Escape to Romantic Besançon: 4-Day Getaway Guide

Falling in love with the charm of Besançon, one kiss at a time.

22 April 2023

Besançon, in eastern France, is a picturesque and romantic getaway with its winding streets and hilltop fortress. Couples can stroll along the banks of the Doubs River, take a romantic boat ride or visit the stunning Besançon Cathedral. They may also enjoy sampling the local cuisine and wine at the many charming restaurants in the area.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival

  • Check in at La Villa Molina, a charming hotel located in the heart of the city
  • Take a stroll through the historic center of Besançon and discover its rich history
  • Visit the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the stunning views of the city and its surroundings from the ramparts
  • Indulge in some local specialties at Le Refuge, a cozy restaurant offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist
  • Attend a concert or a play at the Kursaal, a beautiful theater dating back to the 19th century
Day 2

Culture and Art

  • Start your day with a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie, which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century
  • Head to the Musée du Temps, a unique museum dedicated to the measurement of time, and marvel at its outstanding collections of clocks and watches
  • Discover the works of Victor Hugo and other famous writers at the Maison natale de Victor Hugo, the birthplace of the celebrated author
  • Enjoy a cup of tea and some homemade pastries at Les Quatre Saisons, a picturesque tea room located in a charming courtyard
  • End your day with a romantic dinner at Le Bistronome, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its inventive cuisine and exquisite flavors
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Escape the city and go for a hike in the beautiful Jura Mountains, located just a few miles from Besançon
  • Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool of the Parc Micaud, a lovely park where you can also admire some outdoor art installations
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch in the peaceful Parc des Chaprais, a green oasis in the heart of the city
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a facial at the Spa Institut Beaute Sens, a luxurious spa offering a wide range of treatments
  • Have dinner at La Taverne du Brésil, a lively restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious Brazilian specialties and dance to some samba beats
Day 4

Shopping and Souvenirs

  • Go shopping for some souvenirs at the Marché Beaux-Arts et Antiquités, a vibrant flea market where you can find some hidden gems
  • Visit the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, a touching museum dedicated to the French Resistance and the Holocaust
  • Take a stroll in the picturesque medieval streets of the Battant district and admire the colorful houses and quaint artisan shops
  • Have lunch at La Table de Suzanne, a charming bistro offering some delightful French classics
  • Say goodbye to Besançon with a glass of wine and a delicious cheese platter at Le Comptoir des Tontons, a trendy bar known for its excellent selection of wines and friendly atmosphere.

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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