Besançon

Besançon

Besançon is located in eastern France near the Swiss border. It is the capital of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region and the Doubs department, known for its microtechnology and watchmaking industries, and is considered the capital of French watchmaking. The city is home to the University of Franche-Comté, which welcomes over 3,000 students from around the world each year.

Besançon has one of the most beautiful old towns among France’s major cities. The "loop" of the Doubs River surrounds the old town, while Vauban's citadel sits atop the neck of the loop. The old town is like a symphony of classical stone architecture, some dating back to the Middle Ages and others to the Spanish Renaissance. Among the more visited historical landmarks are the remnants of Roman ruins, Spanish Renaissance-style buildings, the 16th-century Palais Granvelle, Vauban’s Citadel of Besançon, Besançon Cathedral, the Church of Sainte-Madeleine, and the Besançon Synagogue. The city’s renowned museums include the Museum of Time, the Museum of Franche-Comté, and the Museum of Natural History, which features a zoo, aquarium, insectarium, and climate exhibitions.

Besançon

Must-visit reason: A well-known French city for its watchmaking industry

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Franche-Comté Region [Franche-Comté Region]

City where the attraction is located: Besançon [Besançon]