Unleash the Fun in Besançon: A 4-Day Budget Guide!

Discover the charms of Besançon without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Besançon, located in eastern France, offers a rich history and stunning architecture for those on a limited budget. Travelers can explore the historic Old Town, visit the impressive citadel, or cycle along the Doubs river. Affordable accommodation options can be found in hostels or budget hotels, and delicious French cuisine can be enjoyed at local cafés and markets.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting to Know Besançon

  • Stay at Hotel Bristol, a historic hotel with a modern touch. It's budget-friendly and centrally located.
  • Explore the historic center of Besançon. Visit the beautiful Cathedral Saint-Jean and the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology.
  • Take a walk around the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river Doubs.
  • Visit the Musée du Temps, a clock museum that tells the history of timekeeping. The exhibition is interactive and fun.
  • End the day at Brasserie du Commerce, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. Try the escargots and a glass of Bourgogne wine.
Day 2

Exploring the Surroundings

  • Take a day trip to the Saline Royale, a former saltworks turned into an impressive architectural complex, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Stop at the small village of Arbois, known for its wines and cheese. Visit the Maison Pasteur, the birthplace of the famous biologist Louis Pasteur.
  • Have lunch at Les Fils à Maman, a quirky restaurant serving nostalgic comfort food. Try the beef stew and the Oreo milkshake.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Château de Joux, a fortress built in the Middle Ages. It's a scenic and adventurous drive from Besançon to the castle.
  • Have dinner at Le Bistrot de la Place, a charming bistro with an outdoor terrace. Try the steak with Roquefort sauce and a glass of Côtes du Jura wine.
Day 3

Outdoor Activities

  • Rent a bike and explore the bike path along the river Doubs. It's a scenic and easy ride, with picturesque towns and villages along the way.
  • Stop at the Grotte d'Osselle, a cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Take a guided tour and learn about the geological history of the cave.
  • Have a picnic at the Parc Micaud, a lush park with a lake, a playground, and a mini-golf course. Relax and enjoy the local croissants and cheese.
  • In the evening, watch a movie at the Cinéma Mégarama, a modern multiplex with comfy seats and a wide selection of films.
  • Have dinner at Le Vinaigrier, a trendy restaurant with a Mediterranean vibe. Try the grilled octopus and a glass of Côtes de Provence wine.
Day 4

Besançon's Hidden Gems

  • Visit the Musée Comtois, a museum dedicated to the local culture and traditions. Explore the recreated traditional houses and the regional costumes.
  • Take a boat tour on the river Doubs. Enjoy the breeze and the views of the city from a different perspective.
  • Have lunch at Le Zinc, a cozy bistro with a daily menu of fresh and seasonal dishes. Try the salmon tartare and a glass of Crémant.
  • Visit the Ecole de la Rodia, a cultural center promoting contemporary arts. Check out the exhibitions and events happening during your stay.
  • Have a farewell drink at Café Leffe, a popular bar with a large selection of Belgian beers. Raise a glass to the beautiful city of Besançon and its hidden gems.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Besançon

Looking for a place with a famous citadel, a rich history, and a healthy obsession with cheese? Look no further than the city of Besançon - locals say it's all the things Paris wishes it could be, but with fewer tourists and more cows.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Besançon is a charming city in the east of France that draws visitors in with its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Tourists can explore the historic Citadel, take in the views from the scenic Doubs River, or admire the city's impressive architecture, including the Cathedral of St. Jean. With excellent cuisine and plenty of cultural events, Besançon is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic French experience.