Besançon

Besançon

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel Guide > Towns > Franche-Comté > Doubs > Besançon

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 
TownBesançon
Insee code25056
Postcode25000
Latitude47.2378290
Longitude6.0240539
AltitudeFrom 235 to 610 meters
Surface65.05 km²
Population121038 inhabitants
Density1860 inhabitants/km²CLOSEST TOWNS
National labelsMorre at 4.3 km (6 min)
DepartmentDoubsBeure at 6.2 km (9 min)
RegionFranche-ComtéSearch another town
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TOWN PRESENTATION

Sheltered by its imposing fortifications Besançon protects its prestigious heritage and quality of life. Renaissance houses and mansions punctuate the 18th century discovery walks in the heart of the old city.

Feel free to push a few gates, they open very often admirable courtyards stairs to open cages, subtly adorned with ironwork and carved balusters. Shepherd, Victor Hugo ... places evoke celebrities born or who stayed in Besançon. City of art and history, world heritage by UNESCO through the genius of Vauban.


SIGHTSEEING
  • The Citadel, a major site of the city, enclosing a Museum of Natural History, an insectary, the folklore museum Comte and that of the resistance and deportation.
  • The Old Town, Stone Forest Chailluz, including water reveals the contrast of yellow and blue (rain or shine, you can enjoy as many Besançon!)
  • The palace and its museum Granvelle Time.
  • Le Quai Vauban, during a walk along the banks of the Doubs.
  • Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology: The oldest French public collection, the museum (established 1694) contains archaeological collections Egyptian, Greek and Gallo-Roman collections plus the Fine Arts, Middle Ages today and a fund of 5000 drawings ...
  • Boat trip: in the unique setting of the loop formed by the river, this is a walk of discovery Besançon boat, with passage through the locks and crossing the impressive underground channel of 375 m deep under the Mountain Citadel.
  • Duration: approximately 1:15 - Departure: Bridge of the Republic.
  • Hours at +33 6 64 48 66 80.
Detailed information
TransportTrain station of Besancon-Mouillere,   Train station of Besancon-Viotte
Information pointsTourist Office of Besançon
Leisure centresCasino of the Parc,   Museum Beaux-Arts et Archéologie,   Museum Comtois,   Museum of La Résistance et la Déportation,   Museum of Natural History of Besançon,   Museum of the Temps,   Skating Rink Lafayette
MonumentsAbbey Saint-Paul,   Arena of Besançon,   Barn Huguenet,   Basilica Saint-Ferjeux,   Birthplace of Victor Hugo,   Bishop’s Palace of Besançon,   Caserne Ruty,   Cathedral Saint-Jean,   Cathedral Saint-Étienne,   Chapel Saint-Paul,   Chapel of the Carmes-Déchaussés,   Church Saint-Pierre,   Church Sainte-Madeleine,   Church of the Carmes,   Church of the Dames de Battant,   Citadel of Besançon,   Collège Victor-Hugo,   Convent of the Cordeliers,   Fort Griffon,   Fort of Beauregard,   Fort of Bregille,   Fort of Chaudanne,   Fort of Planoise,   Fort of Rosemont,   Fort of the Justices,   Fort of the Montboucons,   Fountain of the Clarisses,   Fountain of the Dames,   Fountain of the Doubs,   House Brigonnet,   House Espagnole,   Law Court of Besançon,   Observatory of Besançon,   Palace Granvelle,   Private Mansion Alvizet,   Private Mansion Boistouset,   Private Mansion Bonvalot,   Private Mansion Buson d'Auxon,   Private Mansion Chevanney,   Private Mansion Fleury de Villayer,   Private Mansion Gauthiot d'Ancier,   Private Mansion Gavinet,   Private Mansion Isabey,   Private Mansion Lavernette,   Private Mansion Mareschal,   Private Mansion Michotey,   Private Mansion Petit de Marivat,   Private Mansion Querret,   Private Mansion Saint-Paul,   Private Mansion Saint-Pierre,   Private Mansion Terrier,   Private Mansion Terrier de Santans,   Private Mansion of Anvers,   Private Mansion of Buyer,   Private Mansion of Camus,   Private Mansion of Champagney,   Private Mansion of Clermont,   Private Mansion of Clévans,   Private Mansion of Courbouzon,   Private Mansion of Courbouzon-Villefrançon,   Private Mansion of Grosbois,   Private Mansion of Ligniville,   Private Mansion of Magnoncourt,   Private Mansion of Maîche,   Private Mansion of Mesmay,   Private Mansion of Montmartin,   Private Mansion of Rosières,   Private Mansion of Sorans,   Private Mansion of Valay,   Private Mansion of the Bouteiller,   Synagogue of Besançon,   Town Hall of Besançon,   Villa Lorraine
Performance hallsCentre Dramatique National de Franche-Comté,   Exhibition Park Micropolis,   Kursaal,   La Rodia,   Micropolis,   Musical Theatre of Besançon,   Stadium Léo-Lagrange,   Theatre Bacchus,   Theatre of L'Espace
Natural sitesForest of Chailluz,   Mount of the Buis

EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
  • Frequently Grandfather: May-June Nearly 450 exhibitors gathered at the Parc des Expositions, in a warm and festive wishes.
  • Festival of Early Music of Montfaucon - Besançon: in June At various places Montfaucon Besançon, and other localities of Greater Besançon. Prominent musicians, singers, actors, musicologists, art historians and various personalities from the world of music throughout Europe for five days, providing the public with a quality event. Enchanting places, the curious and lovers of art and music can appreciate their desire to choose within a range of concerts for all ages. They can also enjoy concerts in the "Festival Off" by young talented musicians. Various guided tours, lectures, moments of exchange with the musicians, meals and other entertainment will also punctuate this great moment of conviviality musical not to be missed!
  • Festival International du Film d'Archéologie: in June Thirty films are in competition and the public is invited to attend the free screening. Various prizes are awarded on this occasion: the Grand Prix Festival, awarded by the Official Jury, the Prize of the City of Besançon, awarded by the jury "public" Special Award "Archeologia, Andree Faton", awarded by the Jury Official reward for the film which best value in an archaeological dig, the award for best regional film award from the official jury, the award for best short film; Award "for young audiences," presented by students of secondary schools supervised by their ATTENDING. The official jury, composed of individuals recognized for their skills, may also be distinguished from other works noted for their quality in a particular field.
  • Instants Gourmands: in September. A walk Granvelle, free admission.
  • Hiking greedy: in September. Hiking a gourmet taste without moderation! Pleasures of the table, exploring the heritage and physical exertion throughout a circuit of about 15 km, or three hours of walk breaks off restoration. After coffee and croissants in the morning in the palace courtyard Granvelle, walkers, according to their departure times (from 9:15 to 11:15), begin their journey on foot, cultural and gastronomic stages.

ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND
  • In the Upper Doubs, visit the Doubs river and the Saut du Doubs, first natural site in Franche-Comte, on boats promenade.
  • Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans: Monument World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is the masterpiece of Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, visionary architect of the Enlightenment.
  • Open Air Museum Houses Comtoises: Costumes from different sectors of Franche-Comte period or carried over and a fine collection of authentic hats and lace varied.
  • Poudrey Chasm: A true geological phenomenon, this gulf is the largest that is built in France. You will attend a show "Music and Lights" grand showcasing the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and gigantic rock formations.
Leisure activities
NameType of activityPriceTown
Caving or canyoning with a guideSports sensationsFrom 36 € to 56 €Larnod (6.6 km)
Visit a jewellery designerCraftFreeOrnans (17.3 km)
Fly fishing courseNature and the outdoors130 €Champagne-sur-Loue (27 km)

All leisure activities around Besançon

PHOTOS
Revolution Square
 
Palais Granvelle and the Museum of Time
Walk on the Quai Vauban
 
View the citadel from the docks downtown
Tower Ball and Minotaur
 
Besançon - Doubs Valley - South Side, viewed from the Citadel
The Doubs, Tarragnoz dam, seen from the Citadel
 
The Doubs, north side, seen from the Citadel
Door Rivotte
 
Besançon and the citadel, seen from Fort Bregille
Besançon seen from Fort Beauregard
  
LINKS
RELATED ARTICLES
Capital of Franche-Comté
Best places of the Doubs
Best places of Franche-Comté
Photos of the category "Besançon" to view and download
Photos of the Doubs to view and download
Photos of Franche-Comté to view and download
WEATHER
Wednesday 22 May
Day
Night
Min. -2°C - Max. 11°C
Thursday 23 May
Day
Night
Min. -3°C - Max. 11°C
Friday 24 May
Day
Night
Min. 2°C - Max. 9°C
RESTAURANTS 
Le caquelon (fondues, friture, grillade)  
9.5
Besançon
In a cottage decor,  the Caquelon since 1985 offers a wide selection of fondue (cheese area) - fondue meat (burgundy), braserade and hot stones. A small restaurant, friendly atmosphere...
Located in BesançonFrom 15 € to 25 € per person 
La Cheminée  
8.4
Montfaucon
Perched above the village of Montfaucon, located a few kilometers from Besançon, La Cheminée restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Jura Mountains. Chef Philippe Gavazzi products...
Located 4.5 km from Besançon58 € per person 
Campanile Besançon Ecole  
8
  SPECIAL OFFER
École-Valentin
CITADEL VAUBAN - Besançon Ah! Citadel of Vauban, its museums, shops and restaurant ...! The birthplace of Victor Hugo and the Lumière brothers reserves a surprise restaurant Campanile...
Located 5.3 km from Besançon19 € per person 

All restaurants around Besançon

BEDS & BREAKFASTS 
Le lavoir des rêves  
Geneuille
On arrival you will find five cottages, a Bed and a trailer, in a green, at the end of the village. All our rooms have a private entrance, a terrace. In season you can enjoy the garden...
Located 10.3 km from BesançonFrom 66 € to 84 € the double room 
Auprès des vignes    
10
Échevannes
2 cozy rooms, very comfortable: quality label 'Fleurs de soleil'. Each has a separate entrance in an authentic farmhouse, overlooking the valley of the Loue. Each has two twin beds...
Located 24 km from BesançonFrom 55 € to 64 € the double room 
Le Relais du Passe-Heures    
8.8
Cenans
Between Besançon Vesoul and Baume-les-Dames, near the motorway exit 4 (1) of the A36, I welcome you to the Relais du Passe-hours, in a beautiful house of charm of the eighteenth century,...
Located 25 km from Besançon65 € the double room 

All beds & breakfasts around Besançon

VACATION RENTALS 
Le bord de Loue  
9.7
Chenecey-Buillon
The apartment is oriented east west. East side entrance facing the street. Upstairs toilet Washing machine and then dining room and kitchen with dishwasher, stove and microwave fridge...
Located 11.9 km from BesançonFrom 270 € to 370 € per week 
Gite Annie et Pierre bonnemaille  
9.6
Osse
Charming cottage accessible to persons with disabilities and reduced variable in the countryside on the edge of the wood - Quiet place - Museum houses Franche-Comté 3 km - Sights varied...
Located 14.8 km from BesançonFrom 230 € to 360 € per week 
Gite Ecologique de la Ferme Bio de They
Sorans-lès-Breurey
Cottage renovated with eco-housing, labeled Self-France-Ecogîte ferme. Equipé and welcome to a salt water swimming pool, heated indoor jaccouzi on the terrace. Games room: table football,...
Located 17.8 km from BesançonFrom 540 € to 840 € per week 

All vacation rentals around Besançon

HOTELS
Hôtel de Paris     
9.2
Besançon
Located in the centre of Besançon, Hôtel de Paris offers contemporary décor, a 24-hour reception, terrace and massage treatments upon request. The Besançon Citadelle is just a 15-minute...
Located in BesançonRoom from 65 €
Zénitude Hôtel & Résidence Les Hauts Du Chazal     
8.1
Besançon
This brand-new residence is located next to the big shopping center Chateaufarineau. Only 15 minutes away from the city center, our residence benefits from pleasant and quiet surroundings....
Located in BesançonRoom from 39 €
Logis Florel     
8.8
Besançon
Hotel Logis Florel offers comfortable accommodation and is just 15 minutes walking distance from the city centre of Besancon. All the rooms come with ensuite facilities, satellite TV,...
Located in BesançonRoom from 69 €

All hotels around Besançon

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