The Jura France Travel Guide
Besançon's history unfolds through its architecture, from roman-era remnants to extensive fortifications.
From its striking Citadelle to roman-era relics, the city provides a journey through time.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of military architecture.
Dates from the 2nd century AD, marking the entrance to Roman Vesontio.
A powerful reminder of the city's deep Roman roots.
An outdoor monument, freely accessible 24/7 for close inspection.
Found by the cathedral, easy to incorporate in a historic walking tour.
Visit during daylight hours to completely appreciate the details of its carvings.
Besançon has a wide variety of museums and cultural institutions, mirroring its artistic, historical, and related to industry legacies.
One of France's oldest public museums, housed in a former grain market.
Spans Egyptian, Gallo-Roman, medieval archaeology, and Continental painting (Renaissance to 20th century).
Goya, Boucher, Courbet (native), Renoir are represented.
Adult admission approximately €5-€8.
Typically closed on Tuesdays.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore its extensive collections.
Located in the Palais Granvelle, it celebrates Besançon's watchmaking heritage with clocks, watches, and scientific instruments. Adult admission is around €5-€8, typically closed on Tuesdays.
Where... was born the renowned French writer Victor Hugo. Now a museum, it focuses on his life, literary works, and civic commitment. Adult admission is around €3-€5, closed on Mondays.
Housed within the Citadelle, this poignant museum provides an overview of the French Resistance during WWII and deportations. Entry is is part of the Citadelle admission ticket.
Also found in the Citadelle, the Musée Comtois highlights the traditions, popular arts, and daily life of the Franche-Comté region.
Besançon's rich history comes alive through its enduring structures.
From Roman remnants to formidable Vauban fortifications, explore centuries of heritage.
Beyond the imposing Citadelle, explore other parts of Vauban's extensive defensive system that encircles the city.
Wandering through the well-preserved historic streets of "La Boucle" is an attraction per se.
Beyond the prominent Porte Noire, remnants of the Roman amphitheater and other historic structures are scattered around the city.
A magnificent Renaissance palace built in the 16th century by Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle.
Besançon's unique geography, defined by the Doubs River, creates stunning natural attractions in and surrounding the city.
The natural meander of the Doubs River forms the distinctive, almost circular shape of downtown. Enjoy leisurely walks along its tree-lined banks or take a boat tour.
A pleasant and expansive park stretching along the Doubs River. It offers wide lawns, mature trees, and serves as a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, or gentle strolls.
A hill east of Besançon providing exceptional panoramic views of the city, the Doubs river loop, and the Strongholdle. A travel camera is ideal for capturing these vistas.
These green spaces surround the Citadelle and other parts of the city walls. They provide a tranquil environment for walks, often providing pleasant vistas of the fortifications and the river below.
Have leisurely strolls along the tree-lined banks of the Doubs River within La Boucle. Many benches and beautiful viewpoints are available for relaxation.
Take a "Bateau-Bus" or "Vedettes de Besançon" river tour for an unique perspective of the city's architecture and the Citadelle from the sea, even passing through underground canals.
Parc Micaud is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or enjoying concerts in the park at the bandstand during summer months.
For a heightened view, drive or hike up Montfaucon to capture the iconic panorama of the city's river loop and Citadelle.
The Doubs River offers opportunities for water--focused activities.
Besançon provides accessible trails for scenic hikes.
The unique natural meander of the Doubs River forms the characteristic, almost circular shape of the city center, "La Boucle," best observed from elevated points like the Citadelle or Montfaucon.
This geographic feature has shaped Besançon's history and defense.
Beyond the main attractions, Besançon holds several lesser-well-known places that present unique insights and more peaceful experiences.
A small, tranquil garden situated near the Porte Noire, it features well-preserved Roman archaeological sites, including columns and foundations from an ancient nymphæum (a water sanctuary).
Located in the picturesque Battant district, this unique Renaissance house stands out for its intriguing facade.
One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries within France, it offers a poignant historical insight into the city's diverse past.
Check local opening durations or access details as it might not always be openly accessible.
Besançon boasts a surprising number of historical sundials ("cadrans solaires") adorning its buildings, especially in the historic district.
Remember to look up and surrounding as you walk through the old town!
Many historic buildings in La Boucle hide beautiful, tranquil courtyards behind their main entrances.
Some may be private, so act with prudence.
For in-depth understanding, consider guided tours on foot of the Old Town or specific tours within the Citadelle complex. Book sightseeing tours here.
Many attractions, like the Citadelle, house multiple museums, making it efficient to combine several interests in one visit.
With many sites close to each other, organize your days to move easily between them without rushing, allowing for complete appreciation.
