3-Day Besançon Adventure: History, Nature & Art

Discover the historic charm of Besançon, where the past meets the present.

22 April 2023

Besançon is a charming city nestled in eastern France that is rich in both history and architecture. Visitors can explore the city's impressive fortifications, wander through the quaint Old Town, and take in stunning panoramic views from the top of the Citadelle. Foodies will also love trying the local gastronomic specialties, such as Comté cheese and Vin Jaune.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Historic Besançon

  • Hotel recommendation: Hôtel de Paris
  • Start your day by exploring the grand Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses several museums and exhibitions.
  • Take a stroll through the charming Old Town and admire the Gothic Cathedral and the picturesque street art.
  • Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology to discover ancient Roman artifacts and unique contemporary art pieces.
  • Take in panoramic views of the city from the top of the St.-Jean Cathedral tower.
  • Savor traditional Franche-Comte specialties at the cozy Chez Gio restaurant, known for its delicious fondues and charcuterie boards.
Day 2

Nature and Adventure

  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel ibis Besançon Centre Ville
  • Experience the natural beauty of Besançon with a scenic bike ride along the Doubs River or through the lush Parc Micaud.
  • Head to the Forêt de Chailluz for a refreshing hike and some birdwatching.
  • Visit the Canoë Kayak Club to rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide down the river.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a treetop adventure at the Tree Climbing Park.
  • Enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the stunning landscapes of Tarragnoz, surrounded by forests and waterfalls.
Day 3

Local Culture and Art

  • Hotel recommendation: Hôtel Mercure Besançon Parc Micaud
  • Start the day with a visit to the iconic Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie, housed in a 17th-century palace.
  • Stroll through the picturesque streets of Battant and discover local boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
  • Explore the fascinating world of watchmaking at the Museum of Time and Timekeeping.
  • Learn about the city's rich history at the Museum of Resistance and Deportation, a poignant tribute to the WWII resistance fighters.
  • Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at the Michelin-starred La Table de Suzanne, serving exquisite cuisine inspired by local flavors.

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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