Map of Besancon, France

🏞️ What to do in Besancon

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Besancon with a variety of engaging activities that cater to every budget.

• Best Budget Activity in Besancon:

  Citadel of Besancon: Explore the Citadel for free or with a small entry fee and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Besancon:

  Boat Cruise on the Doubs River: Embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Doubs River to admire the scenic beauty of Besancon from a different perspective.

• Best Luxury Activity in Besancon:

  Micropolis Insectarium: Delve into the fascinating world of insects and biodiversity at Micropolis, an interactive museum perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.

🍽️ Where to eat in Besancon

Indulge in the culinary delights of Besancon, known for its rich gastronomic heritage and local specialties such as Comté cheese and saucisse de Montbéliard.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Besancon:

  Le Cèdre•$-$$:

  Lebanese cuisine with flavorful mezze platters.

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Besancon:

  Le Poker d'As•$$-$$$:

  French bistro classics with a modern twist.

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Besancon:

  Château de la Dame Blanche•$$$$:

  Fine dining French cuisine in a historic castle setting.

• Best Budget Bar in Besancon:

  Le Café des Artistes•$:

  Enjoy a delightful glass of local wine with a cheese platter.

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Besancon:

  Les 3 Singes•$$-$$$:

  Sip on craft cocktails and sample their delicious tapas selection.

• Best Luxury Bar in Besancon:

  Le Taillevent•$$$$:

  Treat yourself to a glass of champagne and exquisite canapés.

🏰 What to see in Besancon

Discover the captivating landmarks that make Besancon a treasure trove of history and culture begging to be explored.

• Citadel of Besancon

  A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views of the city, featuring museums, a zoo, and a botanical garden within its walls.

• Besancon Cathedral

  A magnificent Gothic cathedral showcasing exquisite architecture and a unique astronomical clock.

• Vauban's Fortifications

  Impressive defensive walls and fortifications built by military engineer Vauban, providing a glimpse into Besancon's military past.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie

  An art and archaeology museum housed in a former royal residence, displaying a diverse collection of works from different periods.

• Astronomical Observatory of Besancon

  A renowned observatory known for its research and astronomical clock, offering insights into the wonders of the universe.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Besancon

Explore the diverse shopping scene of Besancon, offering everything from local boutiques to upscale designer stores for a unique retail therapy experience.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Besancon:

  Les Passages Pasteur: A bustling shopping center with a variety of stores offering budget-friendly clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Besancon:

  Rue Bersot: A charming street lined with boutique shops, vintage stores, and specialty shops, ideal for finding stylish and unique items at reasonable prices.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Besancon:

  Centre Commercial Chateaufarine: An upscale shopping mall housing luxury brands, designer boutiques, and premium department stores for a lavish shopping experience.

🚌 Getting Around Besancon

• Public Transport

  Besancon offers a well-connected public transportation system, primarily consisting of buses and trams. The main bus operator in the city is Ginko, which operates a network of buses covering most areas in Besancon. The fare for a single journey is around 1.50 euros, and day passes are available for approximately 4 euros. The buses generally run from early morning until late evening, with schedules varying on weekends and holidays.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Besancon is served by two main train stations, Gare de Besancon-Viotte and Gare de Besancon Franche-Comte TGV, offering connections to major cities in France. The bus terminal in Besancon is located near the city center, making it convenient for travelers to access various bus routes. The nearest airport for domestic and international flights is Dole-Jura Airport, approximately 70 km away.

• 🚗 Car Rental Services

  Visitors to Besancon can easily rent cars from reputable providers such as Europcar and Hertz. Prices for car rentals start from around 30 euros per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.