Besançon and its surroundings

Besançon and its surroundings

Take the road to Besançon, capital of Franche-Comté. Board the Vauban for a 1h15 cruise on the Doubs river. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the fortifications of Vauban and the citadel, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Back on dry land, the « Petit Train » will show you the old Besançon through its winding alleys. About 20 km from Besançon, don’t miss the visit of the Osselle Cave, a historical monument as much as a geological phenomenon. Very close from there, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, built in 1774, opens its doors to you. This factory dedicated to salt production gathers eleven buildings. It was several times saved from destruction after the shutdown of the industrial production in 1895. If you have time, follow the Jura border until the village of Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne to discover its old houses, its edge-tool factory and of course the Lison Source.