Top 6 things to do in Besançon

Visiting Besançon? What a wonderful idea! This small town in the east of France, close to the Swiss border, has more than one trick up its sleeve, and has plenty of monuments, sites and activities to do.

If you’re looking for a place to wander around, away from the crowds and the sometimes complicated and tiring routine of city life, you’ve come to the right place. Besançon has a way of winning visitors over with just a glance. Its tranquillity, peace and quiet have a lot to do with it. It’s the perfect place to retreat to for a short break, take a breath of fresh air, and let things flow as they will.

What to do in Besançon

1. Saint-Jean Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: How about starting off with a monument you won’t see anywhere else? The mother church of the diocese, Saint-Jean cathedral is the very emblem of the city of Besançon and commands respect. A visit here will plunge you into a world inspired by both Gothic and Baroque art. Built in the 3rd century, the legendary bishop’s seat known as the “cathedra” stands in the middle of the building, symbolising the just authority that the bishop exercises over the diocese. One of the cathedral’s main attractions is, of course, the astronomical clock that stands proudly on its walls. Hearing the sound of the hands ticking on the dial is a most pleasant experience, while enjoying the silence all around. Open every day from 9am to 6pm, Saint-Jean cathedral is located in rue 9 de la Convention.

2. The Quai Vauban

Category: Sports

Description: Close to the Place du Marché, the Quai Vauban makes for a pleasant stroll. Without leaving Besançon, as you are still in the city centre, why not take a short break from visiting the various monuments and spend some time with the family on a picturesque stroll? We strongly recommend that you go there just before nightfall to enjoy an ice cream. The air is cooler, of course, but it’s also the time when the sun takes its leave of us for a few hours to make way for the soft moon. A particularly magnificent sight! You and your children can cycle along the quayside, play cards, rollerblade or go for an evening jog. This rampart, with its stone facades facing the sea and its pedestrian street feel, stretches for almost 600 metres, so you’ll be as happy as a fish in water!

3. The Besançon Citadel

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: This UNESCO World Heritage Site turns a lot of heads when it comes into view! Don’t hesitate to get up high and almost fly away as you overlook the city. The Besançon Citadelle is certainly THE must-see monument in the region. At the same time, it’s considered by many to be the most beautiful citadel in France – that’s saying something! Built at least three centuries ago by the famous Vauban, we’d advise you to put on your trainers and drink plenty of water, as you’ll have to climb 120 metres to get there. But believe us, it’s worth it! With ramparts easily reaching 600 metres, it’s a place that looks intimidating at first glance. But once you’re there, it offers some of the best views you’ll ever see. Located around 99 rue des “fusillés de la Résistance”, it is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

4. Château de Joux

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Feeling like royalty? Perfect, because we’re offering you the chance to visit a royal setting, the Château de Joux, a pure architectural gem. Spread over two huge hectares, it’s one of Besançon’s most sacred monuments, and every year large numbers of curious visitors enter and leave with stars in their eyes. Once a state prison, the site has seen many famous figures from French history pass through its doors, including Mirabeau. The site, forged with strength and rigour, is surrounded by greenery, giving it the air of an adventure film. A thousand years of history and memories are told through these walls on a guided tour lasting around 1 hour 15 minutes! Château de Joux is open from 10am and is located in La-Cluse-Et-Mijoux. Enjoy your visit!

5. Take a stroll down the street and sample a local speciality

Category: €€/Gastronomic/ Cultural

Description: Fancy a family shopping day? Visiting Besançon also means taking the time to explore the neighbourhoods, taste the fresh produce from the market, sip a lemonade on a terrace… So many great things to do! You’ll also have the perfect opportunity to sample the cheeses and sausages for which the town is famous, in a cosy restaurant serving Comtois specialities. What’s more, the town is very easy to get around on foot. In fact, it’s not like in the big cities, where you can get run over at any moment. Here in Besançon, the streets are relatively safe, and the pedestrianised streets in particular are very pleasant at the end of the day as the sun gradually begins to fade. Enjoy the walk!

6. The Black Gate

Category: Cultural/ Unusual

Description: Also known as the “Arc de Triomphe”, the Porte Noire was built in the 2nd century. It is one of the oldest monuments in the city, on the south side, right at the point where Rome meets Vesontio. Interesting, isn’t it? A walk around it should be sensational! At 16 metres high, this Gallo-Roman building was used for the great triumphal ceremonies when the Roman emperors marched with their armies as a symbol of victory. On the inside, you can admire a majestic representation of a battle between Barbarians and Roman infantrymen. It would be a shame not to keep a souvenir of this unique and original monument. Located at 3 Rue de la Convention, a stroll around this monument is one of the best things to do in Besançon.