Budget-Friendly Charm: A Day in Besançon

Experience the charm of Besançon without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Besançon, located in eastern France, offers a charming and affordable destination for budget travelers. Visitors can explore the city's rich history by visiting the Citadel and numerous museums, or relax in the lush parks and gardens. Accommodation options include budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, while delicious French cuisine can be enjoyed at local markets and affordable cafes.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A charming day in Besançon

  • Besançon is a charming city in eastern France, filled with cobblestone streets, archaic buildings, and fun activities for all ages. Here's how to spend one day here without breaking the bank.
  • Begin at the citadel to admire the view over the city
  • Visit the popular Musée du Temps an interactive museum of time and astronomy
  • Enjoy lunch at Le Petit Faucheux, a cozy bistro serving tasty French cuisine
  • Stroll through the Jardin botanique de Besançon a free botanical garden with over 6,000 plants
  • Stop by Place Granvelle to watch the world go by, then visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean to soak in some history and culture
  • Finish your day with a leisurely walk along the River Doubs, the perfect end to a wonderful day.
  • Besançon may be small, but it packs a mighty punch. You'll leave feeling surprisingly refreshed and will want to come back for more!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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