Travel Guide Besançon

Located 60 kilometers from Switzerland, Besançon is at the heart of the Doubs department. Besançon is not only a pleasant town, proclaimed , but also the holder of the label cradle of a long watchmaking tradition. Watchmaking. It was established in one of the meanders of the Doubs river, and already played a major role in Gallo-Roman times under the name of Vesontio. Its citadel, built by Vauban between 1668 and 1711, is perfectly preserved and, along with Saint-Jean Cathedral and its astronomical clock, is one of the city's major points of interest. On your way into the city center, you'll pass the Square Castan, home to remains from the 2nd or 3rd century, and then the Porte Noire, a 2nd-century triumphal arch. Take time to stroll along the banks of the Doubs, rue Bersot and the Grande-Rue, with its blue-grey or ochre facades. At no. 138, on the semi-open Place Victor Hugo, you'll find the house where the great writer (1802-1885) was born. On the same square, at no. 1, there's a plaque showing the house where brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière (1862-1954 and 1864-1948) were born. The Palais Granvelle, at no. 96, now houses the Musée du Temps (the city's history museum). The 18th-century Saint-Pierre church dominates the Place du 8 Septembre, and the 16th-century Hôtel Emskerque at no. 44 Grande-Rue, near Place Pasteur, is well worth a visit. Crossing the Doubs River, stroll through the old Battant district, then up to the heights and Fort Griffon, where you'll enjoy a lovely view of the city.