Cradled in a meander of river Doubs, Besancon has moved along with the times without surrendering an iota of its charm or any of its exceptional architectural legacy. The capital of Franche-Comté and Frances foremost green town and a symbol for time counting technologies, proudly welcomes visitors to discover its narrow lanes, its venerable buildings with their typical outdoor stairways and discreetly hidden courtyards, its cathedral, churches and chapels, and the fortress erected by Vauban to guard over the town.
Music plays an important part in town life. There are classical music and jazz festivals of international repute, some of whose concerts are staged in other prestigious sites of the region. Harmony of a different kind is to be found admired in the nearby Ideal Town of Architect Ledoux : the Royal Saltworks of Arc et Senans, a world heritage site classified by UNESCO. Another site of exceptional interest is the Open Air Museum of Franche-Comté Houses, situated in Nancray. This open air museum gives an accurate picture of how the original local houses and buildings have evolved over the years in a region which never ceases to amaze and delight visitors in search of beauty and interest.
Immortalized by the realist painter Gustave Courbet, whose life and work are honored in the museum located in his native home of Ornans, the Valley of the Loue, is a real paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts. They can discover the National Water and Fishing Museum which offers a rich source of advice as well as being the setting for a variety of exhibitions. Those who fancy water sports or rambling can indulge in their favorite pastime in the Doubs pools, River Loue and Lison and the Lakes Saint-Point and Remoray to name but a few.
The colorful Doubs and Dessoubre Valleys with their ever changing colors are liberally dotted with picturesque villages where cheese and salted meats are still produced in the time honored manner.
Rock climbers are drawn to their steep slopes and ledges an many well known film makers following in the footsteps of famous authors, have drawn inspiration from these magnificent landscapes.
LABELS
Recorded as a Classification Historical Monument :
Yes
LOCATION
Area to visit :
Besançon and surroundings, Doubs, Loue and Dessoubre Valleys
OTHERS
Free visit :
Yes
Open all year round :
Yes
Type of site :
River, Natural spring
LABELS
Recorded as a Classification Historical Monument :
Yes
LOCATION
Area to visit :
Besançon and surroundings, Doubs, Loue and Dessoubre Valleys
OTHERS
Free visit :
Yes
Open all year round :
Yes
Type of site :
River, Natural spring
To find accommodation, events, outings, etc., close to here, you can select one of the themes below as well as a distance in kilometres which will represent the area in which you wish to carry out your search.
Search
Search
Print
