2021 TOURIST GUIDE BESANÇON AND ITS SURROUNDINGS - www.besancon-tourisme.com
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TOURIST GUIDE
BESANÇON AND
ITS SURROUNDINGS
2021
www.besancon-tourisme.com
OFFICE DE TOURISME
La cave aux fromages, ET DES CONGRÈS
Gourmandise & authenticité ! DU GRAND BESANÇON
52 Grande Rue
Paris
Strasbourg
Place du Huit Septembre
25000 Besançon BESANÇON Geneva
Tel. + 33 (0)3 81 80 92 55
Fax +33 (0)3 81 80 58 30
info@besancon-tourisme.com Lyon
www.besancon-tourisme.com
High Season – July and August
From Monday to Sunday -10am
to 6pm
Low Season
From Monday to Saturday
10am -12.30 and 1.30-6pm
On Sunday from 10am to 1pm
during school holidays and on
June and September
Closed
Closed on Bank holidays, except ! Opening times may change
during the year.
on High Season
GROUP TOURS, BESANÇON GROUP
TOUR SERVICE
CONVENTIONS You want to organise an excursion
AND SEMINARS: or a stay in Besançon for at least
20 people? We will arrange it all,
WE ORGANISE THEM with you, coordinating sightseeing,
Plus de 3000 références ! WITH YOU meals, accommodation, an expert
tour guide…
Fromages - Épicerie fine - Vins et spiritueux BESANÇON CONVENTION Contact:
Tel + 33 (0)3 81 80 92 69
SERVICE
Crèmerie - Produits du terroir. You would like to organise
Fax + 33 (0)3 81 80 58 30
groupes@besancon-tourisme.com
a convention, seminar or conference?
Let us customise it with you from start
to finish. This is a free service.
Tel + 33 (0)3 81 80 92 00
Fax + 33 (0)3 81 80 58 30
Boutique en ligne congres@besancon-tourisme.com
www.lacaveauxfromages.com
2, rue Gustave Courbet - Place du Marché - 25000 BESANCON
Tél. : 03 63 18 33 81 - Email : contact@lacaveauxfromages.com Avril 2021 — Réalisation : Office de Tourisme du Grand Besançon — Photo Credits: Direction de la Communication Ville de Besançon: Jean Charles
Sexe, Eric Chatelain — Regional Tourism Committee of Franche-Comté, Casino JOA, Clap 35, CIGC Images et Associés, CIGC Szewczyk, D. Bringard, H.
site : www.lacaveauxfromages.com Guenat, L.D. Hughes, Yves Petit, J-F Berne, Jack Varlet, Le Criollo, M. Pierre, Métiers d’Art en Franche-Comté, Musée des Maisons Comtoises, Nicolas
Waltefaugle, Salins-les-Bains Tourist Office, MTCC-cl. Y. Goux, La Rodia, City of Besançon, Besançon Visitor and Convention Information Centre, FRAC
3
Besançon is the City of Time.
It has a rich clockmaking and historical past.
Besançon clockmakers continue to exercise
their craft and art today, and traces
of their history can still be seen here
and there in the streets of the city.
There are also many architectural treasures
(Renaissance facades, outdoor staircases,
buildings of blue-beige stone) which will delight
all heritage and history lovers.
Besançon, with its tourist, heritage
and clockmaking attractions, has made
it into the ranks of the best!
In 2020 the UNESCO inscribed on its list the
know-how in watchmaking mechanics and art
as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It consistently comes in first, of all the “green”
cities of France, thanks to its extensive network
of green park areas. Life is good in Besançon
and you can feel it in its daily rhythm of special
events, festivals and exhibitions.
IMPORTANT:
COVID-19 information
As the tourism sector is still strongly impacted,
our information may change daily. Please
check our website regularly, or contact us for
up-to-date and verified information.
Photo opposite, photograph : Emmanuel EME
4 Copyright/Crédits : Grand Besançon Métropole
5
P.8 FAMOUS PEOPLE P.44 VILLAGES AROUND
BESANÇON
P.14 CULTURAL HERITAGE
P.49 GOING OUT
P.16 VAUBAN
P.50 BESANÇON OUTDOOR
P.18 THE CITADEL
P.53 OPEN-AIR MARKETS/
P.21 THE GAULS ANTIQUE MARKETS
AND THE ROMANS
P.54 USEFUL ADDRESSES
P.22 MUSEUMS
P.56 COMING AND GOING
P.25 AS TIME GOES BY
P.58 CITY CENTRE MAP
P.26 RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
P.64 MAP OF GREATER
P.28 ARCHITECTURE BESANÇON
P.31 FOUNTAINS P.67 THE RIVERS AND
VALLEYS OF LOUE-LISON
P.32 THE DOUBS AWAIT YOU!
P.36 THE SURROUNDING AREA
P.38 FAMILY AND CHILDREN all prices are quoted
for 2021 and may be modified
P.42 AN INTERNATIONAL CITY
P.43 UNESCO SITE
CITÉ DES ARTS - CITADELLE
6 7
BESANÇON
4
FAMOUS PEOPLE
1
2 3 5 6
WRITERS VICTOR HUGO 3
(1802–1885)
ARTISTS JENS BOETTCHER 6
GABRIELLE SIDONIE This sculptor, born in Essen, Germany
“COLETTE” 1 Due to one of the military postings CLAUDE GOUDIMEL in 1933, came to live in France in 1968.
of his father, then General of (ca 1520–1572) He was appointed professor at the
(1873–1954)
the Empire, the Hugo family settled Born in Besançon, Goudimel was School of Fine Art of Besançon in 1975;
Colette was a novelist, journalist
in the Doubs for a time. Hugo was born a musician and a composer who put he taught there until retirement.
and music hall artist. In September
on February 26th, 1802 in Besançon several of Ronsard’s odes and sonnets He now lives in Barjac in the Gard
1902, her husband Henry Gauthier-
at No. 104, Grande Rue. He was a poet, to music. Department. He created The Minotaur,
Villars (Willy), descendant of an old
playwright and novelist and is the huge fountain sculpture in bronze
Franche-Comté family, bought a house
considered one of the most important you can see in the river at the Denfert-
and property at Monts-Boucons.
writers of the French language.
OUSMANE SOW 4 Rochereau Bridge. The Minotaur
She spent several summers there, This sculptor from Senegal created
He was also involved in politics is 7m high and weighs 10 tonnes.
using some of her time to write some the statue of Victor Hugo for the
and was an intellectual who played Another of his sculptures is at Victor
of her novels. Some titles: Claudine Refusal of Exclusion and Poverty Day
a major role in 19th century history. Hugo square. The St. Quentin
at School, Claudine in Paris, Claudine in 2002. It stands in the Rights of Man
His birthplace is now a museum, which Fountain dates from 1756: it forms
Married, Seven animal’s conversations plaza in Besançon’s city centre.
celebrates his talents and influence. the background for Boettcher’s
Some of his most well-known novels In 2013, Sow sculpted Man and Child La Source.
JEAN-CHARLES are: The Misérable, The Hunchback for Besançon’s new memorial to
EMMANUEL NODIER 2 of Notre-Dame, The Last Day of the dead at the Memorial Space
GUSTAVE COURBET
(1780–1844) a Condemned Man, The Legend of at Les Glacis Park.
(1819–1877)
Nodier was a journalist, writer and the Ages. Born on June 10th, 1819 in Ornans, near
leader of the Romantics. He frequently LUC BRETON 5 Besançon, Courbet was a painter and
mentioned the charms of his native (1731–1800) one of the leaders of the Realist School.
province in his writings. He was born Born in Besançon, Breton was a He is known for the raw realism of
on April 29th, 1780, in a house – no
longer extant – on Victor Hugo Square
(site of the current No. 7).
“I am one sculptor, who made his career in Italy.
He returned to Besançon in 1771
his works, in particular, The Origin
of the World (1866), which was
of the paving
and in 1773, with the Swiss painter considered scandalous at the time.
Jean Wyrsch, founded the Besançon Courbet was anticlerical, had anarchistic
School of Painting and Sculpting.
stones on He is considered to be the best
Franche-Comté sculptor of the 18th
leanings, was a friend of the socialist
theoretician, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon,
the road of
and one of the elected members of
century. His works in Besançon include the Paris Commune of 1871. He lived
The Pieta in Saint Peter’s Church, at No. 140, Grande-Rue in Besançon.
humanity.” the Angels in Adoration behind
the high altar at Saint John’s Cathedral
There is a trompe-l’œil of him at
the windows giving onto Victor Hugo
In a letter from Victor Hugo and the decor of the Fountain of the Square. He died on 31 December 1877
to the people of Besançon, 1880 Ladies at 8 bis, rue Charles Nodier. in La Tour-de-Peilz in Switzerland.
8 9
2 6
1 3 4 5 7
MILITARY AND NICOLAS PERRENOT
DE GRANVELLE 2
VAUBAN (SÉBASTIEN
LE PRESTRE DE VAUBAN) 5
SCIENTISTS
POLITICAL PEOPLE (1486–1550) (1633–1707) AND ENGINEERS
De Granvelle was a lawyer, Louis XIV owed much to Sébastien
CHARLES FOURIER 1 who became the Holy Roman Emperor Le Prestre de Vauban. From 1668 AUGUSTE AND LOUIS LUMIÈRE 6
(1772–1837) Charles V’s First Advisor in 1524. onwards, as the King’s Engineer, (1862–1954) (1864–1948)
After working in trade and banking, He built the Granvelle Palace he designed and built the first defence The Lumière brothers were
Charles Fourier, philosopher and in Besançon. system for France’s land and maritime the inventors of the technology
utopian economist, designed plans borders. He studied attack procedures and the commercial exploitation
for a harmoniously built city, ANTOINE PERRENOT and created a method of siege that of cinematography. They also made
a Phalanstère (Phalanstery), whose was used for 2 centuries. He provided significant improvements to
DE GRANVELLE 3
citizens would find personal and the brilliant strategic and military photography. They were born at No. 1,
professional fulfilment in their work. (1517–1586) advice that was largely responsible Saint Quentin Square (now Victor
This economic, social and human Son of Nicolas, Antoine de Granvelle for the destruction of the Besançon Hugo Square). There is a sculpture
reform project aimed at ensuring became a cardinal and succeeded (and Franche-Comté) forces, both illustrating a scene from their film,
an ideal life for mankind, but attempts his father in service to the Hapsburgs. in 1668 and in 1674. After the conquest The Sprinkler Sprinkled, done
to bring this to fruition failed. Fourier He was a great statesman, patron in 1668, he designed the plans for by Pascal Coupot* in the courtyard
was born in a 16th century house, of the arts and a collector. He added the Citadel. And then, with the treaty of the Pierre Bayle Centre, rue
today Nos. 81 and 83, Grande Rue. to art and literature collections begun of Aix-la-Chapelle, Franche-Comté de la République, in the city centre.
by his father and thanks to him, was returned to the Spaniards,
the Besançon Municipal Library
LOUIS XIV who continued to build according PASCAL COUPOT 7
has a formidable collection. to his plans. From 1674 to 1688,
(1638–1715) Born in 1960 in Haute-Saône
In 1674, Louis XIV conquered Besançon he continued building and reinforcing (Franche-Comté), Coupot followed
PIERRE-JOSEPH PROUDHON 4 the Citadel. From 1689 to 1695,
for the second and final time. artistic training at the Regional College
It remained the capital of the province. (1809–1865) he reinforced Fort Griffon, Besançon’s of Fine Arts in Besançon. He describes
On June 16th, 1683, he, Queen Maria Born on January15th, 1809 in Besançon “second Citadel”, and rebuilt strong himself as largely self-taught.
Theresa and the dauphin arrived at No. 23, rue du Petit-Battant, defensive bastions around the Loop.
in the city and spent several days with Pierre-Joseph Proudhon was the author As garrison for the troops, barracks
the governor at Granvelle Palace. of internationally recognised socialist were built: another innovative idea.
theories. A sculpture honouring him
stands in Sarrail Square. His letters
are archived at the Besançon Municipal
Library.
“If Louis XlV had listened
to him, Vauban would
have in many ways
forestalled the Revolution.”
Adolphe Thiers, 2nd president of the French Republic
10 11
4
1 2 3 5
LOUIS PASTEUR 1
(1822–1895)
ARCHITECTS CLAUDE-NICOLAS LEDOUX
(1736–1806)
KENGO KUMA 5
Born in 1954 in Japan, Kuma
Born in Dole, Pasteur spent his RENÉ TOURNIER 3 A visionary architect from the Age is a world-renowned architect.
childhood in Arbois. While he studied (1899–1977) of Enlightenment, Ledoux’s work His goal in his structures is to
in Besançon for his baccalaureates, Tournier came from the Jura, was the precursor to functional reinterpret Japanese tradition
he worked as a teaching assistant and was an architect for civilian architecture. He designed in 21st century terms, putting nature
at the Royal Grammar School (today, buildings and historic monuments, the Municipal Theatre, built between at the centre of his works. He designed
the Victor Hugo Secondary School, an art historian and writer. He came 1778 and 1784 by Claude-Joseph and built the Centre of the Arts,
8, rue du Lycée) from 1839–1842. to Besançon in the 1930s after getting Bertrand. It was a totally new concept inaugurated in 2013.
He was very interested in drawing his diploma from the College of Fine of design for the times. Ledoux created
with pastels and did the portrait Arts in Paris. In 1929, he won the auditorium in the form of
of the head teacher. You can see the competition for the university halls an amphitheatre, got rid of the boxes,
a trompe-l’œil of him on one of residence which line Vieil Picard gave the parterre audience seats and
of the houses on Pasteur Square Quai: one of the first in France. He also created the first orchestra pit in
(No. 5). Jean-Joseph, his father, born the world, a century before Bayreuth.
at No. 53, rue d’Arènes in Besançon,
was a tanner. (The house was rebuilt
designed the Notre-Dame Liberation
Monument at la Chapelle des Buis, The auditorium was destroyed by fire
in 1958, and it was renovated in 1994
“Architecture
in the 19th century). Pasteur’s
birthplace in Dole and his home
a village which overlooks Besançon.
in a contemporary style. He also
designed the Royal Saltworks
is to masonry
and laboratory in Arbois are open
to the public.
MICHEL DEMENGE
Demenge is an architect from
at Arc-et-Senans.
what poetry
CLAUDE FRANÇOIS
Besançon: he designed the former
Besançon Visitor and Convention
HUGUES SAMBIN 4
(ca 1520–1601)
is to literature.”
Information Centre, situated in Micaud
DOROTHÉE, MARQUIS Park. The building is integrated Born in Gray, Sambin was Claude-Nicolas Ledoux
DE JOUFFROY D’ABBANS 2 seamlessly into the park and melts into a Renaissance man; he was
(1751–1832) the greenery because of its lightness an architect, decorator, carpenter,
The Marquis Jouffroy d’Abbans and transparency. engineer and designer. He designed
was a naval engineer who built the first the facade of the former Town Hall,
steamboat, using the improved which is today the Courthouse.
steam-driven machine by James Watt.
His Pyroscaphe sailed on the Doubs
in 1776. There are 2 statues erected
to his memory: one on the Helvétie
Promenade and the other at the Battant
Bridge, cast in bronze in 1998 by
Pascal Coupot.
12 13
BESANÇON
CULTURAL HERITAGE
5
6 8
1 2 3 4 7 9
FROM VESONTIO IDEAS AND MEN ARCHITECTURAL OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY
TO BESANÇON THEY MADE FILMS! ORIGINALS THINGS
Auguste and Louis Lumière 1, OUTSIDE STAIRCASES 5 THE MOST COMPLEX WATCH
A historically fascinating city, physicists and DIY enthusiasts,
Besançon is on the UNESCO All the courtyards in the old town IN THE WORLD 8
filed more than 193 patents. have one! Spiral or straight flight,
World Heritage List because They were born in Besançon, in Victor This watch, the Leroy 01,
these staircases are mostly in stone, manufactured between 1900 and 1904,
of its Vauban fortifications. Hugo Square; they are the inventors decorated with wrought iron
of cinematography and made significant is one of the jewels of the collection
Located in an exceptional natural to the first floor and then wood at the Museum of Time. It is a showcase
setting, Besançon has a rich contributions to the development balusters for the upper rental floors.
of photography. of mechanical knowledge: it performs
and diverse past. The outside stairs in the inner 24 complications besides indicating
courtyards are specific to the urban the seconds (as a unity of measure):
A proud city of a Gallic people, the FRENCH LITERATURE architecture of Besançon. a record that is still unbeaten!
Sequanes, it became Gallo-Roman CHANGED FOREVER
under Julius Caesar, and was, for Besançon, capital of Franche-Comté, TIME AND SUNDIALS 6 TELL TIME DIFFERENTLY
a long time, a free and imperial city, is proud to be the birthplace In the City of Time, many building AT SAINT MADELEINE’S CHURCH 9
functioning as a small republic. After of Victor Hugo 2 (1802-1885). Hugo facades are decorated by sundials.
it was conquered by Louis XIV, Vauban was a playwright, poet, writer and This church, a splendid example
These sundials show the sun’s of the beauty of Neo-classical
constructed strong defensive bastions intellectual. Through his personal life, movements in the morning
on its high, surrounding hills, making by the quality of his work, his fight architecture, has an astonishing
or the afternoon and are perfect sundial, which is a large noon mark
it impregnable. It became the new against poverty and commitment examples of the rigorous expertise
capital of Franche-Comté. to the freedom of mankind, Hugo sundial whose hour lines are carved
of the artisans who created them. into the paving stones in the church.
brought French literature to its apogee.
Here, history greets you at every In Besançon, two schools are named THAT PALE BLUE-BEIGE
turn on your walks, and Gallo-Roman after him and there are two statues
archaeological remains, Renaissance
palaces, bastioned fortifications and
which pay him homage. LOCAL STONE 7
The city centre owes its sense
“Plût à Dieu”
private mansions with classical facades STEAMBOATS of harmony to both its architectural
prepare to delight you.
The Marquis Jouffroy d’Abbans 3
unity and to the stone used for its THE MOTTO OF BESANÇON
buildings. This stone, called Chailluz
was a naval architect and engineer, Or UTINAM (in Latin) is the official
Besançon is also the birthplace of stone (from the old quarries in Chailluz
and constructed the first steamboats. motto of Besançon. It was a favorite
many writers, artists and philosophers. Forest) is a limestone of blue
expression of Holy Roman Emperor
Victor Hugo, Charles Nodier, and ocher tones, lending a soft light
SOCIOLOGY AT WORK Charles V, and it means “God Willing”.
Auguste and Louis Lumière, to the old town.
It is carved above the fountain at Jean
and Pierre-Joseph Proudhon have Pierre-Joseph Proudhon 4,
Cornet Square.
contributed strikingly to the prestige philosopher and sociologist, was born
of Besançon. in Besançon. He is one of the main
theorists of French socialism and
was the father of the Mutualist
Movement and a pacifist. He was an
activist for social revolution through
peaceful means and not class struggle,
putting him in opposition
with Karl Marx.
14 15
BESANÇON 1 TOUR NOTRE-DAME
Notre Dame Tower - This mediaeval
10 TOUR BASTIONNÉE DE RIVOTTE
Rivotte Bastioned Tower - At one time,
VAUBAN tower was part of the fortified entryway
called Notre Dame Gate. It allowed
it was connected to the Rivotte Gate
by a defensive wall with a gun gallery
access to Besançon from the South. to defend the perimeters of the gate.
Vauban had the gate dismantled
Besançon was established and then had it rebuilt nearer the bank 11 PORTE RIVOTTE
on an exceptional site that has marked of the Doubs, adding a bastion in 1691. Rivotte Gate - This is one of the gates
its destiny. The old town nestles into the old town of Besançon.
2 BASTION DE LA VILLE It dates from medieval times and
in a loop of the Doubs River,
City Bastion - This defence structure had a drawbridge to guard the road
surrounded by hills and dominated
once encircled the old mill. to Switzerland via Pontarlier. It was
by the rocky outcrop upon which renovated in 1546 under Emperor
stands the impressive citadel, 3 TOUR BASTIONNÉE DE CHAMARS Charles V, and other changes were made
designed by Sébastien Le Prestre, Chamars Bastioned Tower - in the 17th century. Vauban reworked
Maréchal de Vauban. This bastioned tower was built by the central portion, giving it a protruding
Vauban between 1688 and 1695 and, avant-corps. On the upper part,
except for some modifications made you can see the coat of arms of France,
around 1840, is still largely intact. with the Royal Sun symbol above it.
4 TOUR DU MARAIS 12 PORTE TAILLÉE
Marais Tower - In the 19th century, The Stone-cut Gate - This gate dates
A NETWORK In 2008, Besançon, along with
the 11 other network member cities, an extension to the Tower was removed from medieval times. The tower was
OF MAJOR VAUBAN became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are, in all, 18 key fortification
and an outside staircase was added. redesigned by Charles V and again in
the 17th century by Vauban, who added
SITES sites in Besançon. 5 BASTION DE L’ARCHEVÊQUE a guardhouse. Modifications made
in the 19th century can be seen in
The Archbishop’s Bastion -
the passage above the vault when
This bastion encircled the mill
you come from the South.
belonging to the Archbishop
GARE of Besançon until the 18th century.
SNCF
13 + 14 FORTIFICATIONS
6 TOUR DES CORDELIERS DE BATTANT
Cordeliers Tower - In the 19th century, Battant Fortifications - The Arenas
a part of the tower was removed and Charmont Gates, which
16 and an outside staircase was added. were identical, no longer exist. Only
17 the guardhouses remain on either side.
ue
15 7 QUAI VAUBAN
bliq
18
épu
Vauban Embankment - Designed
15 FORT GRIFFON
la R
13
t
attan
Built by Vauban between 1680 and 1695,
t de
by the engineer Robelin, the Quai
Rue B
Pon
Vauban was built between 1690 it is the second citadel of Besançon.
au
nce
and 1695. Its only defence structures It protected the area outside the city
7 8
me
Av
e
.A
walls and watched over the newly
qu
Clé
are at its ends: the Cordeliers, Poitune,
rth
bli
14
ur
pu
Av.
es
conquered city.
Ré
Ga
èn
the Holy Spirit casemates. The Battant
ul
la
r
’A
ar
de
ed
d
Ru
casemate no longer exists.
e
Ru
Ru
e
de
9 16 PORTE BATTANT
sG
This harmonious architectural ensemble,
ra
ng
Gr
HÔTEL set back from the embankment, Battant Gate - This gate was demolished
es
a nd
DE VILLE
e
was what Jean-Jacques Rousseau saw in 1872 and rebuilt in 1873 with two
Ru
6
e
Ru
in 1733 when he came to Besançon. entries and a new guardhouse. In 1957
e
Mé
it was demolished, but the guardhouse
gev
an
10
d
8 BASTION DU MOULIN SAINT-PAUL is still there.
5 11 Saint Paul’s Mill Bastion -
LA CITY
Ru
eC
This bastion originally encircled a mill 17 BASTION DE BATTANT
ha
rle belonging to Saint Paul’s Abbey Battant Bastion - This bastion is intact.
sN
4 od
ier and in the 19th century it was leased to Montmart Tower was built in medieval
a professional miller who supplied times and was kept by Vauban
3 2 the garrison with bread. and used as a powder magazine.
1 CITADELLE
9 TOUR BASTIONNÉE DE BREGILLE 18 TOUR DE LA PELOTE
12 Bregille Bastioned Tower - Pelote Tower - Vauban kept this
In the 19th century, one part was medieval tower; he built a bastion
removed; in the early 20th century around it, defending the eastern end
it became a dovecote for the military. of the fortification.
16 17
BESANÇON
CITADEL
JARDIN ZOOLOGIQUE
MULTIMEDIA CHOOSE YOUR TOUR…
IMMERSION SHOW
The Citadel offers a number
Experience a total immersion
of different tours, depending on what
into the past. This show takes
you want to see and the time you have
you through time and space
available. Unguided tour (explore
to explore the moments that
the site, the museums and animal areas
have marked the history
on your own). Actor-accompanied
of Besançon and the Citadel.
tour (An actor will accompany you,
combining performance with history).
It is all in Saint Stephen’s Chapel
Interactive tours (accompanied
at the Citadel, where the walls,
by a multilingual audioguide (French/
the chancel and the vaulted ceiling
English/German). Guided tour
become huge expanses of historical
(French/English/German). Children’s
image and sound: exciting episodes
tour (a booklet for children provided
of history are related for your eyes
for the 7-11 year-olds).
and ears. In 15 minutes, experience
key events of the Citadel’s past
Let the app Ma Citadelle
that will make the rest of your visit
(6 languages :(F/E/G/I/S/D) be your
that much richer.
guide as you discover the Citadel. It’s
interactive and fun! Circuit around the
MUSEUM
VAUBAN Besides the beautifully restored
architectural ensemble of 11 hectares, The museum demonstrates biodiversity
Museum and investigation game for
family tours.
FORTIFICATIONS: the Citadel is home to three Museums
of France, all of which offer exciting
and helps preserve endangered species
in its Zoological Garden, Aquarium,
UNESCO WORLD tours. Insectarium, Noctarium and a small A REALLY
HERITAGE SITE farm. Nowhere else in France can you DIFFERENT TOUR
find a place with so many species of
animals on the same site. Guided tour only.
One visit won’t be enough! GPS N 47°13°55” E 6°1’54” Go into one of the Citadel tunnels,
Tel 03 81 87 83 33 dug into the earth, that was used
The Besançon Citadel, a Vauban MUSEUM OF FRANCHE-COMTÉ
www.citadelle.com for troop movement within the Citadel;
masterpiece, is one of the most This museum is all about Franche- it was especially useful for protection
Comté. You will see exhibits on many during an attack.
beautiful citadels in France.
of its traditions (clothing, tools…).
Towering more than 100 metres PLAYS, CONCERTS,
over the old town which is enclosed THE RESISTANCE
in the loop of the Doubs River, AND DEPORTATION MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS, SHOWS...
it offers spectacular panoramas The Museum is closed for renovation. The Citadel is a place where culture
from its ramparts. The Citadel
comes alive. All year long, things
is an important cultural and tourist
are happening!
centre and it makes heritage come
alive for all who visit. For more details, visit
www.citadelle.com
18 19BESANÇON
THE GAULS
AND THE ROMANS
THE BLACK GATE
CITADEL OPENING PERIODS
Annual closure from Monday,
PORTE NOIRE GALLO-ROMAN
Recommended length of visit January 1st to Friday, February 5th The Black Gate MOSAICS
at the Citadel: at least one half-day 2021
on your own, and at least 2 hours for From February to December, every This Roman triumphal arch was Julius Caesar wrote of Besançon
a Discovery Day. day except 25 Dec., 1st Jan. erected around 175 CE, during (Vesontio in those days) in his
“Commentary on the Gallic War”,
the reign of Marcus Aurelius,
ACCESS OPENING HOURS calling it “oppidum Sequani” (town
Low season from February 6th to at the southern entrance to the city, of the Sequanes). His strategist’s
From the Besançon city centre.
Park your car in the city-centre at March 27th and from October 31st where the road from Italy became mentality was attracted to the site
Chamars car park and from there, take to December 31st : 10 am – 5 pm a major north-south crossroads. where the Sequanes had built their town
the bus marked Chamars-Citadelle. The original architecture and for its superior strategic possibilities.
Middle season from March 28th to The town, protected by its ramparts,
sculptures are basically intact.
July 2nd and from August 30th to occupied the entire loop where
+ October 30th : 9 am – 6 pm neighbourhoods were set up. Its streets
Its proportions were uncommonly high.
Bus line Chamars-Citadelle daily from High season from July 3rd to It has lost 3 metres in height, since its were lined with wood frame buildings.
April to October August 29th : 9 am – 7 pm foundation is buried more than a metre
For more information underneath the modern road, and When Vesontio became an
www.ginko.voyage PRICES its attic, which supported the imperial administrative town under Roman rule,
Adults 10,90 € statue at the top, is missing. it changed. Affluent neighbourhoods
Adults during Low season: 8.80€ In Roman times, the arch stood on and open squares were marked by
Students, apprentices, job seekers its own, and its short sides, now hidden masonry architecture, richly decorated
Low season: Up near the Citadel 8,80 € by the Archdiocese and the Rectorat with sculptures, frescoes and mosaics.
Follow the “Citadelle” signs from the Disabled and carer free entrance (local education authority) were entirely The mosaics were discovered by chance
city centre. There is a car park up near decorated with images, such as those during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries;
the entrance. The number of places Children: on the facades, drawn from mythology today archaeological excavations
is very limited. Under 4 Free entrance and religion. There are only a few are programmed whenever construction
From 4 to 7 5,10 € scenes of war, which can be seen requires digging.
From 8 to 17 8,80 € in the passage. Thus the arch, a part
Family day pass (2 adults of local history, transmits a political The mosaics discovered over the last
+ any number of children) = 33 € message via philosophy and the analogy 30 years have been restored, and either
Board the Little Tourist Train in the
Rivotte quartier! On your way to the made between the worlds of the gods preserved in museums or replaced at,
Citadel, you’ll go through the and human beings. or nearby, the site where they were
city-centre: the commentary will give discovered. If you go to the corner
you a glimpse into Besançon’s history. EATING FACILITIES At the time of the Later Roman Empire, of the rue d’Alsace and rue de Lorraine,
Brasserie-restaurant ‘Le Grand when danger threatened and inhabitants you will see a beautiful mosaic under
For more information Couvert’ and snack bar ‘La Taverne’: had to flee to the slopes of the hill, glass in front of the Lumière Middle
www.citadelle.com open seasonally. Please contact the arch became a town gate, defending School, right in the heart of Besançon!
www.besancon-tourisme.com beforehand. the town. Neglected for centuries, It has a geometric design and dates
www.bateau-besancon.fr the arch was saved from destruction from the 2nd century CE.
by P. Marnotte in the 19th century.
Thanks to its recent restoration,
its original elegance can be appreciated
once more.
20 21BESANÇON
MUSEUMS
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS AND
ARCHAEOLOGY
BIRTHPLACE OPENING HOURS
Every day except on Tues.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS MUSEUM OF TIME
OF VICTOR HUGO From the 1st Apr. to the 31th AND ARCHAEOLOGY Granvelle Palace is a beautiful example
of Oct. 10.30 am to 6 pm of Renaissance architecture in
The house where Victor Hugo From the 2nd of Nov. to the 31st After a four-year closing to carry out
Franche-Comté. It was restored
was born is on the same square of March 10.30 am to 5.30 pm renovation work, the Besançon
(1988-2002) so that it could house
During school holidays and Museum has reopened its doors in the
where Charles Nodier and heart of the city.
the Museum o Time, which
the Lumière brothers were born on the week-end 10.30 to 6 pm combines Besançon history, science
Closed 1st Jan., 1st May, 1st Nov., The expanded spaces, new showcasing
and where Gustave Courbet lived. and clockmaking. Time, which
25 Dec. of two existing architectures (Pierre
encompasses history and clockmaking,
Its doors were opened Marnotte, 1842 and Louis Miquel, 1970)
is the link that connects the rooms on
to the public in 2013. PRICES and importance given to incoming
your tour. From the collection of Abbot
Full price 2,50 € daylight by the firm Architectures A.
Boisot in the 17th century, to the
Hugo’s battles and his commitments Reduced price 1,50 € Scaranello, offer visitors the opportunity
historical one of time measurement
come alive through sets designed with Free entrance under 18 years to truly rediscover the site and its
objects, to the collections of clocks
the latest technology. No. 140, Grande and every Sunday and bank holidays collections.
reflecting Besançon as the capital
Rue is the place to learn about and for all the visitors. Part of the French and international
of watchmaking… your tour presents
reflect upon the extraordinary heritage, cultural landscape, the oldest public
Guided tours with audio guide are time from the broadest sense,
both literary and political, that he left collection in France, born in 1694, can
available (in French, English and to its most technical and scientific, to its
for us. Objets d’art, some of them take pride in the breath and depth of
German). most universal and poetical.
major, and some that belonged to him, its collections. In addition to the
are also on display. Ten years after international renown of its European OPENING HOURS
Combined tickets with the Museum
the celebration of the bicentenary graphic arts collection (more than 6,000 Every day except on Mon.
of Fine Arts and Archaeology:
of his birth, the City of Besançon drawings), it also boasts significant From 2nd. Nov to 31st March
Full price 8 €
now has a permanent tribute archaeological holdings (Egyptian, (except during school holidays):
Reduced price 4 €
to Victor Hugo. Mediterranean and regional from Tues. to Fri. from 2 to 6 pm
Obtained the «Qualité Tourisme» label collections), numerous sculptures, From 1st. April to 31st October, and
For more information ceramics, goldsmiths’ pieces and an
Maison Victor Hugo during school holidays: from
exceptional collection of paintings Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 12:30
140, Grande Rue representative of the main currents of
maisonvictorhugo.besancon.fr am and from 2 to 6 pm.
Western art history from the end of the All year on Saturdays and Sundays
15th to the 20th century. from 10 am to 6 pm.
Closed 1st Jan., 1st May, 1st Nov., 25 Dec.
OPENING HOURS
From 2nd. Nov to 31st March (except PRICES
during school holidays): Mon., Wed., Combined tickets with the Museum of
Thu., Fri. from 2 pm to 6 pm Fine Arts and Archaeology
From 1st. April to 31st October, Wed., Full price 8 €
Thu. Fri., 10 am to 12:30 and 2 pm to Reduced price 4 €
6 pm. Free entrance on first Sun. of the
Every day except on Tues. month.
All year on Saturdays and Sundays Free guided tour every Sun. at 3 pm
from 10 am to 6 pm.
Palais Granvelle - 96, Grande Rue
For more information www.mdt.besancon.fr
1, place de la Révolution
www.mbaa.besancon.fr
22 23BESANÇON
AS TIME GOES BY
1 2 3
@ C. Monterlos
THE FRAC
THE FRAC ARCHITECTURAL THE ASTRONOMICAL BESANCON
The Franche-Comté FRAC is a unique AND HERITAGE CLOCK AND SAINT OBSERVATORY 2
venue created to introduce audiences
to contemporary artistic creation. It is INTERPRETATION JOHN’S CATHEDRAL 1 The observatory opened
intended as a place where people from
all walks of life can meet and interact.
CENTRE (CIAP) The Astronomical Clock was classified on August 5th, 1885; it celebrated
its 130th anniversary in 2015.
an historic monument in 1991. It was
The Frac is located in the Cité des Arts, The CIAP’s purpose is to give designed and built (1858 to 1860)
a building created by architect Kengo Besançon residents and visitors by the master watchmaker, Auguste- It was originally designed to be a
Kuma, with the agency Archidev an understanding and appreciation Lucien Vérité. chronometric, astronomical and
(Hervé Limousin and Séverine Fagnoni) of the heritage and identity of the city It has its own special room in the lower weather observatory. Adapting to the
and landscape architect Jean-Marc (its urban changes, its history, part of St. John’s bell tower, and one times, chronometry gave way to
L’Anton. The building, with its its people, its architectural features...) of its functions is to operate the outside time-frequency analysis and astronomy
personable feel and soft, luminous There is a permanent exhibition at the and inside clocks of the cathedral to astrophysics. The observatory and
aesthetic, was designed to facilitate Town Hall. Discover the architecture and those in 2 Comtois bell towers. its grounds were classified as an
visitors’ first experience of the works, and heritage of Besançon. The upper part of the clock displays historical monument on 3 May 2012.
as they amble through the spaces. They Watch some films on the history, from automatons. They come alive every
are offered an ever-changing range of the times of the Gauls and the Romans hour and perform scenes inspired
programming, with an ambitious mix until today.
GUIDED TOURS ONLY
by the Catholic Bible. Besançon Visitor and Convention
of temporary exhibitions and
Information Centre
multidisciplinary cultural offers.
OPENING HOURS www.besancon-tourisme.com
The programming is built around the Every day except on Tues.
Frac’s collections, rich with 626 works
by 316 artists, giving prime status since
from the 1st Apr. to 30 Sep.
Every day except on Tues. and Wed.
SUNDIALS 3
2006 to works that take on the vast from the 1st Oct. to 31 March “The sun lies; the clock tells
question of Time, an issue chosen for Closed during Jan., 1st May, 1st and the truth” was the watchmakers’
its permanence in the history of art, its 11 Nov., 25 Dec. motto. The Besançon sundials
latest news and its anchoring in Guided tour 9:50 am, 10:50 am, :
testify to this.
regional history. 11:50 am, 1:50 pm, 2:50 pm, 3:50 pm
PRICES The vertical noon mark sundial
Full price 3,50 € at the Town Hall, made in 1786,
OPENING HOURS uses the sun’s movement in
Closed on Mon. and thu. Reduced price 3,30 €
Free under 18 years and for persons the morning. It is a perforated disc
From Wed. to Fri. 2 pm to 6 pm supported by three legs, and it gives
On Sat. and Sun. 2 pm to 7 pm from UE, disabled, on each first Sunday
of the month. the local time according to the sun
Closed 1st Jan., 1st May, 24, 25 and from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. Sundials
31 Dec. and during the (dis)assembly often have sayings engraved on them,
of exhibitions which give food for thought.
GPS N 47°14.016’ E 006°01.849’ Something functional has
PRICES
St. John’s Cathedral - Rue du Chapitre a philosophical or moral message.
Full price 4 €
www.horloge-astronomique-besancon.fr “Gaudium et luctum fero”
Reduced Price 2 €
(I bring joy and pain), the inscription
Free under 18 years and on Sunday
on this sundial, is a good example.
24 25BESANÇON
RELIGIOUS HERITAGE
OUR LADY OF REFUGE SAINT JOHN’S
CHAPEL CATHEDRAL
ÉGLISE SAINT-PIERRE CHAPELLE NOTRE-DAME CATHÉDRALE SAINT-JEAN SYNAGOGUE
Saint Peter’s Church DU REFUGE Saint John’s Cathedral Quai de Strasbourg
Place du 8 Septembre Our Lady of Refuge Chapel 10, rue de la Convention Of all the synagogues built in the east
In 1780 the architect C.J. Bertrand 18, rue de l’Orme de Chamars Construction was begun in the 12th of France under the Second Empire,
presented the plans for a new church The chapel, begun in 1739 and century (the pillars and large this is one of the most markedly
in a royal square in the heart completed in 1745, is the work of Romanesque arches of the nave) and influenced by the Middle Eastern style
of the city. The church, in the shape the Besançon architect Nicolas Nicole. completed in the 13th century of architecture.
of a Greek cross, was built between It was initially part of the Convent (cross-ribbed vaults), according to an
1782 and 1786. The French Revolution of Refuge and was annexed unusual plan, which featured two GALERIE DU SAINT-ESPRIT
interrupted the completion to St. Jacques Hospital in 1802. opposing apses. Holy Spirit Gallery
of the project. 1, rue Goudimel
ÉGLISE DE LA MADELEINE Established in Besançon in 1203,
ET LE JACQUEMART the Hospitaller Order of the Holy Spirit
The painting The Resurrection began the construction of a chapel
Saint Madeleine’s Church
of Lazarus by Martin de Vos, and hospital buildings as of 1207,
and the Jacquemart
1580, from the Granvelle collection, thanks to the generosity of Jean
Rue de la Madeleine
and The Pieta, a group sculpted de Montferrand. Their main mission
(right bank of the Battant Bridge)
by Luc Breton, 1787. was the reception and care of the sick,
Saint Madeleine’s Church is the magnum
opus of architect Nicolas Nicole. the poor, pilgrims and abandoned
BASILIQUE DES SAINT-FERRÉOL Work on it began in 1746 and children. Over the centuries
ET SAINT-FERJEUX continued for the rest of the century. architectural changes were made
From the end of the 17th century on the buildings and in the chapel,
Basilica The two towers were completed in 1830. until the Revolution, the Holy Shroud and a tower was built in
Rue de la Basilique The church is divided into three naves, of Besançon, a relic venerated
harmoniously proportioned by paired the 15th century. Later, a gallery
The basilica, begun 1884 and finished throughout region, was kept in
columns, standing on imposing was built, carved in wood. Its decor
in 1901, is the work of architect Alfred the Holy Shroud apse. The decoration
stylobates. The architectural unity is a harmonious blend of Mediaeval
Ducat, with the collaboration of artists of the apse, baroque-inspired, is, today,
makes this church a model of Neo- and Renaissance styles.
of the late 19th century. It contains the background for an iconographic
many Besançon and Franche-Comté classical architecture. ensemble of paintings and sculptures,
works of art. A jacquemart is a special antique representing the passion, death
automaton sculpted in wood or metal and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
whose job is to tell the time by striking There are paintings by J.F. Detroy,
a bell with a hammer. Natoire and Vanloo, The Madonna
with Saints, a masterpiece of the Italian
Renaissance by the Florentine
Fra Bartolomeo (1512), and the tomb
of Ferry Carondelet (1543).
26 27BESANÇON
ARCHITECTURE
COURTHOUSE THE CENTRE OF THE ARTS
CONTEMPORARY LA CITY
Rue Gabriel Plançon
ARCHITECTURE Both a business centre and
a communication hub, La City,
PALAIS DE JUSTICE designed by the architectural firm
The Courthouse Studio, symbolises Besançon’s
1, rue Mégevand commitment to state-of-the-art
The modern section of this courthouse technologies.
was designed by Henri Gaudin.
The preserved old section, entrance THE HISTORIC PAVILION OF THE
at Hugues Sambin Street, houses CONVENTION AND TOURISM
the Court of Appeal.
BUREAU.
Place de la 1re Armée Française
IN MEMORIAM
The centre is located in Micaud Park,
Glacis Park and is the work of Besançon architect
The monument to the dead was moved Michel Demenge. It is integrated
to Glacis Park where a new memorial seamlessly into the park and melts into
site has been created that honours the greenery because of its lightness
soldiers who died for France. We offer and transparency.
a guided tour for the sculptures
from the old war memorial and
INTERIOR Buildings, mansions and rentals, were
separated by courtyards or indoor the contemporary creation by
LA RODIA
4, avenue de Chardonnet
COURTYARDS gardens. To gain space, the stairs were
built outside, affixed to the party walls.
Ousmane Sow: Man and Child.
La Rodia, built on stilts, is located
AND SPLENDID Flights were coupled to serve two main DELTA DU DOUBS near the city centre of Besançon.
It was designed by the architecture
STAIRCASES buildings. Most staircases were made
of stone, and decorated with wrought
At the Neuchâtel Roundabout
and the Huddersfield-Kirklees
firm of Denu et Paradon.
iron up to the first floor; wood Roundabout (at each end
In the heart of the city, THE CENTRE OF THE ARTS
balusters were used for the upper of the Citadel Tunnel), you can
mansions and bourgeois homes rental floors. The outside stairs 12, avenue Arthur Gaulard
see half of one huge sculpture.
line the main streets. The high in the inner courtyards are distinctive It was designed by the Japanese
Created by the artist François Morelet,
rocky crags of the Citadel to the city centre of Besançon. it was erected in 1996, to commemorate architect Kengo Kuma, whose design
and the loop of the Doubs River the drilling of the tunnel under symbolises “the place where nature
which surrounds the old town the Citadel. and the city meet, where inhabitants
were constraints the builders and river banks meet and where people
meet with culture in its multiple
of the past had to deal with.
forms.”
Building space was limited, which
is why the houses in Besançon
were built on narrow but long
parcels.
28 29BESANÇON
FOUNTAINS
In 1559, the spring in the small FONTAINE BACCHUS
Bregille valley was harnessed Rue Battant
to feed six fountains in the heart The very name of this fountain
of the city, and from 1560 to 1580, commemorates not only the wine
the Franche-Comté sculptor industry which existed in the Battant
section of Besançon, but also the
Claude Lullier, commissioned
existence of an old fountain decorated
by the city, decorated each with a stone Bacchus, sculpted by
of them. In a niche, the Fontaine Claude Lullier in 1579. Alphonse
des Carmes with its stone basin Delacroix, a city architect, designed
embellished by a sculpted the present fountain in 1854. He also
Neptune astride a dolphin designed the impressive Arcier
is a testimonial to his talent. aqueduct in 1850. To celebrate
MANSIONS HÔTEL GAUTHIOT D’ANCIER
15, Grande Rue
the arrival of the water supply from
Arcier, the city voted to create three
FONTAINE DES DAMES new fountains, one of which was
“Hôtel particulier”, shortened This mansion was built in the early
to “hôtel”, in this section, 16th century by Simon Gauthiot the Bacchus Fountain.
is a mansion. d’Ancier, co-governor of Besançon
and rival of Nicolas de Granvelle. LE MINOTAURE
HÔTEL DU CHAMBRIER The facade on Grande Rue, with This modern fountain, The Minotaur,
11, rue de la Convention its ogee-arched bay windows, is Late built near the Robert Schwint Bridge,
This mansion, with a mediaeval past Gothic. It was in this house that Simon is right in the middle of the river. It was
and rebuilt in the 18th century Gauthiot d’Ancier hosted the Supreme designed by the Besançon artist Jens
by François Gaspard de Grammont, Commander of the French Armies, Boettcher and is 7 m high, in bronze.
Bishop of Arethusa and suffragan Charles III, Duke of Bourbon, Boettcher also designed the statue,
to the Archbishop of Besançon, today who offered his services to the Holy Fountain of the Ladies
Rue Charles Nodier La Source, which stands in the basin
houses the Regional Council. Roman Emperor Charles V. of Saint Quentin’s Fountain.
This fountain, in its stone niche at
a corner of the Prefecture, was created
HÔTEL DU BOUTEILLER HÔTEL DE TERRIER-SANTANS in 1785 after the designs by architect LA SOURCE
68, Grande Rue Claude Joseph Bertrand. It was This fountain is at Place Victor Hugo
2, rue des Granges
This mansion was built in 1582 decorated by the sculptor Luc Breton. (Victor Hugo Square): its background
by Claude de Jouffroy, Lord Marchaux. HÔTEL DE COURBOUZON Against a background of stone, treated and lighting enhance its presence.
Its facade is decorated similarly 20, rue Chifflet to resemble limestone formations,
to the Courthouse, built at the same two intertwined dolphins support L’ARROSEUR ARROSÉ
time. Some sentences engraved on HÔTEL BOITOUSET a shell: a lovely setting for a little The Tables Turned on the Gardener
the facade, such as “No opted laudari bronze mermaid. Claude Lullier or The Sprinkler Sprinkled
5, rue de la Convention
sed factors laudanda” (Do not wish sculpted the little mermaid, who first Rue de la République,
This mansion was built in the second
for praise: be worthy of it), convey graced the courtyard of Granvelle Centre Pierre Bayle
half of the 18th century for Canon
philosophical or moralistic thoughts Palace in the 16th century. This sculpture, by Pascal Coupot,
Boitouset, and is today the residence
of the humanism of the Renaissance. of the Archbishop of Besançon. pays tribute to the Lumière brothers.
FONTAINE DE LA PLACE It depicts a scene from their film,
JEAN CORNET Tables Turned on the Gardener.
The Jean Cornet Square Fountain It was the first fiction film
This monumental fountain, which and what may be the first sight gag
is at an intersection, was sculpted in cinema history.
“Do not wish
by Albert Pasche in 1900,
after the designs by the architect
E-B St. Ginest. It replaced a fountain
for praise: which was built in 1740 and destroyed
during the Revolution. “Utinam”,
the inscription engraved under
be worthy of it.” the pediment, is the motto of Besançon,
in Latin. On other monuments,
this motto appears in French “Plût
à dieu” (“God Willing”).
30 31BESANÇON
THE DOUBS
VEDETTES PANORAMIQUES DU SAUT DU DOUBS
Other ways to discover the charm of BATEAU DE BESANÇON At Villers-le-Lac, visit the river
our city and our river: sightseeing boat BOAT LE VAUBAN basins and the Falls of the Doubs MONSIEUR CANAL
rides or small rental boats, River (le Saut du Doubs) by boat. Lock 56 at Thoraise: a river tunnel
with or without a driver..., they will take with magical lightworks! Created
you, moving with the current, CNFS VEDETTES PANORAMIQUES by Jeppe Hein (artist) and Olivier
to a waterfall, a lock or a tunnel... DU SAUT DU DOUBS Vadrot (architect/design).
2, place Maxime Cupillard
VEDETTES DE BESANÇON 25130 Villers-le-Lac
BOAT LE BATTANT www.vedettes-panoramiques.com
BATEAUX DU SAUT DU DOUBS
Discover Besançon differently! DROZ-BARTHOLET COMPANY
Our boat, Le Vauban, takes you Les Terres-rouges
all around the Loop of the Doubs. You 25130 Villers-le-Lac
pass through two locks and through www.sautdudoubs.fr
the impressive, 375-metre-long
underground canal, dug under the CNFS Vedettes Panoramiques
Take the Loop of the Doubs Cruise, Citadel. From the boat, you have a and Bateaux du Saut du Doubs
passing through locks and through stunning view of the Vauban provide cruises with and without
the Citadel Tunnel. Learn about Besançon fortifications and the Citadel (both are dinner on the Doubs River basins
during the live commentary. Length on the UNESCO World Heritage List). at Villers-le-Lac and include a visit
of tour: about 1 hour and 15 min. Take Le Vauban for a dinner cruise, or to the Falls. Reservations essential
Departure from the Pont as a venue for your corporate seminars, for dinner cruises.
de la République (Republic Bridge) weddings, parties with shows.
www.vedettesdebesancon.com Departure from the Pont
Christmas Cruise (reserve at the Visitor de la République (Republic Bridge)
MONSIEUR
and Convention Information Centre). info@visitezbesancon.com CANAL
www.visitezbesancon.com
DEPARTURE TIMES
Daily in July and August: 10am, DEPARTURE TIMES
11:15am*, 2:15pm, 3:30pm, 4:45pm For individuals, scheduled departures
and 6pm**. in season: for precise times, go to
From April to June, and from Sep. visitezbesancon.com
to Oct., 2:15pm and 3:30pm For groups, daily (except in winter),
(+4.45pm on weekend and bank reservation necessary
holiday).
PRICES
Full price 13 €
PRICES Children (from 4 to 16 years) 10 €
Full price 13 € Combined ticket
Children (from 4 to 16 years) 10 € Boat + Little Tourist train 19,50 €
* cancellation in case of a meal cruise and 14,50 € children
- updating on the website.
** only with reservation
32 33GREATER BESANÇON THE CENTRE OF THE ARTS
MARINA IN BESANÇON
RIVER PORT AND Flowing water marina
MARINAS: 3 SITES, 20 moorings for boats up to 20 metres
+ 2 berths for big boats (passenger
75 MOORINGS boats, boat hotels... reservation
required for boats over 20 metres long).
If you are transiting or want to rent Facilities: floating pontoons for
a short- or long-term mooring at any moorings, power and water hook-ups,
of the 3 marinas: a pump-out station, and a gangway to
Doubs Plaisance the dock for people with reduced
www.doubsplaisance.com mobility.
contact@doubsplaisance.com Maximum Draught: 1.80 metres
0033 3 81 81 75 35 Maximum Air Draught: 3.50 metres
The marina accommodates vessels
ST. PAUL’S RIVER PORT for short-, medium- and long-term
AND MARINA IN BESANÇON mooring during the summer season.
Location: on St. Pierre’s Island Because the marina is on flowing water,
(Ile Saint-Pierre) in the heart of it is closed in winter. See St.Paul’s
Besançon. Open year-round. Harbour Marina for winter moorings.
Master’s Office of Greater Besançon.
25 moorings for boats up to 14 metres. PETROL PUMP DOUBS PLAISANCE RIVER CRUISES
Cruises organised for disabled adults
Facilities: reception office, showers
and toilets, floating pontoons for
(diesel only)
Call to 06 71 17 91 29
BOAT RENTALS (approved by Vacances Adaptées)
moorings, power and water hook-ups. www.grandbesancon.fr/
ELECTRIC BOAT
Maximum Draught: 1.30 metres portdagglomeration OPENING TIMES
Electric boat rental: so you can see
Maximum Air Draught: 3.50 metres April to September
Besançon from the Doubs, safely
During the summer season, priority DELUZ RIVER MARINA www.grandbesancon.fr/
and at your own rhythm. Allow
is given to transiting boats. Accommodates all types of boats portdagglomeration
2 hours for reception, getting settled
During the winter, medium- and up to 15 metres long, 30 moorings. in the boat and to tour the Loop.
long-term moorings available: location Full-service marina (painting and You will go through 2 locks
is well-protected from flooding. mechanical service, winter berthing…) at Tarragnoz and Moulin St Paul
Facilities: floating pontoons for (St. Paul’s Mill).
moorings, power and water hook-ups,
a pump-out station, access ramp,
picnic tables. OPENING TIMES
15th April to 15th October
34 35BESANÇON CHATEAU DE MONCLEY
The château, a listed historical
21 Avenue de la Résistance
39800 POLIGNY
+33 (0)3 84 37 78 40
THE SURROUNDING AREA monument, is a prime example of French
neo-classical architecture. maisonducomte@comte.com
Far from the distractions of modern life, www.maison-du-comte.com
MUSEUM and its historic and pre-historic
treasures make it one of the most yet just 10 minutes from the Franche-
MAISONS COMTOISES DE NANCRAY Comté TGV station and 20 minutes from
amazing caves in the world. It was also
a place of celebration for Voltaire, a Besançon, it is a unique and elegant
place of worship under The Terror, a venue for weddings, events or weekend MUSEE DES ARMEES LUCIEN ROY
historic monument, and a geological breaks. Guided tours organised by the Twelve rooms depicting the great
gem that sheltered visitors from the Besançon Tourist Office. imperial wars, the two world wars and
summer heat. the colonial wars. 250 uniformed
Route de Moncley models, along with weapons and
42 route des Grottes 25170 MONCLEY ammunition, paint a picture of what
25410 ROSET FLUANS +33 (0)3 81 80 92 55 those wars were really like, and
+33 (0)3 81 63 62 09 chateaudemoncley@gmail.com illustrate the courage of those fighting
grotte.osselle@yahoo.fr chateaudemoncley.fr for freedom.
AN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM AND
PARK UNLIKE ANY OTHER IN https://grotte-osselle.fr 70 rue de Besançon
FRANCE! The Musée des Maisons CHÂTEAU DE VAIRE LE GRAND
25720 BEURE
Comtoises is an ideal place to stroll and This 18th-century château is famous for
+33 (0)3 81 52 60 30
explore. Enjoy a unique blend of its French gardens and their panoramic
museelucienroy@orange.fr
heritage, activities, exhibitions and MUSEUM views over the Doubs valley.
museelucienroy.e-monsite.com
events! Visitors are welcome.
LE HAMEAU DU FROMAGE
Architectural interest - The Musée des
Maisons Comtoises comprises 35 17th-, 10 rue de Charmont
25220 VAIRE ARCIER
18th- and 19th-century buildings from MUSEUM
all over the Franche-Comté region, +33 (0)6 81 87 41 38
vairelegrand@gmail.com LA MAISON DE LOUIS PASTEUR
including farmhouses, workshops, a Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), the man who
communal oven and a chapel. v.l.g.free.fr
invented the rabies vaccine, returned to
They are typical of rural architecture in Arbois regularly throughout his life. His
Franche-Comté, with each building house has been kept intact. From the
representing a specific local area. Each GOUFFRE DE POUDREY billiards room to the laboratory, it offers
testifies to the unique connection Deep in the bowels of the earth, a full 70
a glimpse into the scientist’s private life.
between a society and its environment.
Cheese makers from past and present metres below ground, the Gouffre de
The house now belongs to several
Get a real insight into how local people
spin the most beautiful stories as they Poudrey is a cave so colossal it could
organisations, including the Maison des
and communities lived between 1750
take you on a thrilling, one-hour tour of hold Notre-Dame. It is the largest
Illustres and Jura Musées.
and 1950! the great Franche-Comté cheese underground chamber open to visitors
Rue du Musée exhibition, featuring big-screen films, in France.
83 rue de Courcelles
25360 NANCRAY live cheese-making sessions, exhibition During the tour, you will see stalactites,
39600 ARBOIS
+33 (0)3 81 55 29 77
galleries, giant slide shows, cheese stalagmites and other limestone
+33 (0)3 84 66 11 72
musee@maisons-comtoises.org
tasting, a cheesemonger’s shop, a wine concretions, in what is a veritable city of
maisonarbois@terredelouispasteur.fr
www.maisons-comtoises.org
cellar and regional products, among darkness. The guided tour and the
www.terredelouispasteur.fr
other things. An extraordinary journey Sound and Light show bring this
through time, for children and adults magnificent setting into sharp relief.
alike.
Restaurants and shops on site. 1 lieu-dit Puits de Poudrey
MUSEUM
Groups welcome. 25580 ÉTALANS
GROTTE D’OSSELLE +33 (0)3 81 59 31 31 MAISON NATALE DE PASTEUR
A farmer’s market in the summer France’s first ever Louis Pasteur
months. contact@gouffredepoudrey.com
www.gouffredepoudrey.com museum has been continually improved
Arts and crafts. since it opened in 1923. Today the
museum, which is located in the house
25330 CLERON where Pasteur was born, introduces
+33 (0)3 81 62 41 51 LA MAISON DU COMTÉ
visitors to the man himself, his artistic
commercial@hameaudufromage. Come enjoy a four-step guided tour on
and (above all) scientific work, and his
com Comté Cheese and emerge an expert! A
legacy. It hosts permanent collections
www.hameaudufromage.com model and a fully automated tour
and temporary exhibitions.
programme explain the PDO rules
applicable to Comté and showcase
The cave, with its sparkling stalactites 43 rue Louis Pasteur
various professionals and their passion
and stalagmites and its strange, shifting 39100 DOLE
for the industry, the job and the world
colours, houses the largest collection of +33 (0)3 84 72 20 61
of milk production, cheese making and
cave bear bones in Europe. Its wealth of maisondole@terredelouispasteur.fr
ripening.
crystals and colours, its rock formations, www.terredBESANÇON
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