If you don't see the message below, click here. To assist you in your search for short breaks, contact our advisors on: Nestled in a loop of the River Doubs, Besançon, the capital of the Franche-Comté region has for many years straddled both sides of the river, stretching out as far as the verdant, rolling hills which encircle it. The most remarkable of these is the site of the famous citadel constructed by Vauban. Its fortifications have towered over the city since the 17th century and have won it the accolade of being listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. A city which deserves the further title of Capital of Time, as chimed out by the clocks and watches manufactured here since 1793! FIND OUT MORE › (french website) This Vauban masterpiece and defensive structure of the city was completed in 1693 after 30 years’ work. Its stones bear witness to the glorious times of Louis XIV, who commissioned it. Today the Citadel incorporates a vast museum area (one section devoted to Vauban and another to a moving commemoration of the French Resistance), and a first-class zoo which will delight both young and old. But climbing up to the citadel and exploring its walls, demi-bastions, tenailles, gate houses, curtain walls and other towers also takes you on a journey into history and offers an astounding panoramic view of the city. “The sun lies, the clock tells the truth”. Besançon seems to have been contemplating this theory of Galileo since 1793, the date when the first clock-makers’ workshops were established. Set in a sumptuous Renaissance palace, the Musée du Temps tells this incredible story of the timepiece. Fun, poetic, philosophical and technological … The museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore all the devices which measure time and to meet the masters of the craft. FIND OUT MORE › (french website) FIND OUT MORE › A few minutes away from the town centre, an amazing celebration of the Franche-Comté region offers an educational tour that will transport you into another world! 15 hectares and thirty or so authentic buildings re-assembled stone by stone will immerse you in the lifestyles of our ancestors. It’s an opportunity to discover the local architectural heritage in all its diversity and the rural traditions of times gone by, but that’s not all. The museum offers a variety of activities for all the family, based on honey, music, the garden and building techniques. A great way to spend a day in the countryside of Franche-Comté, a stone’s throw away from the town centre. 4,000 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. A cycle route running alongside the great European rivers and their tributaries and canals, one of which is the River Doubs. This is the basic principle behind the EuroVélo network, created in 1994. In Franche-Comté, it extends over 187 km and cuts through Besançon. Whether you’re on a bike, on rollerblades or on foot, the watchword of Eurovélo6 is accessibility. Maps and topo-guides identify the way-marked sections of the route, their tourist attractions and service points. Amongst these is the very precious Relais Vélo, located on the towpath between Casaméne and Besançon. FIND OUT MORE › FIND OUT MORE › (french website) This vast and elegant brasserie set amongst the large trees of Place Granvelle pays homage to Victor Hugo, who was born in Besançon on 26th February 1802. The chef showcases regional and seasonal produce (the trout from the River Loue are excellent!) with a varied menu to suit all tastes. In the heart of the city a stone’s throw from the theatre. Place Granvelle in Besançon This beautiful house set in magnificent grounds has many attractions: hotel, restaurant, spa and even cabins in the trees to get on close terms with the stars. Just like the young chef, Antony Serra, who is also likely to win himself one! His cuisine is inventive and perfectly mastered. With a menu du jour from €24, here you can enjoy gastronomic cuisine in an exceptional setting without upsetting your bank manager! FIND OUT MORE › Besançon, a Heritage City 2 days / 1 night A cultural weekend in the capital of Franche-Comté. Between Dole and Besançon by bicycle 2 days / 1 night Everyone on their bikes! Another way of exploring the region... LOTS OF IDEAS AND INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY IN OUR NEW 2012 MAGAZINE! Copyright: CRT Franche Comté, Eric Chatelain, Michel Joly. In accordance with the French Data Protection Act of 6 January 1978, you have a right of access and rectification of data concerning you. To exercise this right, write to info@franche-comte.org. If you no longer wish to receive information from the Franche-Comté Regional Tourist Board, click here.