Besancon by Eurostar

Besancon is the capital of the Department of Doubs and has a population of close to a quarter of a million people. The city is located near the border of Switzerland and is in the eastern France. At one time this city was known as the 'green city of France.' The city today has a strong reputation for art and history.

The city is situated between the tributaries of the Rhone River. It was settled in 1500 BC by Gauls. This city has long been a military and strategic part of this area. It is protected on the south side by the Alps. In the fourth century the city became part of the archbishopric.

Besancon became part of the Holy Roman Empire in 1184. Pope Alexander III almost lost his life to Otto of Wittelsbach until Frederick stopped him. There was a great deal of political and religious turmoil in this city over the next several centuries. The city declared its independence in 1290. In the fifteenth century the city found itself under the influence of the Duke of Burgundy. Although the city was conquered by King Louis it was returned to Spain after a few months. The city was fortified by Vauban not long afterwards. Unfortunately, the city fell again in 1674 to the French.

The city has many fortifications built that took almost thirty years to complete. The citadel that was built has two dry moats with an outer and inner court. The citadel stands as a monument to the engineering genius of Vauban. The Nazis occupied this city during WWII. Hundreds of French Resistance fighters were killed during the occupation. The city was finally recaptured by the French in 1959. The citadel was turned into a museum after the war.

Today, Besancon's is famous for its micro technology and watch industries. One of the largest trade shows involving micro technologies happens each year here. The city has long counted on the watch industry and the LIP is one of the most prestigious watches found on the market today.

Travel to Besancon by Eurostar

The historic city of Besancon is easily accessed with Eurostar London to Besancon Train. The journey through Eurostar London Besancon Train is the most convenient and stress free mode of travel you will find. Eurostar Train is the high-speed passenger train connecting people of London to Paris, Brussels, Lille and other top destinations of Europe. While it is true that the Eurostar train journey is little bit more expensive than low budgeted flights and cheap ferry operator, it has a high-speed of 186mph, excellent on-board facilities and it is punctual; thus making it the best mode of transport in Europe. It becomes easy to visit Besancon by Eurostar with one price as Eurostar has tied up with several train operating companies in UK.

Simply take the Eurostar London Besancon Train from London's St. Pancras International Station to Paris Gare Du Nord station and then simply station change at Paris and take the RER D to Gare de Lyon where you will find the TGV to Besancon. The journey time for the Eurostar Train to Besancon from London is about six and a half hours and should run about £203.00.

Besancon Attractions

Besancon is a city that is rich in culture and has many beautiful places that should be visited including Roman ruins, churches, museums, parks, aquariums, gardens, zoos, and performing arts centres.

The Porte Noire is one of the Roman remains from the second century. The triumphal arch is located at the foot of the hill not far from where the Citadel of Besancon stands. Another Roman remain is the Square Castan. It is a semi-circular theatre and was once touched up in 1820.

Palais Granvelle is located in the centre of Besancon. It has many arcades that are built around the interior court. The ruins were originally built by Charles V. A number of tapestries exist and are on display in this Roman ruins.

The Citadel (Vauban's Citadel of Besancon) began construction in 1668 and was completed in 1711. The military engineer genius was tasked with creating the building. After thirty years, this finished fortification was so expensive that the king joked that the walls were constructed of gold. It was the first line of defence for the city. Before the building became the tourist attraction that it is today, it was used as a place to keep prisoners from WWII and as a military depot. Today it is the place that numerous museums are located.

The Museum of Natural History has zoos and aquariums. It has Siberian Tigers, primates, exotic birds and many endangered species. The world's largest store of insects is kept in the insectariums. Visitors can enjoy the Noctarium day and night.

The Museum of Resistance and Deportation was created in 1971 and is considered one of the top five museums in the country. More than twenty rooms containing texts and documents related to WWII are on display. The museum is located in the citadel and it is a great tribute to the resistance fighters of the war.

Besancon Events

Each year several events take place in the city of Besancon. The Besancon Franche-Comte Music Festival happens each September. It is an old and prestigious event that has taken place for many years in a row.

The Musiques de Rues Festival takes place in October and features street music of various kinds. Country music is featured in the Franch Country Festival that happens in August. If you enjoy Jazz music, then you should be sure to be around each May when the Jazz en Franche-Comte Festival.

Nightlife in Besancon

Due to the rich cultural background of this city, a vast number of different nightclubs exist to meet the needs of people in the city and visitors. There are cafes, pubs, bars, and other clubs that cater to everyone in the city.

Popular Nightclubs in Besancon

• Pub De L'Etoile
• Grande Rue
• Cul 'o' Rhum
• Rue Proudhon

Hotels in Besancon

A great deal of hotels is available no matter how much you have to spend when visiting Besancon.

Popular Hotels

• Hotel Charles Quint
• Hotel De Paris
• Ibis Besancon La City
• Citea Besancon
• Hotel Castan

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