The Ultimate 1-Day Stag Do in Besançon
Experience the ultimate French stag do in Besançon!
22 April 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Besançon, a city in eastern France, would make a great destination for a stag do. The city is known for its rich history, food, and nightlife. There are plenty of activities to keep a group of guys entertained, like exploring the museums and old fortifications, dining at local restaurants, and partying late into the night.
Day trip plan
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- Start with a hearty French breakfast at Café Leffe try the croissants and cappuccino to fuel up.
- Head to the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the fortifications, museums, and zoo.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the Jardin Zoologique where you can spot animals such as lions, tigers, and flamingos.
- Walk across the Pont Battant bridge and explore the quaint neighborhoods on the other side of the river, stopping for a quick drink at La Bodeguita del Diablo on Rue de la République.
- End the day with a lively dinner at Le Cochon Blanc, known for its tender pork dishes and extensive wine list. Don't forget to try the local specialty, Comté cheese, with a glass of Pinot Noir.
- Besançon may not seem like the most obvious stag do destination, but this charming French town has a lot to offer. From historic landmarks to delicious food and drinks, a day in Besançon is sure to be memorable for the groom-to-be and his friends. As long as you pace yourself and take breaks when needed, this is a great spot for a unique and fun stag do.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.