Nestled in a bend of the Doubs, Besançon combines a UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel, an old town with Renaissance façades and a watchmaking heritage, in a green setting ringed by seven hills. Here are the places not to miss.
Looking for things to do in Besançon, places to visit near Besançon or an idea for a day out this weekend? Here is a selection of the finest sights to see, all explorable directly on the interactive map.
Open Besançon on the interactive mapDesigned by Vauban in the 17th century, this citadel rises 118 metres above the city and unfolds nearly 600 metres of ramparts around an 11-hectare park, with three museums to discover.
See on the map →At the foot of the citadel, this cathedral houses a remarkable astronomical clock with multiple dials and automata, a testament to local watchmaking skill.
See on the map →On the very spot where the writer was born in 1802, this house brings to life the great moments of his life and literary work.
See on the map →Founded in 1694, this museum holds the oldest public collection in France, bringing together paintings, antiquities and decorative arts.
See on the map →This quay lined with grey-blue façades and arcades, on either side of the Battant bridge, forms one of the finest 18th-century heritage ensembles in France, alongside Nancy.
See on the map →Set in the Granvelle Palace, this museum celebrates the watchmaking know-how that made Besançon famous, the cradle of French watchmaking.
See on the map →This natural meander almost completely encircles the old town, offering lovely walks along its landscaped quays.
See on the map →This university garden holds tropical greenhouses and varied botanical collections, on the edge of the historic centre.
See on the map →Find these places and hundreds more — restaurants, places to stay, activities — on the BornToVisit interactive map. Filter by theme, find things to do around you and plan your outing.
Explore the map of Besançon →