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Sightseeing in Besancon - what to see. Complete travel guide

Besançon Ancient city Besancon is considered the historical capital of the Franche-Comté region. This is the motherland of such outstanding scientists and people of art as Lumiere brothers, Victor Hugo, Jean Baptiste Fourier and Proudhon. Here appeared first manufacturers of watches in France and Besancon was also the first Italian city that started making artificial silk.
Besancon will be interesting to visit for those who during leisure, like to combine walks in picturesque places, active entertainment and acquaintance with cultural attractions. For young … Open
The city is generously decorated with magnificent buildings. It has managed to retain its historical and architectural sights that amaze visitors by their grace and uniqueness for many centuries.

Pointe-Noire is known as the main sight of Besancon. It was built by the Romans yet in the II century AD. One more magnificent building of XVIII century is Saint-Jean Cathedral. However, if it usually takes a couple of hours to view these sights, in order to study the local citadel you will need to spend several days. The citadel is occupied by several exhibition centers. There you can find first watches made here several centuries ago and modern masterpieces in this area. The Museum of Hugo will provide you with information concerning the biography and works of this famous French writer. You can also visit the Museum of Natural History, Town Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Pale-Granville castle, and see huge Astronomic clocks that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
One more nice surprise waits for those who have sweet tooth. There is a small town named Pontarlier not far from Besancon. This town is famous for its large chocolate factory, one of best in France. All tourists can attend an excursion to this factory and try the sweets and chocolate made by the local confectioners. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Besancon will pleasantly surprise culinary experts with a choice of restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is easy to find dining venues specializing in different cuisines of the world in the … Open
Amongst many religious sites, noteworthy is the Abbey of St. Paul. It was founded in the 7th century, only the ruins of some buildings have survived to this day. The best preserved is the ancient church of St. Paul, the facade of which remains untouched since the 14th century. It is a vivid example of the Gothic style, this church has preserved perfect old design and many interesting artefacts. Several years ago, a museum was opened within the church, which today is regarded as the cultural object of state’s significance. 
In the city there are numerous beautiful ancient palaces, one of the most interesting is considered Granvel Palace. It was built in the 16th century and is typical of the architectural monument of the Renaissance, for hundreds of years the palace remained virtually unchanged. This architectural monument has rich and interesting history, during the years of its existence at various points it housed Academy, Theatre and Museum of History, and now a rich exhibition of the Museum of time is there. One of the main features of the palace is a charming patio; in the warmer months, theatrical performances and concerts are often performed there. 
Besancon is the capital of the department of Doubs and the Franche-Comte region. Even though it is not in the list of top destinations in France, the city is one of the most beautiful places … Open
The complex of incredibly beautiful historic buildings is taken by Besançon casino, it is actually a gorgeous entertainment multiplex. Even in the late 19th century there was a spa complex, sophisticated hotel and casino, only the wealthiest locals and visitors of the city could afford to rest here. Today in this historic complex located in the best thalassotherapy centre, there is still an expensive hotel, and even a national cuisine restaurant. Spending time here will be interesting not only for fans of gambling; on the territory of the entertainment complex is a field for the game of golf, as well as excellent conditions for events. 
Fans of theatre art should visit the municipal theatre of Besancon, its opening was held back in 1778. Until the second half of the 20th century, this historic theatre has existed virtually unchanged, but in 1958 there was a large fire in it. The fire completely destroyed the main hall of the theatre, which later was fully restored. Today, this theatre hosts the most important cultural events, and it preserves an atmosphere of past.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Besancon and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Besancon
♥   Castle 'Château de Montfaucon' Doubs, 3.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Besançon' Doubs, 4.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Chandioux' Nièvre, 13.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Cléron' Doubs, 18.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Château de Ray-sur-Saône' Haute-Saône, 40.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all parks
National and city parks around Besancon
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Haut-Jura' , 97.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Regional Nature Park 'Ballons des Vosges' , 120.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Besancon and around
♥   Art museum 'Musée des Beaux-Arts et d archéologie' Besançon, 1.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Sights around Besancon from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Chateau de Montbeliard

From the series “The greatest France castles ”
Despite the difficult revolutionary period for the fortress, many things that belonged to the first owners were preserved in it. Beautiful antique furniture deserves special attention. It was installed in the halls even during the period of ownership of Monbeliard. The atmosphere of previous years was also restored in the castle kitchen. A collection of paintings by famous French painters is kept in the castle. It is often used for temporary exhibitions today. The castle is open to the public several days a month. Especially many guests come here on the days of various cultural events. … Read further
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Besancon

Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022

In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah. Read this

19.03.2024

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Sightseeing in regions nearby Besancon

All about Besancon, France - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Besancon, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Besancon in few days.
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