5 Days of Romance in Charming Besançon

Fall in love with Besançon, France- where romance and history collide.

22 April 2023

Besançon is a charming city in eastern France that offers a perfect setting for a romantic getaway. You can explore the city's cobbled streets, ancient fortifications and beautiful parks. There are also plenty of cozy cafes, restaurants and bars that serve delicious French cuisine and wine.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Besançon:

  • Check into La Villa Molina, a charming hotel with a romantic ambience
  • Explore the historical center of Besançon, wandering through narrow alleys and admiring colorful buildings
  • Visit the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the city skyline
  • Walk along the Doubs river and take in the beautiful views
  • Enjoy dinner at La Table de Gustave, a cozy restaurant with delicious local cuisine
Day 2

Discovering Besançon's Art Scene:

  • Start the day with a croissant and coffee at Café des Arts, a bohemian café with a vintage vibe
  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses paintings and sculptures from various European artists
  • Check out the Street Art Tour, a self-guided walking tour of the city's graffiti and murals
  • Stop by the Gallerie Pascal Gabert, a contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists
  • Grab dinner at Le Bistrot de l'Ecole, a cozy spot serving classic French dishes
Day 3

A Day in Wine Country:

  • Take a day trip to the Jura wine region, famous for its unique and delicious wines
  • Visit Domaine Rolet Père et Fils for a wine tasting and tour of the vineyard
  • Explore the charming village of Arbois, known for its beautiful architecture and delicious food
  • Try the local specialties, such as Comté cheese, Morbier cheese and Tarte Tatin
  • Return to Besançon for a relaxing evening at La Villa Molina
Day 4

Exploring the Great Outdoors:

  • Start the day with coffee and pastries at Le Petit Café du Coin, a cozy café with a rustic charm
  • Take a hike in the nearby mountains, such as the Montagne de Bregille, for stunning views of the city and the countryside
  • Rent a bike and cycle along the EuroVelo 6, a popular cycling route that passes through Besançon
  • Take a paddleboat ride on the Doubs river and enjoy the beautiful scenery
  • Savor a cozy dinner at Le DZ'Envies, a restaurant specializing in local and seasonal ingredients
Day 5

Unwinding and Departing:

  • Spend a lazy morning at La Villa Molina, soaking in the tranquility of the garden and enjoying a leisurely breakfast
  • Visit the Musée du Temps, a museum dedicated to timekeeping and horology
  • Shopping for souvenirs at the local markets and boutiques
  • Have a farewell dinner at Les Tontons Flingueurs, a retro-themed restaurant with delicious cocktails and French cuisine
  • Return to La Villa Molina, reminiscing over your Besançon adventures, and looking forward to your next 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.

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