Town Travel

Town Things to do in Besancon
Besancon is located on the board of Switzerland in the north-eastern part of France. Plus, it is close to the Doubs River and bounded by Mont Saint-Etienne on the South. The fascinating thing about the town is that it has naturally developed in the meanders that make up the river.
The town has an oceanic climate that is favorable to both locals and visitors. Though a small town, it is beautiful and an upcoming tourist attraction. This means there are a lot of things that you can discover.
This a hidden destination that insists you should visit and explore. If you’re are planning to tour France but still not sure the place to go. Besancon should top your list as one of the place to tour. Let’s look at the things that you should do when in town.
15 things to do in Besancon
Musee de Temps
In this museum, you will be able to learn about the history of the city and how it contributed to the discovery of watches. In the late 18th century Swiss artisans came into the town and turned it to one of the largest watchmaking industry in Europe.
The museum documents the whole process of how the people wanted to measure time. There are various objects that the people used to measure time, they include astronomical clocks, Foucault’s pendulum, hourglasses, antique watches, and sundials. At the museum you will find this artifacts being displayed.
The facility also displays state-of-the-art nanotechnology and the advent of electronic timekeeping. This is from the mid-20th century. There are some of the fantastic discoveries that you will make in the museum.
Musee des Beaux-Arts et d’Archeologie
For art enthusiasts, this is the ideal place to start your tour. The facility showcases manuscripts, medals, books, paintings and busts from the famous scholar Jean-Baptiste Boisot. This was the first donation the museum received and has grown from then. This particular collection has made the museum one of the oldest facilities in France.
Today the collections have been divided into drawings, paintings, and archaeology. There are amazing drawings from famous artists such as Rembrandt, Matissee, Rubens, Durer, and Delacroix. These are masterpieces that you must feast your eyes on. On the other hand, the museum has a section that displays fine art from Breughel the Elder, Renoir, Titian, Bellini, just to name a few.

Victor Hugo’s Birthplace
This is the apartment where the famous humanist Victor Hugo was born. He was born in the palace in 1802. His father, on the other had was a military officer, who stationed in Besancon before being transferred to Marseille. He later moved with his family to the new post in Marseille.
Later in 2013, the apartment was converted to become a museum. This saw the ground floor being restored at it was in the 19th century. This was back when Jacques de Besancon, a pharmacist, lived on the floor.
At the facility, you will find some of Hugo’s possessions still intact. The walls are modified to have his memorable quotes written on them. A visit to the museum gives you a chance to learn how Jacques and Hugos lived.
Maisons Comtoises de Nancray
It is an outdoor museum which seats on a 15 hectares piece of land. At the museum, there are timber buildings that were constructed in the 1600s. The timber was removed from demolished houses and brought to rebuild the museum.
There is also a weaver workshop where you can pick one or two tips about this particular profession. The granary and bakery are also part of the place that you should visit in the facility. This shows you how the people in the countryside live.
For the children, there is an animal farm where they can head to and learn about the regional breeds. This makes it a fun place to bring your family during a vacation in Besancon.
Besancon Cathedral
This is an iconic building that should be in your list of places to visit in Besancon. The cathedral is an arresting jumble of styles that makes it unique. It also has two choirs, which are a choir and a counter choir. This particular feature is usually seen in Rhenish architecture; that is what makes the church unique from the rest.
When it comes to interior décor, you will see the masterful astronomical clock. This is a masterpiece that was committed in the 1850s. The watch was built with the skillful hands of Auguste-Lucien Verite to replace the defective one made a few years back.
It has 30,000 mechanical parts and 70 faces, which measures an array of data such as orbits of planets and eclipses. The clock stands six meters tall in the cathedral and has attracted masses to come and see this magnificent art pieces.
There is also an 11th-century Romanesque altar hewn from the white marble and 30 sumptuous paintings. Also, in the church, some people have been buried, such as sovereign Dukes of Burgundy, among others. Hence tour the cathedral and learn the history behind the walls. It is a peaceful place where the kids will surely enjoy exploring.

Fort De Chaudanne
The fort is located on a neighboring hill beside River Doubs. The view of the town from the hilltop is panoramic. The patterned glaze roofs make the town look more beautiful. The region offers you a perfect spot to have a picnic with your family as well. At the hill, you will find a memorial for the American Soldiers who perished in 1944. Therefore you can start by paying tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Pont et Quartier Battant
It is located in the north of the Boucle. This is at the right bank of the River Doubs. It has more than 30 hectares of the protected stone-built streetscape. In the past, the Pont Battant was the only river crossing the town. This saw different people living around the region and formed around the bridge a suburb. Up the slope was vineyards. Today the bridge gives you a perfect path to stroll in the evening when the sunsets. This helps one to unwind and relax. For couples and newlyweds I would recommend you spend some time at the bridge.
Le Minautore
Are you passionate about sculptures, archaic, or even aesthetic architecture? If so, then you have come to the right place. Le Minautore has anchored right at the foot of Pont Denfert Rochereau Bridge, and at the same time, there is a bronze sculpture fountain monument that is seven meters high. This is the spot to get inspired. Even if you are not into art a visit to the spot you will fall in love with the craftsmanship.
Citadel
The complex was built in the 160s, and it has been crowned UNESCO heritage site. The facility covers 11 hectares, and it is found along Double River. Constructing the Citadel was costly; this is because the gigantic construction can hold up to 10,000 people.
This is an outstanding structure that will blow your mind. It has a lot of things for you to explore, and covering it in one day is impossible. You will need to have two days at most to make a comprehensive tour. The complex has a museum, children farm, botanical garden, and a zoo. This makes it an ideal place to bring your family. The children will enjoy touring the complex.
Eglise Sainte-Madeleine
In the 1700s, the church was falling apart, and this called for a team of experts to restore the structure to its former glory. The restoration procedure was done in phases and completed over the centuries. The vaults in the building are now supported by high fluted columns to ensure stability.
Apart from the gothic structural design, the church is known for its artwork. There is a Renaissance baptismal font. The font represents the three of life and dates back to the 16th century. Other than that, there is a three-room museum in the church which shows the history of the Battant Quarter and how it came to be.

Fort de Chailluz
The forest is a wilderness that will be blow your mind. It has various creatures such as chamois, peregrine falcons, and deer. Other than that, the region has walking trails that are clearly defined. The forest also has information boards that narrate the history of the land and nature.
Are you aware that the oolitic limestone used to make buildings in the region were quarried from the forest? This was done in the 1500s. Hence the forest has a lot to offer. Plus, the sound of the birds and the calm environment make it an ideal place to stroll.
Parc Micaud
The park is located near the Doubs River and it was established in the 19th century. The park is popular with local cyclists and you can join them. Exploring the park on a bike is perfect. On the other hand, you can bring your picnic basket and have a peaceful time with your loved one. You will be able to enjoy the stunning view of the distant Citadel as well. Additionally, there are seats where you can relax as you watch the children playing.
Hotels Particuliers
The town was part of the Hapsburg Empire, which belonged to Spain. During this period, they furnished the city with many Spanish-style stone mansions. Hotel de Champagney is one of the monuments that still stands to date. It dates back to 1565 and has a two-floor Renaissance gallery, gargoyles, and mullioned windows. The architectural design is breathtaking as well.
There is also the Masion Espagnole, which dates back to the 17th century. However, the building was not completed using the Spanish style since France had taken control of the town. Nonetheless, you will notice the Spanish style on the ground floor windows. They have a wrought-iron grill.
Franciscains De Besancon
It is a catholic church that is found in the small hilly area of the town. It has high windows and doors which present at traditional design. Once you are at the gate, the view of the church is mesmerizing. However, the interior of the church does not have a match to offer.
Additionally, the view of the town from the hilltop in the evening when the sunsets is a priceless view that you have to see. If you want to experience romantic time with your spouse and relax when this is the ideal spot to be, it is a picture-perfect ensure you tag along with your camera or phone.
Musee de la Resisistance et de la Deportation
The museum is about the resistance and concentration camps pack. A visit to the facility, you will have an emotional journey on how the resistance was. The facility is home to the cadet building in the Citadel.
Some of the resistance members were shot here during the war. Additionally, across the 20 rooms, there are documents, photographs, and written accounts of the acts of sabotage and ambushes. You will also be given an in-depth story of the rise of Nazism and the Vichy government. On the other hand, there are galleries for deportation and artworks by Leon Delarbe and Jean Daligault. Most of the artworks were done by resistance and painters who tell their stories.

Conclusion
Besancon is a small town but has hidden spots that await you to discover. Having your vacation at this place will make your experience worthwhile. If you have plans to visit France and not sure if Beacon is the place to include in your itinerary.
Then it is about time that you visit and explore the hidden places. The town has things that you and your family will enjoy doing. Book your tickets early and plan for an amazing experience. It is important that you plan early to avoid a last-minute rush. This guarantees your comfort and peace of mind. More so during summer the place is usual crowed.