Besançon Bonanza: Your Ultimate Family Day Trip

Discover history, beauty, and family fun in Besançon, France!

19 July 2023

Besançon, France, offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the beautiful 17th-century Vauban Citadel and enjoy interactive exhibits at the Museum of Time. The city's surrounding scenic landscapes also provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnic spots along the Doubs River.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Besançon: A Whirlwind Adventure

  • Start your adventure with a visit to the impressive Besançon Citadel, an ancient fortress guarding the city for centuries.
  • Hop on a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Doubs River, admiring the picturesque scenery and listening to local legends.
  • Time for a quick lunch break at Les Leçons Gourmandes, a charming family-friendly creperie where you can indulge in delicious galettes.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, where captivating exhibits tell the tales of bravery and survival.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, wandering down narrow cobblestone streets and discovering intricate Renaissance architecture.
  • End the day at Le Petit Grill de la Madeleine, a cozy restaurant serving mouthwatering French cuisine. Don't miss their decadent chocolate mousse for dessert!

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

More travel plans

Family Fun in Besançon: Exploring the Charms!

Besançon, France is a perfect destination for a family friendly trip with its charming atmosphere and abundance of activities for all ages. Explore the impressive Fort de Besançon, offering stunning views of the city, or visit the interactive Museum of Time for a fun and educational experience. Take a leisurely boat ride along the peaceful Doubs river, or enjoy a picnic in one of the many beautiful parks, making Besançon an ideal destination for family bonding and creating lasting memories.

Budget-Friendly Charm: A Day in Besançon

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.

Unleash the Fun in Besançon: A 4-Day Budget Guide!

Besançon, located in eastern France, offers a rich history and stunning architecture for those on a limited budget. Travelers can explore the historic Old Town, visit the impressive citadel, or cycle along the Doubs river. Affordable accommodation options can be found in hostels or budget hotels, and delicious French cuisine can be enjoyed at local cafés and markets.

Besançon Bonanza: Your Ultimate Family Day Trip

Besançon, France, offers a perfect family-friendly getaway with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the beautiful 17th-century Vauban Citadel and enjoy interactive exhibits at the Museum of Time. The city's surrounding scenic landscapes also provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnic spots along the Doubs River.