Access and Tourism > Tourism

With it’s strategic location in a curve of the Doubs river (the « Boucle »), at the crossing of two major european traderoutes (southwestern Europe – Germany, northwestern Europe – Italy through Switzerland), Besançon, at all times in history, has always been associated to the entire European community. The Celtic fortified town of Vesontio became with the Roman Empire the capital city of the Provincia Maxima Sequanorum, later known as the Free County of Burgundy during the Middle-Ages (approximately today’s Franche-Comté). City of arts and history, preserved from the vagaries of the history, as by a miracle, Besançon is not a city like the others. Those who discover it for the first time go from surprise to enthusiasm. Amazed at not having known all the interest and all the beauty of it earlier.

Walking through the streets, open the doors of its secret gardens, cool off at its fountains, walk in the footsteps of Julien Sorel, Mallarmé, Balzac or the Lumière brothers, pushing the door formerly crossed by Lieutenant Bonaparte and dreaming to cross the dangerous links of Choderlos de Laclos, Besançon, that's all, all to both, and much more ...

A magisterial site where the vast meander of a river, unique in Europe for its size and the perfection of its layout, is the first and grandiose image, which encloses the city encircled by Vauban fortifications classified as World Heritage Site. Unesco in a sea of greenery. This is the impression that we must remember.

In this opulent nature, thousands of houses, churches and monuments crowd against one another, creating a totally preserved urban ensemble and telling the story of the lives of men settled here for almost 3000 years.

The visitor seduced and eager to continue his stay bisontin can escape a few hours to go to discover the royal saltworks of Arc-et-Senans and Salins-les-Bains saline listed as World Heritage by Unesco.

Here are some activities and tips to visit Besançon:

• Museum Beaux-Arts (Courbet, Bronzino, Bellini, Goya)  www.mbaa.besancon.fr
• Citadel Vauban http://www.citadelle.com/en/
• Hike around the city (Monts Chaudanne et Bregille http://www.besancon.fr/index.php?p=1179)
• Time Museum http://www.mdt.besancon.fr/