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Suggested cruising options Dole*
Discover Vauban’s citadel at Besancon

Short break
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DEPART :
Dole
By :
Besançon
ARRIVE :
Dole
DISTANCE :
112 KM
TIME :
23h00
LOCKS :
40
from 658 EUROS**
BOOK
* Cruise suggestions: non contractual information
** All prices are calculated on the basis of a two day weekend in low season.
  • 01-dole-base-03
    The Nicols base at Dole
  • 02-dole-acro-isis
  • 02-dole-les-tanneurs
    Tanneurs canal street, Dole
  • 03-rochefort-sur-nenon-01
  • 04-ambiance-doubs-02
    Moor up and enjoy lunch on the riverbank
  • 04-doubs-vallee-02
    Waterways meander through the Doubs valley
  • 05-osselle-grotte
    The Caves of Osselle (Doubs Valley)
  • 06-besancon-citadelle-01
    Vauban Citadel - Besançon
  • 07-besancon-citadelle-03
  • 07-besancon-golf
  • 08-ambiance-dole-01
  • 10-ambiance-canal-rhone-au-rhin-ecluse
    A lock on the Canal du Rhone au Rhin

Description of
the boating holiday

Cruise on the Doubs from Dole

Set off on a voyage of discovery from Dole, reaching Besançon to explore its magnificent Vauban citadel. Throughout your boating holiday, you can enjoy the region’s beautiful natural landscapes, visit medieval villages and take in some spectacular panoramic views during countryside walks.

Departure base

Dole, renowned as a city of art and history, is the location for Nicols first boat rental base -opened in 1991. It is a remarkable setting from which to embark on your boating holiday, cruising the waterways of the Franche-Comté region and being seduced by its many charms.

Places to see and things to do

Dole: The ‘little Venice’ of the Franche-Comté region, collegiate Notre-Dame (16th century basilica), birthplace of Louis Pasteur, La Fontaine aux Lepreux

Rochefort-sur-nenon: Limestone cliff, panoramic views of the Rhône-Rhine Canal and Mont Blanc.

Orchamps: Historical fountain laundry monument of 1846

Osselle: La Grotte d'Osselle (3 km from the lock) – one of the world’s first tourist caves, visited since the 16th century

Thoraise: Château de Thoraise, Chapel Notre-Dame du Mont

Montferrand le Château: Castle of the 13th century

Rancenay: Old medieval town

Avanne-Aveney: Église Saint-Vincent d'Avanne - church

Besançon: Citadel of Vauban, Musée du Temps – museum of time and watchmaking, La Porte Noire ( black door) Roman arch, Palace Granvelle 16th Century Renaissance building

With you’ve finished exploring Besançon, it’s time to make the return leg of your boating trip, perhaps revisiting some of your favourite discoveries before returning your canal boat to the Nicols base at Dole.

Canal boats available

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They tried it and love it

Holiday reviews from Dole

See all reviews for this base

A calming break
Although this was a short break, the great momenta of calm, serenity and relaxation were as beneficial as a fortnight’s holiday elsewhere.

Friocourt, Annecy

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