On the border with Switzerland, Besançon is a city of discreet charm, condensed with beauty and surprises. Bordering the Jura massif and enclosed by the Doubs river, the city boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage dating back over 2000 years. France's first green city, Besançon has been awarded the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" label and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One thing's for sure: discovering Besançon through our 13 must-sees won't leave you indifferent.
1- Visit the Besançon citadel
Start your visit by taking in the sights. The impressive and majestic Citadelle de Besançon has overlooked the city since the 17th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel is considered one of the most beautiful in France. Take a stroll along the ramparts to admire the exceptional views over the city and surrounding area. The citadel is also home to three fascinating museums: the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, the Musée Comtois and the Muséum sur la biodiversité.
To visit the beautiful region of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, discover our 21 must-sees.
2- Discover Besançon's Old Town
When visiting Besançon, be sure to stroll through the narrow streets of the Boucle. The name given to the old town comes from the fact that it developed in the meanders of the Doubs river, which then takes the form of a loop. With its rich architectural heritage, the Boucle boasts some one hundred remarkable buildings, bridges and interesting squares. Take a detour to the Battant district, a sloping neighborhood full of hidden treasures. Here you'll find theÉglise de la Madeleine and the Fort Griffon, and don't miss a visit to the Pont Battant, a symbolic edifice of the city.
To learn all about the secrets of the loop, book a guided tour of the old town.
3- Saint-Jean Cathedral
St. John's Cathedral reveals many treasures to its visitors. Although its construction dates back to the 12th century, it has undergone numerous renovations. These include the addition of a counter-choir in the 18th century, making it one of the few religious buildings in France to have two opposing choirs. Another highlight is the famous astronomical clock. Considered a masterpiece, this clock by Auguste Lucien Vérité features a complex mechanism with over 30,000 parts.
4- The Porte Noire
While strolling near Saint-Jean Cathedral, you're likely to stumble across la Porte Noire. Built in the 2nd century, this Gallo-Roman arch has been badly damaged over the years, and has undergone extensive restoration work. Today, it isone ofthe city's most beautiful monuments. Over 16m high, the building was originally entirely decorated with sculptures of Greco-Roman mythological heroes and divinities, as well as battle scenes.
5- Take a stroll Quai Vauban
The Quai Vauban has been a pedestrian thoroughfare along the left bank of the Doubs since the 17th century. Start at the Pont Battant and walk the 600m along the river. Before you set off, take a moment to observe the harmonious architectural ensemble of arcaded houses on the stone ramparts. Don't hesitate to stop for a gourmet break at one of the cafés or restaurants lining the water.
If you like the Doubs landscape, discover Southern Burgundy in neighboring Saône-et-Loire.
6- Visit the Musée du Temps
The Musée du Temps is a must-see in Besançon, France's "watchmaking capital". Lose track of time in this museum located in the heart of the Palais Granvelle, a prestigious Renaissance palace. On display is the Leroy 01, long considered the most complicated watch in the world. You'll also find instruments from theBesançon Astronomical Observatory, educational material from the École Nationale d'Horlogerie and a Foucault pendulum.
7- Go to Parc de la Gare d'Eau
Formerly a goods port, the Parc de la Gare d'Eau is now a French-style promenade along the banks of the Doubs River. Close to the city center, it's an ideal green space where young and old alike can have fun or relax. On the other side of the Boucle, Parc Micaud is an English-style garden well worth a visit. Stroll along its paths and admire the tulips, sophoras and magnolias while enjoying a magnificent panorama of the citadel.
Discover the banks of the Doubs on a canoe-kayak trip, bookable here.
8- Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology
Listed as aVille d'Art et d'Histoire, Besançon boasts a rich cultural heritage. In the heart of the city, the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie was created in 1694, and is the oldest museum in France. Here you'll find a vast collection of European graphic art, with over 6,000 drawings, numerous sculptures and ceramics, as well as a major exhibition of paintings representing the most important currents in Western art from the 15th to the 20th century. The museum's archaeological section includes an Egyptian collection centered around the mummies of Séramon and Ankhpakhered, a collection from the Middle Ages and a collection of regional archaeology.
9- The Chailluz Forest
Take a nature break on the outskirts of town. The Forêt de Chailluz is Besançon's green lung, a veritable playground for walkers covering over 1780 hectares. Stroll along the many footpaths and hiking trails, and you're likely to come across deer and roe deer. Admire the town and its surroundings from a number of vantage points and take a break in one of the picnic areas.
Take advantage of the town's proximity to the Jura mountains to discover some of the region's most beautiful hikes.
10- Visit Victor Hugo's birthplace
Besançon was the birthplace of the world-famous French writer Victor Hugo on February 26, 1802. Visit the birthplace of the author of Les Misérables, which is neither really a museum nor a place of remembrance. Today, the Maison Natale de Victor Hugo retraces the struggles of this committed writer, in an entertaining and captivating permanent exhibition. On the first floor of the house is a chronology drawing parallels between French history and the key events in the author's life.
11- The Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain
Art lovers won't want to miss a visit to the city's Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain (FRAC). Its rich and varied collection of paintings, sculptures and multimedia installations showcases both emerging and established artists. A testament to the city's cultural richness, the FRAC offers its visitors a modern, welcoming setting. It also offers workshops and lectures for those wishing to deepen their understanding of contemporary art.
12- Taste the local specialties
Cheese lovers, welcome to paradise. Comté, Mont d'Or, Morbier or Cancoillotte, the Comtois capital is a gourmet land, rich in the region's famous AOC cheeses. In addition to its dairy products, Besançon is home to other typical dishes such asescalope de veau comtoise, pâte de coing, trout au vin jaune and saucisse de Morteau, often accompanied by Jura wines.
Won over by Jura wines? Discover our 11 best wine-tourism destinations in France.
13- Visit Château de Joux
An hour southeast of Besançon lies Château de Joux, overlooking the valley from its rocky promontory. Listed as a historic monument, this fortress is located in the heart of a magnificent natural site, at the opening of a passageway to Switzerland in the Jura massif. Discover the evolution of the military architecture of this former state prison. The famous Mirabeau and Toussaint Louverture were imprisoned here.
Lausanne is only an hour from the château, so take the opportunity to discover our 15 must-sees in the city.
Where to stay in Besançon?
- The most family-friendly: the Ibis Styles Besançon. It offers good services at affordable prices. Excellent bedding, children welcome (family suites for 4, adapted breakfast, kid's corner for playing...) and a private bathroom in every room. Don't hesitate to book your stay now.
- The most peaceful: Brit Hotel Besançon l'Horloge. At the gateway to the Comtoise countryside, this hotel (formerly Hôtel Kyriad) offers a peaceful environment, ideal for recharging your batteries. We recommend you book your stay here.
- The most central : Hotel Victor Hugo. Ideally located, this hotel is housed in a hundred-year-old building, completely renovated and with undeniable charm, perfect for a romantic getaway. Some rooms overlook a pretty interior garden, and you can book them here.
What to do in Besançon for two?
Looking for a romantic getaway in Besançon? Discover the best things to do in this charming city.
- Stroll along the quays of the Doubs.
- Admire the panoramic view from the Besançon Citadel.
- Stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center.
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology.
- Enjoy dinner for two in one of the city's gourmet restaurants.
- End your day with a boat trip on the Doubs.
What to do in Besançon with your family
Want to spend some unforgettable time in Besançon with your family? Discover the best things to do together in the city.
- Explore the Besançon Citadel and enjoy its breathtaking views over the city.
- Visit the Musée du Temps, an interactive and educational experience.
- Stroll through the Jardin Botanique and discover the diversity of the local flora.
- Enjoy the playgrounds and green spaces of Parc Micaud.
- Taste local specialties in the city's markets and restaurants.
What's the best way to visit Besançon in 2 days?
- On the first day, visit the Citadelle of Besançon and enjoy its panoramic views before visiting the Museum of Time. Stroll through the narrow streets and sample the region's specialties in a local restaurant. End the day with a boat trip on the Doubs.
- On your second day, start with the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens and the Parc de la Gare d'Eau before admiring the Cathédrale Saint-Jean.
