A survey published on August 1, 2025 by the Zava Class Besançon teleconsultation service in second position in the cities of France where it is good to run. Just behind Caen. What encourage its 128,000 inhabitants to put on sneakers!
It is not a surprise for anyone in the loop. But it was still necessary to demonstrate it. Besançon (Doubs) would be the second city in France where it is good to run. This is revealed by a study published on August 1, 2025 by the Zava medical teleconsultation service, which is based on data from mobile applications widely used by athletes such as Strava, Alltrails and Instagram.
With an overall score of 7.10/10, the Capital Comtoise and its seven hills (Saint-Etienne, Bregille, Planise, Roche d’Or, Chaudanne, Fort-Benoît and Rosemont) which earned him his nickname “little Rome”, are just a stronghold behind Caen with a note of 7.18/10, but several lengths in front of Rouen (6.85/10) (6.71/10) and Lille (6.44/10).
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Besançon (Doubs) View from the Bregille hill.
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© Emmanuel Deshayes – France Télévisions
According to Strava, the capital of the Doubs department “is distinguished by an impressive density of course”. With an average score of 4.2/5 on Alltrails and 3.50 accessible routes (0 – 20 km) for 10,000 inhabitants, almost double Caen!
Density but also diversity of routes. The city dominates all its competitors for the number of flat courses near the city center, with 7.63 routes for 10,000 inhabitants. “A very good way to appreciate the beauty of the Micaud park or the Vauban citadel with a view of the Doubs river”comments Strava.
“We run there between heritage and greenery”boast the authors of the study. “The Tour of the Besançon peninsula (4.5 km, noted 4.4/5) allows you to admire the quays, the chamars wood, the zoological garden and even to go through the river tunnel, Details Strava. But for a wilder experience and a superb panorama, head on the Circuit du Fort de Chaudanne (6 km). This path takes you from the village of Mazagran to the heights of the Fort with a clear view of the valley, before descending through vines and forests to the edge of the Doubs. “
The benefits of regular physical activity for health are no longer to be proven. But the decor also counts a lot. “”The environment in which we are also playing a key role for the mind: studies Show that an outdoor activity, in “Green Locals” is more effective in reducing stress, anxiety and fatigue than an indoor session “assures Dr. Sophie Albe-Ly, general practitioner at Zava.
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Besançon (Doubs) View from the hill of Chaudanne.
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© Emmanuel Deshayes – France Télévisions
Exposure to nature, vegetation, natural light, water bodies, promotes soothing physiological responses and improves mood. Running in a city center which values both the built heritage and the natural elements, such as a castle or a cathedral bordered by trees, thus reinforces the physical and psychic benefits.
Dr. Sophie Albe-Ly, general practitioner at Zava.
“And when the cities offer well -appointed courses, pleasant to the eye, whether pedestrian streets, canal docks or axes lined with historic monuments, this facilitates the integration of sport into the daily routine, she adds. It is not only practical, but also motivating, because we take pleasure in moving. “
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The city center of Besançon, in the middle of “La Boucle” du Doubs. “The Tour of the peninsula which 4.5 km is noted 4.4/5.
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© Emmanuel Deshayes – France Télévisions
In Besançon, however, racing enthusiasts do not bring it back to social networks, with only 0.2 Instagram hashtags #villerunning for 10,000 inhabitants, at the bottom of the table in the ranking. No doubt to prevent us from getting to encroach on their playground.
It must be said that more and more bisontins are in running or trail. “We have four shops in Belfort, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône and Besançon, and this is where we see the biggest progression of turnover in recent years“Confirms Patrick Perret, the former professional cyclist who now equips pros as beginners in sporting articles.
From shoe brands now come to Besançon to do “testing” because they know that there is a big community. Every Tuesday evening, we meet in front of the store. We are between 120 and 130. We make five level groups and we make different routes around Besançon.
Patrick Perret, sports articles store in Besançon.
“We already have a lot of trails in Besançon but running has developed again because the trailers are increasingly on the road for more specific work, to improve their performance”adds Patrick Perret. Not to mention everyone who tries and quickly become fans.
Runners of all ages, most of whom will of course be there, on November 8, of the 11th edition of the Urban Trail in Besançon (TUB), organized by the French Alpine Club. Last year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the event that closes the trails season, we counted more than 11,000 participants during this night trip whose departure is given in the heart of the city, on the esplanade of human rights in front of the town hall, and the arrival on the Malcombe site. A funny marathon, without even leaving Besançon.
