Bite-sized Besançon: Exploring on a budget

Explore the charming city of Besançon without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Besançon, located in eastern France, is a charming city steeped in history and culture. Visitors on a limited budget can enjoy the numerous free attractions including the Citadel, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the charming old town. Affordable accommodations can be found in the form of hostels and budget hotels, and visitors can also sample delicious local cuisine at affordable prices.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the history of Besançon

  • Start with a visit to the Citadel, a 17th-century fortress converted into a museum
  • Walk through the charming Old Town, taking in the beautiful architecture and narrow streets
  • Stop for lunch at Café du Palais, a cozy bistro with traditional French cuisine
  • Learn about Besançon's watchmaking heritage at the Musée du Temps
  • Admire the stunning astronomical clock at the Cathédrale Saint-Jean
  • Relax by the river with a cocktail at Guinguette Le Moulin
Day 2

Natural wonders and local flavor

  • Take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Montfaucon and enjoy panoramic views of Besançon
  • Visit the Museum of Natural History and discover the flora and fauna of the region
  • Grab a cheap lunch at Les Croustillons de Julia, a street food stand serving delicious fried dough
  • Wander through the peaceful rose gardens at the Jardin Botanique de la Bouloie
  • Try a glass of the local wine, Vin Jaune, at Caveau des Byards
  • Indulge in a sweet treat from La Llotte, a bakery known for its delicious macarons and chocolates
  • As for accommodation, the Ibis Budget Besançon Centre is a great option for those on a budget. Located in the heart of the city, it offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Don't miss the chance to explore this charming French city and all it has to offer!

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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