Besancon Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Welcome to Besancon, a town famed for art and history, built on a loop of the River Doubs. It is well-known as the watch capital of France. Discover the birthplace of a famous writer - Victor Hugo. Admire the Saint-Jean cathedral and its elegant astronomical clock made of 30,000 pieces. The grand mansions of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries are some of the many places of interest to be explored on a walk around the town.
Available options
Besancon Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
What's included
Possible customizing on tour with your local guide on the spot
Private guided Tour
Local Guide who will be with your group only
Detailed itinerary
1
*Porte Noire
*Cathédrale Saint-Jean
*Victor Hugo Birthplace
*View of Museum Of Times
*Hôtel de Ville de Besançon
*Quai Vauban
*View Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology of Besançon
*Parc Micaud
What's not included
Gratuities
Entrance fees
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
porte Noire, Porte Noire, 25000 Besançon, France
About Besançon
Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is renowned for its well-preserved historic center and the impressive Vauban Citadel. Nestled in the Doubs department of eastern France, it offers a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque natural surroundings. The city is often celebrated for its unique blend of cultural heritage and modern amenities, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Citadelle de Besançon
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Citadelle de Besançon is a stunning example of Vauban's military architecture. It offers panoramic views of the city and houses a museum, a zoo, and various cultural exhibits.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€7.50 (adult ticket)
Cathédrale Saint-Jean de Besançon
This stunning Gothic cathedral is one of the most significant religious landmarks in Besançon. It features a unique astronomical clock and impressive stained-glass windows.
Religious/Architecture
1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Musée du Temps
The Museum of Time is dedicated to the history of timekeeping and features a diverse collection of clocks, watches, and other time-related artifacts.
Museum
1-2 hours
€8 (adult ticket)
Parc Micaud
A beautiful public park located along the Doubs River, offering scenic walking paths, picnic areas, and a children's playground.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Comté Cheese
A type of Gruyère cheese produced in the Franche-Comté region, known for its rich and nutty flavor.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy
Jambon de Luxeuil
A type of dry-cured ham from the Franche-Comté region, often served in thin slices as an appetizer or in sandwiches.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Morel Mushroom Dishes
Morel mushrooms are a local delicacy, often served in creamy sauces or as part of a traditional dish.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding countryside
Cycling along the Doubs River
Rock climbing in the nearby cliffs
Picnicking in Parc Micaud
Wine tasting at local vineyards
Strolling through the historic city center
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Besançon, offering pleasant weather and numerous outdoor activities. The city hosts several festivals and events during this time, making it a vibrant period to visit.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, German, Italian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Besançon is generally a safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg • 120 km (75 miles)
By train
Besançon-Viotte Station
By bus
Besançon Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Ginko bus network is the primary mode of public transportation in Besançon, offering frequent and reliable service throughout the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber is available in Besançon.
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centre-Ville
Clairgoutte
Battant
Day trips
Dole
30 km (19 miles) • Half day
Dole is a charming town with a rich history, known for its well-preserved old town and the birthplace of Louis Pasteur.
Ornans
25 km (16 miles) • Half day
Ornans is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty and as the birthplace of the famous painter Gustave Courbet.
Arc-et-Senans
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Arc-et-Senans is home to the Royal Saltworks, a UNESCO World Heritage site designed by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux.
Festivals
Festival de Musique de Besançon • July
Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) • December
Festival des Théâtres du Monde • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Citadelle de Besançon early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
- Try the local Comté cheese and other Franche-Comté specialties at the Marché des Halles.
- Explore the historic city center on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
- Attend a local festival or event to experience the city's vibrant culture and traditions.
- Take a day trip to nearby towns like Dole or Ornans for a taste of the region's history and natural beauty.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
