nukesafe

We have been looking for a smaller French town to visit for a day or two during our trip to Paris in October. Saw a brief article on Besancon, and the town looks intriguing. It is on a TGV route, is only about two hours away, and a Prem ticket is only €20 if I act fast.

I searched the Forum, but the last posts about the town seem to be from 2002. Does anyone have any comments on the town? Recommendations on hotels or restaurants? Things not to miss?

Thanks

StuDudley

We stayed overnight in about 2003. In 2008 we rented a gite for 2 weeks near Besancon & visited it twice on day-trips. It is a charming city and a bit off the tourist path. On one of our day-trips we visited the market and explored the streets of the "lower" town. On the other day-trip we spent most of the day at the Citadelle/Vauban fort, the zoo, and some museums in the "upper" part of Besancon.

I don't recall where we stayed or dined in '03 - dinner may have been at Le St Pierre - it was a Michelin 1 star at the time.

Not too many Americans there.

Stu Dudley

ellen75005

nukesafe,

I lived in Besancon in college (junior year), but that was MANY(!) years ago. I was back in the 90's for a short time, but even that seems a long time ago now. Besancon is a city going about its normal business which to me is refreshing. It's in the foothills of the mountains (Jura) that divide France and Switzerland and it's surrounded by a meandering river (le Doubs). Visit the Citadelle and Vauban as Stu suggests. La Grande Rue was pedestrian only when we visited in the 90's It's Victor Hugo's birthplace and as I recall, there's a plaque on the house in the center of town where he was born or lived. They have a Syndicat d'Initiative (tourist office) which will give you ideas about what to do. Sorry I can't steer you to any restaurants; I think we may have stayed at the Mercure that was modern and nice. Sorry I can't be more specific! Enjoy your time there.

nukesafe

Thanks for the quick responses, both. Seems you have fond memories of the place. Sounds like it would be worth a visit if we wanted to be off the beaten path, and not be trampled by the tourist crowds of Paris. Would give me a chance to practice my execrable French, too.

ellen75005

nukesafe, I just came across this from cnn: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/08/travel...ml?hpt=hp_bn10.

The first photo is of the Jura in NW Switzerland. This looks more dramatic than it does in Besancon, but it gives you an idea of the region which is truly breathtaking.

And yes, you'll no doubt be able to practice your French