Besançon is a city in eastern France, near the border with Switzerland. The old city center lies in a horseshoe bend on the Doubs River. The sprawling Citadel of Besançon perches on a hill and is home to 3 museums, a zoo and 600m-long ramparts. At the foot of the hill, Besançon Cathedral has a unique 70-dial astronomical clock that indicates sunrise and sunset, eclipses, and tides in French ports.
Best Time to Visit Besançon:
Besançon, located in the Franche-Comté region of France, offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. The optimal time to visit depends on your preferences for weather and cultural events:
Spring (April to June): Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's parks and gardens.
Summer (July to August): Warm weather is perfect for enjoying Besançon's outdoor attractions. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect more visitors.
Autumn (September to October): Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors enhance the city's charm. The Besançon International Music Festival, held in mid-September, is a highlight for music enthusiasts.
Winter (November to March): Colder weather prevails, with occasional snowfall. The Christmas market in December adds festive cheer to the city.How to Get There:
Besançon is accessible through various modes of transportation:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Dole–Jura Airport (DLE), approximately 50 kilometers from Besançon. It offers domestic flights and some international connections. Alternatively, Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland is about 150 kilometers away and provides a wider range of international flights.
By Train: Besançon is well-connected by train. The city's main train station, Gare Viotte, offers direct TGV (high-speed train) services to Paris, Lyon, and other major cities. Regional trains also connect Besançon to neighboring towns and regions.
By Car: Besançon is accessible via the A36 motorway, connecting it to cities like Dijon and Mulhouse. Driving from Paris takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic.
By Bus: Long-distance buses operated by companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaBus connect Besançon to various French cities and neighboring countries, offering a cost-effective travel option.
Besançon, located in eastern France, offers a rich blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in the city:
Citadelle de Besançon: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 17th-century fortress is one of the most remarkable military structures in France. It offers stunning views over the city and houses museums like the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation.
Palais Granvelle: A Renaissance-style building, it was once the home of an influential family and now serves as a museum. The palace hosts exhibitions about Besançon's history and art.
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie: This museum boasts an impressive collection of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts, covering thousands of years of history.
Basilique de Saint-Ferjeux: A beautiful church with a unique blend of architectural styles, including neo-Byzantine elements, and a peaceful atmosphere.
La Boucle: This is the historic center of Besançon, with charming narrow streets, squares, and old buildings. It’s a perfect place to wander and explore the city’s vibrant café culture.
Pont Battant: A beautiful bridge spanning the Doubs River, with great views of the surrounding areas, including the Citadelle.
Parc Micaud: A lovely park along the river, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Time Museum (Musée du Temps): Dedicated to the history of timekeeping, this museum showcases Besançon's long history in watchmaking and horology.
Fort de Bregille: Another fort located outside the city center, offering incredible views over Besançon.
Doubs River: You can take a boat ride along the river, or enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride on the riverside paths.
Hiking around the Citadelle: Enjoy scenic hikes around the Citadelle de Besançon, with trails offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Boat ride on the Doubs River: Take a leisurely boat cruise on the Doubs River to see the city from a different perspective.
Explore the Old Town (La Boucle): Wander through the cobbled streets of the historic center, explore quirky shops, and enjoy beautiful views of the river and the surrounding architecture.
Biking along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin: Rent a bike and enjoy a peaceful ride along the canal, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Visit the Time Museum: Learn about Besançon’s watchmaking history and admire collections of clocks and timepieces from various eras.
Attend the Besançon International Festival of Music: If visiting in the summer, this festival features classical music concerts and is one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar.
Explore the Natural History Museum: Learn about the region’s natural heritage, with exhibits on local flora, fauna, and geology.
Hotel Vauban: A cozy, modern hotel located near the city center, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to local attractions.
Ibis Besançon Centre Ville: A budget-friendly option right in the heart of Besançon, with a central location ideal for exploring the Old Town.
Les Hauts de Gesta: For a more peaceful experience, this guesthouse located a little outside the city offers a tranquil setting with excellent views.
Hotel Mercure Besançon Parc Micaud: A stylish hotel with comfortable rooms and an excellent location by Parc Micaud, offering easy access to the city’s landmarks.
Château de la Dame Blanche: For something a bit more luxurious, stay in this 18th-century château just outside the city, with beautiful gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.
La Table de Gustave: Known for serving delicious French cuisine with a modern twist, this restaurant has a warm, welcoming ambiance and offers a great selection of wines.
Le Grill du Palais: Located near the Palais Granvelle, this restaurant specializes in grilled meats and regional dishes, offering a cozy atmosphere.
L'Atelier des Saveurs: A modern restaurant offering fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Le Saint-Jacques: This charming bistro offers traditional French fare in a quaint setting, with specialties such as escargot and local cheeses.
Marché des Halles: If you’re looking for fresh produce, local cheeses, and regional delicacies, head to this market, which is the heart of local gastronomy.
Les Saisons: A fine-dining option with a focus on gourmet seasonal dishes, showcasing the best of local ingredients.
Watchmaking Legacy: Besançon has a rich history of watchmaking, so visit the Time Museum and local watchmakers to get a sense of the city's legacy in horology.
Watch the Besançon International Music Festival: Held every year, this festival is an opportunity to experience classical music in beautiful venues around the city.
Taste Comté Cheese: Besançon is in the heart of the Jura region, which is famous for its Comté cheese. Be sure to try it at local markets or restaurants.
Explore Local Festivals: In addition to the music festival, Besançon hosts various cultural events, such as theater performances, art exhibitions, and traditional fairs.
Visit Local Markets: Explore the markets, such as the Marché des Halles, to experience the city’s culinary delights, from artisan bread to local wines.
Traditional French Cafes: Immerse yourself in the local café culture, whether it's sipping a coffee on a terrace or enjoying an afternoon of people-watching in a cozy café.