Besançon Travel Guide

Plan your dream Besançon vacation with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, stay, and eat, and explore the town's rich culture and customs.


Introduction to Besançon

Besançon, located in the eastern part of France, is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant food scene, and stunning natural landscapes to explore. It is the capital of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and is situated in the heart of the Doubs valley. In this travel guide, we will take you on a journey through Besançon, providing you with all the information necessary to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Besançon

Besançon is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this charming town. In this section, we’ve listed some of the must-visit places to explore in Besançon.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Besançon is home to many significant historical sites and museums. The Citadel, which is a UNESCO listed monument, offers stunning views of the city and serves as a site for several events throughout the year. Other must-visit places include the Besançon Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology, and the Time Museum.

Natural Attractions of Besançon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Besançon boasts a combination of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Some of the top places to explore include the Doubs River, the Port de Plaisance, and the Parc Micaud. Visitors can opt for a boat ride along the river or take a hike in the nearby hills to take in the beautiful scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Besançon

The region is known for its fantastic hiking and biking routes, offering visitors a more immersive experience. The Circuit des Forts hike takes you through historic forts, while the EuroVelo 6 bike trail follows the Loire River through picturesque routes.

Best Things to Do in Besançon: Activities and Tours

Beyond hiking, biking and exploring museums, Besançon offers a host of other exciting activities. Visitors can take wine tours, visit the local markets and indulge in some authentic French cuisine. Some recommended activities include a visiting local farms for cheese-making demonstrations, tasting traditional French wine, and enjoying the view of the Doubs River from the top of Rocher de Valmy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Besançon

Here’s what an ideal one-week itinerary looks like when visiting Besançon:

  • Day 1: Visit the Citadel and explore the local markets in the afternoon.
  • Day 2: Hike to the top of Mount Sainte Anne in the morning and explore the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology in the afternoon.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a local cheese-making demonstration in the morning, followed by a wine tour in the afternoon.
  • Day 4: Take a boat ride along the Doubs River in the morning and explore the Time Museum in the afternoon.
  • Day 5: Visit the Besançon Cathedral in the morning and go shopping in the afternoon.
  • Day 6: Visit Port de Plaisance and Parc Micaud in the morning and enjoy the view from the top of Rocher de Valmy in the afternoon.
  • Day 7: Explore the city’s neighborhoods, tasting local delicacies, and indulging in its rich culture.

Food and Drink Scene of Besançon

The Besançon culinary scene is rooted in the traditions of the Franche-Comte region. Visitors can look forward to local cheeses, bread, and other regional products.

Must-Try Dishes

Besançon is famous for its regional specialties such as Poulet à la Comtoise, cheese fondue and sausage.

Local Beverages

Wine lovers can explore the famous wine region of Bourgogne and the nearby Jura wine region. Visitors should also try the region’s beer.

Where to Stay in Besançon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Besançon has many excellent accommodation options to choose from. Visitors can stay in hotels, hostels or guesthouses depending on their preference and budget. Some of the best places to stay include Hôtel Mercure Besançon Parc Micaud, Hôtel Gabrielly, and Hôtel Vauban.

What to Buy in Besançon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Besançon has a rich variety of local products. Visitors can purchase unique ceramics, wood carvings, and local cheeses. Some recommended local markets to explore include the Marché de Rivotte and the Marché Beaux-Arts.

Local Culture and Customs of Besançon

Local culture is an integral part of French life, and Besançon’s traditional customs and rich heritage are no exception. Visitors can experience French culture through its architecture, artwork, and local cuisine. Besançon is known for its vibrant arts scene, with many festivals and cultural events being held throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Besançon

The ideal time to visit Besançon is between May and early September when the weather is favorable. The town is delightful in the winter months, too, with winter sports and a magical Christmas market.

Do’s and Don’ts of Besançon

Here are some guidelines for travelers visiting Besançon:

Do:

  • Learn basic French phrases before you travel
  • Be respectful of local culture and customs
  • Try local cuisine and wine
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the city

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places, which is illegal in France
  • Be rude to locals or speak too loudly
  • Ignore traffic rules while driving or cycling
  • Visit attractions during peak hours to avoid crowds

Safety and Health

Besançon is a safe city with excellent healthcare facilities. Visitors should take the necessary precautions while traveling to prevent any mishaps.

Safety in Besançon

Besançon is generally a safe city to visit. However, visitors should take necessary precautions such as keeping their belongings close and avoid going to unfamiliar areas at night.

Health in Besançon

Besançon has few healthcare facilities with highly trained professionals. Visitors should have a comprehensive medical insurance policy before traveling to the city.

Getting to Besançon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can reach Besançon by air, train, bus or car.

Airports Near Besançon

The closest airport to Besançon is the EuroAirport (EAP) in Mulhouse. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to reach Besançon.

Bus Stations Near Besançon

The main bus station in Besançon is the Gare de Besançon-Viotte.

Other Options

Besançon has excellent connectivity through trains. Visitors can take the TGV from Paris and reach Besançon in under three hours.

How to Get Around in Besançon

There are several transportation options to explore Besançon. Visitors can ride local buses, rent a bike, or even drive a car.

Where to Go Next from Besançon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Besançon is a great base from which to explore eastern France, particularly the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Visitors may explore Dole, Arbois, Montbéliard or Dijon during day trips.

Conclusion

Besançon has something to offer for everyone, from its vibrant culture to its natural beauty. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide, and indulge in the region’s rich history, cuisine, and customs. Wherever you go, you are sure to be enthralled and entertained in Besancon, France.

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