City break in Besancon. Active leisure ideas for Besancon - attractions, recreation and nightlife

Every day spent in Besancon can easily become an exciting and unforgettable one because of a great number of entertaining centers, restaurants, and nightclubs. Fans of shopping will be pleased to visit Chateaufarine. This shopping complex is home to more than 70 boutiques that sell trendy clothes, shoes, and perfumes. It is important to mention that Chateaufarine often offers discounts and various promotions, during which visitors can purchase quality clothes at a nice discount. In order to buy fresh seafood, exotic fruits and vegetables, head to Géant supermarket.

Fashionistas should check one more place not far away from the city center. Galeries Lafayette is a famous boutique that is very popular with trendy folks. Besancon hosts numerous exhibitions and trade fairs every year. As a rule, most of these events take place at the Micropolis. May is one of the best months for tourists to visit this fabulous city as that is the time when Besancon hosts the famous Franche-Comte Trade Fair.

Besancon nightlife is also very interesting and diversified. As a rule, the most popular nighttime entertainment venues are located not far from the central area. Madigan's Bar is open on Saint Pierre Square. It’s an attractive place reminiscent of an Irish pub. Large choice of beer and other alcoholic beverages, popular music, and an interesting entertainment program - Madigan's will please visitors with its atmosphere of hospitality and fun. Temple bar is a no less interesting place. It attracts people not only by a rich choice of signature cocktails and snacks but also by loud and merry thematic parties. The majority of bars and clubs in Besancon work until 1 a.m., only several clubs and bars can work until early in the morning. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tourists, who visit the city with children, will enjoy hours spent in local parks. Each of them has cute rides and playgrounds for children, charming cafes, and special picnic areas. Cycling tours are also very popular in Besancon. Tourists can always rent a bike and explore neighborhoods in a pleasant and exciting way.

Cinema lovers who cannot have a vacation without their favorite pastime will be pleased with the quality of cinema theaters in the city. The most popular ones are Cinema Victor Hugo on Rue Gambetta, Cinema Magarama on Rue des Sources, and Cinema Pathe Beaux-Arts on Rue Gustave Courbet. However, tourists should check in advance whether the film they’re interested in has subtitles because the vast majority of films are dubbed in French.

Fans of culture activities may be also interested in visiting theatres in Besancon. There are three main theatres in the city – Theatre Ledoux on Rue Megevand, L’Espace on Place de l’Europe, and Kursaal on Place du Theatre. All of them have the same operating organization – Les 2 Scenes that organizes many theatre and music events in the city. This company has a website where visitors can see the upcoming shows and book tickets.

As there are many students in Besancon, the city’s nightlife is associated with this category of young people. Therefore, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are the most popular time for night entertainment. Venues in the Boucle area are usually the most popular, but there are also many bars and restaurants on the Quartier Battant that is located on the other side of the river. Le Gibus is a bar that is incredibly popular with students and young people in general. The venue has a pub atmosphere and often hosts live music concerts or DJ performances. The bar is usually full on weekends, and, if the weather permits, people have fun both inside and outside. The Green Man is also a popular bar that is open in an old cellar. This cozy and enjoyable place has live music performances on Fridays. Tourists should not forget that the venue is closed on Sundays.