Things to see and do Franche-Comté

The museum retrace the beaucourtoise industry from the late th century to the present. It belongs to the museum of comtoises techniques and cultures and was named the Musée de France in 2003. The collections presented testify to the genius of Frédéric Japy, a forerunner of the serial watch industry. A horloger horloger, he founded a watchmaking factory in 1777 where the machines of his creation quickly replace manual work. Its inventions extend to other areas: émaillerie, fasteners, lustrerie, motors or famous typewriters. The museum, located in the old Pendulerie Pendulerie, thus exhibits its exceptional collections. The Japy factory has counted up to 5 000 workers, in depth the history of the village of Beaucourt. Renovated and reorganized in 2012, the museum offers in addition to the permanent collection 3 to 4 temporary exhibitions per year.

A building that underwent numerous transformations during the th, th, th and th centuries. A former hospice of the Holy Spirit, the church has become a Protestant temple since 1842. In his courtyard you can admire a beautiful wooden gallery finished in the early th century.

Located along the quays, this architectural ensemble looks after its impressive appearance. Works by the architect Marnotte (1869), he is of néomauresque style and endowed with an affirmed orientalism. You will admire the finesse of the sculptures and decorations of the four facades punctuated by pillars and narrow openings.

The sentinel of the Battant neighborhood! Built under Louis XV from 1746 on the plans of the architect Nicolas Nicole, the Madeleine is a model of neoclassical architecture. With its large façade flanked by two square towers, which were completed in 1830, the building is very impressive. Inside, three naves follow in a harmonious set.

Connecting the city centre to the historic quarter of the same name, the Battant Bridge is located on the Grand-Rue axis. Once Roman way joining the provinces of Italy, it was a long bridge to cross the Doubs river. The stone building dating back to the Roman era was partially destroyed during the Second World war and today only the base of a pillar remains. On the left bank you can admire the unique architectural ensemble of the Vauban quay, which is crowned by the arcades of its th century houses.

The town hall of Besançon was completed in 1573 after almost two centuries of récurentes changes. Proud and royal, above its porch, you can admire the eagle of Besançon with both columns. On the right, the vast niche contained, until the Revolution, a bronze fountain representing Charles Quint overlapping a two-legged eagle; it is still surmounted by the motto «And to God». Finally, you can note that, on the embossed facade, the architect made the blue and beige veins of the besancon stone alterner to show graphic lines.

Founded in the fourth century, the current church was erected between 1782 and 1786 by architect Bertrand, according to projects by Victor Louis. The impressive height of its steeple is explained by its role as a belfry. The interior is equally imposing with its large columns. You also admire the woodwork that compose the choir, as well as works of art such as the Pietà de Luc Breton.

A recreation area that brings together many activities for the whole family: treetop with four courses, two dedicated to children, rollerbe, kart, mountain biking. In winter, glisse sports are set up and skaters can take advantage of the ice skating rink, while skiers will follow the slopes on the slopes! Snowshoe hiking trails are also marked. A great place to spend good moments with family. 

France's largest building in wood frame and insulation of straw, La Damassine is intended to be educational with raising public awareness of eco-construction and energy saving. It also aims to promote rural heritage, including through orchards and numerous animations around the cultivation of fruit trees, fauna and flora. The availability of facilities such as press, miellerie and professional kitchens allows everyone to benefit from wise advice for the maintenance of orchards, and to press fruit to make its juices. A unique and exceptional place to visit absolutely. 

Founded by Vauban in the th century, the citadel of Belfort reveals its most intimate secrets today… On the background of music, light games and video projections, expand in the fortifications at the rhythm of a playful and instructive quiz. Many of them will learn much more about the history of the city, on the genius of this famous engineer that was Vauban, or still on some characters to evocative names such as D'Artagnan, Colonel Denfert-Rochereau or Princess Catherine of Burgundy: All are linked to the places you explore…

Tariff: € 7 per adult, € 5 in reduced rates (students and senior), free for people under 18.

Duration: 2 h.

Difficulty: .

Also known as the St. Reine Trail, this short walk around the municipality of Alise-Sainte-Reine rests on the striking characters of its history. The itinerary begins at the statue of Vercingétorix, Gallic leader who established a seat for almost six weeks to combat the Roman troops of Julius Caesar. The trail then leads to places reminiscent of the tragic death of the Holy Queen in 253, before returning to the life of Félix Kir, the origin of the same name! You will find not far from the MuséoParc d'Alésia that explains this famous battle.

Tariff: free.

Duration: 45 min.

Difficulty: .

Internationally renowned for its wines, Beaune also has a rich historical and architectural heritage. A course with audioguides has been installed to connect the main buildings and allow visitors to discover their origins and the anecdotes surrounding them. You will see Beaune's hospices, Monge Square, ramparts and many other places of interest. Audioguides can also be rented at night to visit Beaune by taking advantage of the light game on monuments.

Tariff: € 4,90 (€ 3.90 for children).

Duration: from 1 h to 1:30 a. m.

Difficulty: easy.

The passion for dolls in a former barn converted into a charming small museum. Here, reconstruction rhymes with passion! Not less than 900 dolls are exposed for the pleasure of the owner, but also for the visitor. Porcelain models of the 19th century in Barbie form, it is a whole scenography that retraces the history of toys from the bedrooms to the music rooms, schools and other places. Accessories with wallpapers, detail has its importance. The small furniture is the work of craftsmen and partners. An annual exhibition traces a piece of the history of these dolls.