Departure: Pont de la République, Besançon 06 64 48 66 80
FREN
Vedettes de Besançon
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Besançon river cruise

La boucle du Doubs, deux écluses et le tunnel sous la Citadelle, commentés à bord du Battant.

Le bateau Le Battant navigue sur le Doubs, la Citadelle de Besançon en surplomb
  • Passage de deux écluses, Saint-Paul et Tarragnoz
  • Tunnel fluvial sous la Citadelle, mis en lumière
  • Terrasse panoramique, bateau chauffé et climatisé
  • Commentaires écrits à bord en anglais, allemand, italien, espagnol
  • Chiens en laisse bienvenus, sans frais

The route

Plan des circuits : la boucle du Doubs suivie par le bateau, en bleu, et le circuit du bus, en noir
Le bateau suit la boucle du Doubs, en bleu sur le plan.
  1. Embarcadère du 2 Pont de la République, côté tramway
  2. Passage de la première écluse
  3. Tunnel fluvial sous la Citadelle, 375 m mis en lumière
  4. Écluse de Tarragnoz
  5. Retour au Pont de la République

Looking for a boat trip in Besançon? From the Pont de la République pier, on the tramway side, the boat Le Battant takes you on a 1 hour 15 minute guided cruise along the Doubs river. In Besançon the river forms a loop that wraps around the old town: seeing the city from the water reveals quays, bridges and Vauban fortifications from an angle you simply cannot get from the street.

What do you see on a Doubs river cruise?

The route follows the loop of the Doubs and includes two highlights. First, the boat passes through two locks, Saint-Paul and Tarragnoz: the water rises or falls around the hull while you watch the whole operation up close. Then comes the 375 metre river tunnel dug beneath the Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Light displays animate the crossing, turning this underground passage into the most memorable moment of the trip. Please note that the live commentary on board is in French; even so, the locks, the tunnel and the views speak for themselves, and many international visitors rate the experience highly.

A comfortable boat, whatever the weather

Le Battant carries up to 100 passengers. On sunny days, the rooftop panoramic terrace gives you an open view of the hills and ramparts; inside, the cabin is both heated and air-conditioned, so the cruise stays pleasant in any season. A sound system carries the commentary throughout the boat. The crew is a family story: Aziz, the captain, has been sailing the Doubs since 1990, Carole took over the boat in 2008, and their son William works alongside them. The company holds a 4.7 out of 5 Google rating based on 424 reviews.

Practical information before you board

In season there are several departures a day in season: 10:00, 11:15, 14:15, 15:30 and 16:45. Arrive about 10 minutes early at the Pont de la République pier; showing your e-ticket on your phone is fine. Dogs on a leash are welcome on board. Each departure runs with a minimum of 8 passengers: if that number is not reached, your ticket remains valid for any other departure of the season. If you are wondering what to do in Besançon, this river cruise pairs naturally with a visit to the Citadel or a walk through the historic centre.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long is the boat cruise in Besançon?

The guided cruise lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. The boat follows the loop of the Doubs river, passes through the Saint-Paul and Tarragnoz locks and crosses a 375 metre tunnel beneath the Vauban Citadel.

Where does the Besançon boat cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Pont de la République pier, on the tramway side, in Besançon. Passengers are asked to arrive about 10 minutes before departure. The République tram stop is right next to the pier.

Is the boat commentary available in English?

The live commentary is in French. Written translations in English, German, Italian and Spanish are available on board, just ask when boarding.

Does the boat really go under the Citadel?

Yes. The route includes a 375 metre river tunnel dug beneath the hill of the Vauban Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Light displays animate the crossing, and it is often the favourite moment of the trip.

What are the departure times for the cruise?

In season there are several departures a day in season: 10:00, 11:15, 14:15, 15:30 and 16:45. Plan to be at the pier about 10 minutes before your chosen departure.

Can I bring my dog on the boat?

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.

What happens if not enough passengers book a departure?

Each departure requires a minimum of 8 passengers. If that minimum is not reached, the departure is cancelled but your ticket remains valid for any other departure of the season.

Do I need to print my ticket?

No. E-tickets shown on your phone screen are accepted at boarding.

What if it rains on the day of my cruise?

Le Battant has an indoor cabin that is heated and air-conditioned, so the trip stays comfortable in wet or cold weather. If you have any doubt about conditions on the day, call +33 6 64 48 66 80.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat itself gladly welcomes passengers with reduced mobility. It is the access to the pier, via stairs on land we do not own, that is not wheelchair accessible. Call us on +33 6 64 48 66 80 and we will work out the best solution together.

Is there a reduced fare for children on the cruise?

Yes, a reduced fare applies to children up to and including 16 years old. The exact amount is shown when booking online, or you can call +33 6 64 48 66 80.

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.

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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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