruise pier at Pont de la République, on the tramway side, and the bus stop at Centre Saint-Pierre on avenue Gaulard. You can do the two activities in whichever order you like, based on the timetables: in season the boat offers several departures a day in season, and the bus leaves roughly every hour and a half between 10:00 and 18:00.

Planning your day in Besançon

Many visitors start with a morning cruise, have lunch in the old town, then take the panoramic bus in the afternoon to spot the places they want to explore on foot, starting with the Citadel. Others do it the other way round and keep the river cruise for the end of the day. With 1 hour 15 minutes on the boat and 45 minutes on the bus, the pass leaves plenty of time to wander in between. If you are looking for things to do in Besançon in a single day, this combination covers the essential heritage sights without a car.

The full contents of each menu are listed in our brochure: Individual brochure 2026

Frequently asked questions

How does the boat + bus pass work in Besançon?

The pass combines the 1 hour 15 minute guided river cruise and the 45 minute panoramic bus tour. It is sold online at 25 € instead of 29 €, and you can do the two activities in whichever order suits you.

Where can I buy the boat + bus pass?

The pass can be bought online or on site at the pier. Places are limited, so booking online is the only way to be sure of the departure time you want, especially in high season.

How far apart are the boat and bus departure points?

Only about 100 metres. The boat leaves from the Pont de la République pier, on the tramway side, and the bus from Centre Saint-Pierre on avenue Gaulard. Walking from one to the other takes just a few minutes.

Do I have to take the boat before the bus?

No, the order is entirely up to you. Build your day around the timetables: five cruise departures a day in season, and a bus roughly every hour and a half between 10:00 and 18:00.

How much time should I allow for both activities?

Count 1 hour 15 minutes for the cruise and 45 minutes for the bus tour, so about two hours of activities. With walking and a break in between, half a day is comfortable.

Is the boat + bus pass refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable. However, if a departure cannot take place, your ticket remains valid on any other departure this season. If something unexpected comes up, call us on +33 6 64 48 66 80.

Is there a children's version of the pass?

Yes. The child pass costs €17 for ages 4 to 16, against €25 for an adult. Children under 4 travel free, with no ticket needed.

Can I use the pass if I am travelling with a dog?

Yes, dogs on a lead are welcome aboard both the boat and the bus, at no extra charge. Only the meal cruises cannot accommodate them.

Is the pass suitable for non French speakers?

The on-board commentary is in French. For other languages (English, German, Spanish, Italian), scan the QR code at the bus entrance and follow the guided tour on your smartphone. Remember to bring your earphones.

When can the boat + bus pass be used?

The convertible bus runs from May to September, so the pass is most useful during that period. The cruise offers several departures a day in season in season. Check availability for both activities when booking online.

Do children under 4 need a ticket?

No. The cruise and the bus are free for children under 4, and no ticket is needed: simply bring them along at boarding.

Can I buy the pass on site?

Yes, subject to same-day availability. Booking online remains strongly advised: it is the only way to guarantee your seats on both activities.

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Besançon awaits you on the water

A 1h15 guided cruise, several departures a day in season, instant online booking.

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