Besancon Hotels

Victor Hugo was born in Besançon in 1802 and indeed, there is a touch of epic drama about the place. Michelin multi-star chef Raymond Blanc, of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons fame in Oxfordshire, is also a native and restaurants in Besançon do him proud. The town has a long, fabled history that extends all the way back to the Bronze Age. Julius Caesar was an admirer of Besançon and actually took the time to scribble some notes about the ancient settlement while his troops swept through Gaul. Supreme points of interest in the small city include the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology, Museum of Natural History and Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon. For a memorable day trip, head southwest 35 km to the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans.

Attractions

• Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology
• Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon
• Citadel de Besançon
• Église de la Madeleine
• Museum of Natural History

Activities

• Jardin botanique de Besançon
• Besançon International Music Festival
• Musiques de Rues Festival
• Herbe en Zik Festival
• Parc de la Gare d’Eau

Restaurants

• La Papaye Verte
• Le Petit Bouchon
• La Tour de la Pelote
• Le Kaf des Vieux Amants
• Le Café Café

Nightlife

• Le Cube
• Miami Club
• Brasserie 1802
• Petit Bar Eurl
• Iguane Café

Climate

Besançon has a cross between a temperate oceanic and continental climate, with cool winters and warm summers.

• Winter (December to February) 0-7°C
• Spring (March to May) 3-21°C
• Summer (June to September) 12-26°C
• Fall (October to November) 4-18°C