The Ultimate Long Weekend in Besançon, France

Explore the timeless charm of Besançon, France's hidden gem.

03 May 2023

As a tourist in Besançon, France, travelers can explore the charming Old Town with its vibrant cafes, museums, and shops. The city also offers stunning views of the Doubs river from the historic citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Must-see attractions include the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology and the Astronomical Clock at the Cathedral of St. John.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Historical Wonders of Besançon

  • Hotel: Hotel de Paris
  • Start your day with a visit to the stunning Besançon Cathedral, with its Romanesque and Gothic-style architecture.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of La Boucle, the historic district filled with museums and art galleries.
  • Check out the fascinating Musée du Temps, a museum dedicated to the history of timekeeping and clocks.
  • Visit the Citadelle de Besançon, a massive fortress that was built in the 17th century to protect Besançon.
  • Head to the beautiful Parc Micaud, a lush green space with stunning views of the Doubs River and the city.
  • Food options:
  • Grab a croissant at Café Leffe for breakfast.
  • Try some traditional French cuisine at Le Poker d'As for lunch.
  • End your day with dinner at L'Epicerie Comtoise, a cozy bistro specializing in local dishes.
Day 2

Nature and Adventure in Besançon

  • Start your day with a hike in the Jardins de l'Arquebuse, a beautiful park with pristine gardens and a zoo.
  • Visit the Grotte d'Osselle, an amazing underground cave network filled with stunning rock formations.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride on the Doubs River and enjoy the stunning scenery.
  • Visit the charming village of Ornans, located just a short drive from Besançon, and explore its quaint streets and beautiful countryside.
  • End your day with a glass of wine at Les Capucins, a cozy wine bar in the heart of Besançon.
  • Food options:
  • Grab a famous croissant and coffee at Patisserie Corderie for breakfast.
  • Have a picnic in the park with a sandwich from Bistro de l'Horloge for lunch.
  • Try some delicious seafood at Au P'tit Comptoir for dinner.
  • Enjoy your time in Besançon!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Besançon by plane is to fly into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in Switzerland, which is about an hour and a half away by car or train. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the city center of Besançon.

Car

The best way to get to Besançon by car is to follow the A36 motorway from Mulhouse or Dijon. The journey takes about 2 hours from Mulhouse and 1.5 hours from Dijon, depending on traffic. There are several parking options in the city center, including underground car parks and on-street parking.

Train

The best way to get to Besançon by train is to take a high-speed TGV train from Paris. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and the train arrives at Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station, which is about 11 kilometers east of the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or a local train to get to your final destination.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Besançon by boat, but you can take a boat tour along the Doubs River. These tours operate from April to October and depart from various cities in the region, including Dole and Besançon. The tours offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and some even include stops at local wineries and restaurants.

Bus

The best way to get to Besançon by bus is to take one of the long-distance bus services that connect major cities in France. There are several bus companies that offer services to Besançon, including Flixbus and Ouibus. These buses arrive at Besançon Bus Station, which is located in the city center and within walking distance of many attractions and hotels.

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