Things To Do
in Besançon
Besançon is a historic city in eastern France perched along the Doubs River. It is the capital of the Doubs department and a center of watchmaking and Franche-Comté culture. The city combines Baroque architecture, a picturesque old town, and the hilltop Citadelle that overlooks the valley.
Visitors can explore world-class museums, enjoy green spaces, and venture into nearby Jura landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers stunning views of the city. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and the aroma of French coffee. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture and quaint shops.
After lunch, head to the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology, where you can discover a rich collection of art and artifacts. Spend some time walking along the Doubs River, taking in the picturesque scenery and perhaps doing a little people-watching. As the afternoon winds down, visit the local market to sample some regional specialties and fresh produce.
For dinner, indulge in traditional Franche-Comté cuisine at a cozy bistro, trying local delicacies like Comté cheese and saucisse de Montbéliard. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, where the city is beautifully illuminated at night. Cap off your evening with a nightcap at a local wine bar, enjoying a glass of regional wine as you reflect on your day.
Start your day at the Time Museum, dedicated to the history of horology, where you can marvel at intricate timepieces from different eras. Following your visit, enjoy a brunch at a nearby café, sampling crêpes and local cheeses. Take a moment to explore the nearby streets, filled with artisan shops showcasing handmade crafts.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Resistance and Deportation to learn about the region's history during World War II. The exhibits are both moving and educational, providing insight into the resilience of the local community. Afterward, unwind at a nearby park, soaking in the greenery and perhaps enjoying a book or a leisurely walk.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional French restaurant for a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. Experience the warmth of French hospitality as you engage in conversations with locals. After dinner, consider attending a performance at the Besançon Theatre, where you can enjoy everything from classical music to contemporary plays.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-6 |
| 🥐Bakery breakfast | $2-5 |
| 🚆1-month public transit pass | $60-70 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich UNESCO-listed heritage and hilltop views
- Excellent regional cuisine and cheese (Comté)
- Compact, walkable historic center with green spaces
- Accessible day trips to Jura mountains and Doubs landscapes
- Small-city nightlife compared with larger French towns
- Some hills and cobblestones can be challenging for mobility
- Less English-speaking infrastructure in some areas
- Seasonal tourist crowds in peak summer and market days
- "Bonjour" - Hello (formal daytime greeting)
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est…?" - Where is…?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Besançon
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the Doubs valley, perfect for dramatic city-scapes and sunset shots.
A striking Gothic façade and luminous interiors; great for architectural photography and stained glass details.
Historic bridges and river reflections along the old town, ideal for golden hour river photography.
Rimmed viewpoints along the curved old town paths offering panoramic city and river perspectives.
Character-filled streets with pastel façades, cafés, and daily life scenes to capture local atmosphere.
Food in Besançon
Besançon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicken braised with vin jaune and morel mushrooms, a signature dish of the Franche-Comté region.
Must-Try!
A traditional braise featuring vin jaune, typically with mushrooms and onions; a regional classic.
A custard tart topped with a dusting of sugar, a beloved regional dessert.
Earthy sausage from the nearby Montbéliard area, often served with potatoes or lentils.
Aged Comté cheese presented on a board or melted into local dishes; pair with a glass of Vin Jaune when possible.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daily market offering cheeses, charcuterie, fresh produce, bread, and regional specialties.
Casual stalls and food trucks along the river offering crepes, sandwiches, and light bites with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say bonjour or bonsoir to start interactions; address people as Monsieur/Madame until invited to use first names.
Maintain a calm tone in cafes and museums; avoid loud conversations on public transit.
Keep hands on the table (not on elbows) and use polite table manners; tipping is customary but not obligatory if service is included.
Safety
Tipping in Besançon
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is included in many restaurants, but a small tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated if not included. Cash and cards are widely accepted.
Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted; small vendors and markets often take cash. Contactless payment is popular, and some places may prefer cash for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with sunshine and occasional showers; long daylight hours make outdoor exploring easy. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings near the river.
Mild to cool temperatures; foliage turns golden around the hillside viewpoints. Perfect for city walks and markets, with harvest-time dishes on offer.
Cold and sometimes snowy; festive lights and winter markets appear in the historic center. Dress in layers and plan indoor museum visits as well as outdoor strolls.
Crisp air and blooming trees; great for outdoor strolls, park visits, and early-season markets. Rain is possible, so bring a compact umbrella.
Besançon at Night
Hiking in Besançon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of trails through wooded terrain with scenic overlooks near Besançon.
Gentle to moderate hikes along the Doubs with river views and quaint villages.
A bit farther afield, these trails offer dramatic gorge scenery and dramatic limestone landscapes.
High-elevation routes in the Jura mountains for more challenging day hikes and dramatic panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Besançon by plane.
Approximately 50–60 minutes by car; serves regional flights and connections.
About 1.5–2 hours by car; major international hub for the region.
Approx. 2 hours by car; smaller airport with limited destinations.
Around 2.5–3 hours by car or train; international gateway for western Switzerland and nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population due to the University of Franche-Comté; vibrant youth culture and affordable dining options.
Residential neighborhoods with good schools and parks; strong emphasis on cultural and outdoor activities.
Long-standing residents and retirees contribute to a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and matches are popular among residents and students.
Road cycling and mountain biking around the Doubs and Jura regions are widely enjoyed.
Nearby Jura slopes offer accessible skiing and snow activities in winter.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Besançon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Besançon. Look for dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, eggs, dairy, and mushrooms like morilles; many restaurants can adapt meat-based recipes into vegetarian versions on request.