Besancon

Travel Guide
Besancon
Hidden away from the country’s busy tourist hubs, the capital of the district of Franche-Comté has an enthralling citadel and one of the oldest museums in France.

Originally a Roman settlement named Vesontio, the old town of Besançon lies almost totally surrounded by the River Doubs. The new town holds a plethora of fine restaurants and hotels. You will find real cultural and historical gems in old Besançon.

You can’t come to Besançon without making a trip to the grand Citadelle de Besançon. This 17th-century citadel was designed by military engineer Vauban for King Louis XIV and stands 328 feet (100 meters) above the town. Stroll along the outer ramparts and marvel at panoramic views of the river as it snakes its way through the lush foothills of the Jura Mountains.

Within the walls of the citadel you will find the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation. This is one of the country’s most comprehensive World War II museums and features a vast array of artifacts, documents and photos that vividly depict the role of Besançon during the war. For something to suit younger audiences, check out the Besançon Zoo directly behind the museum. See lions and tigers or head to the insectarium to get close to tarantulas, stick insects and scorpions.

Walk down the hill back to the town or take the frequent bus service that runs between the citadel and the center of Besançon. Here you’ll find the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d’Archéologie. This opened in 1694, making it one of the oldest museums in France. Browse the exhibits to discover rare artifacts including ancient Egyptian mummies and Roman mosaics. Explore the museum further to find paintings by acclaimed artists such as Titian, Rubens and Goya.

You won’t go hungry in Besançon, as the town features a superb range of dining options. Traditional French restaurants are abundant while international cuisine is also available. If you don’t need a full meal, sit in a riverside café in the shadow of the citadel and try the region’s distinctive white wines and cheeses.

Where to stay in Besancon

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Besancon Old Town

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Besancon Old Town include the river views and restaurants. Make a stop by Besancon Cathedral or Besancon Citadel while you're exploring the area.

Besancon Old Town
ibis Styles Besançon
ibis Styles Besançon
3 out of 5
22b Rue De Trey, Besancon, Doubs
The price is $74 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
$74
$85 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Besancon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (970 reviews)
"Excellent service at the front desk. Perfect size room for our family, with a quiet night's sleep."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

ibis Styles Besançon
professional house
professional house
Besançon
The price is $163 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
$163
$312 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this vacation home in Besancon. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Besançon Loop Trail and Micropolis Conference Center are ...
5/10 (4 reviews)
Séjour correct, défauts à revoir
"Nous avons passé un bon séjour une fois sur place. Nous avons apprécié certains matériels à disposition : machine à laver, lave vaisselle, congélateurs, la cuisine spacieuse, ainsi que la terrasse près de la piscine (mais attention quelques lames cassées dangereuses). A revoir : beaucoup de choses ..."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023

professional house
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
3 out of 5
26 Rue Professeur Paul Milleret, Besancon, Doubs
The price is $56 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
$56
$65 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Besancon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Besançon Loop Trail and Micropolis Conference ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (626 reviews)
"Kindness of staff Breakfast was delicious"

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
3 out of 5
26 Rue Professeur Paul Milleret, Besancon, Doubs
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Besancon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Besançon Loop Trail and Micropolis Conference ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (626 reviews)
"Kindness of staff Breakfast was delicious"

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2023

Zenitude Hôtel - Résidences Les Hauts du Chazal
professional house
professional house
Besançon
Stay at this vacation home in Besancon. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Besançon Loop Trail and Micropolis Conference Center are ...
5/10 (4 reviews)
Séjour correct, défauts à revoir
"Nous avons passé un bon séjour une fois sur place. Nous avons apprécié certains matériels à disposition : machine à laver, lave vaisselle, congélateurs, la cuisine spacieuse, ainsi que la terrasse près de la piscine (mais attention quelques lames cassées dangereuses). A revoir : beaucoup de choses ..."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023

professional house
Nice T2 located in the heart of downtown Besançon
Nice T2 located in the heart of downtown Besançon
Besançon
Stay at this apartment in Besancon. Enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology of Besancon and Hotel de Ville ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Appartement "bien" placé
"Nous avons passé un agréable séjour à Besançon, l'appartement est bien placé mais attention il y a des bars juste en dessous qui sont ouverts jusqu'à 2 heures du matin. L'appartement étant au premier étage il faut avoir conscience du fait que ce sera bruyant. À part ça l'appartement est ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023

Nice T2 located in the heart of downtown Besançon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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