Restaurant
L'Unalôme BESANCON sustainable 48-hour nature break
Car-free slow tourism weekend in Besançon
Besançon, the, Biodiversity Capital with a commitment to sustainable development, invites you to go green for your next adventure. Forget the car and take the train for this mini-break which you'll spend exploring the city the slow way, on foot or by bike. Get ready to try local specialities, meet lovely people, visit eco-friendly places and explore unspoilt nature spots, for an enjoyable getaway that respects the planet. Not forgetting our must-sees.
Day 1
Electric boat trip and watchmaking history
I am sailing... in a silent, non-polluting boat!
From the harbour master's office, explore Besançon by river in an electric boat as you take command for a 2-hour trip.
The city's historic centre is encircled by a loop of the river Doubs, offering an alternative way to admire this decidedly nature-friendly city in all its beauty, from hills and parks to wild riverbanks and the impressive Citadel, keeping watch in the background.
NB: during your trip you'll have the opportunity to sail through 2 locks and a tunnel, just like a regular pleasure-boater.
Your electric boat trip
Beautiful time-keepinng mechanisms from past to present
Step inside the Time Museum and plunge among a unique collection with a three-fold history: the city of Besançon, clock- and watch-making, and time-keeping.
Just opposite the museum, take the time (since you're in the time capital 😉) to admire the contemporary versions of traditional Franche-Comté clocks designed by UTINAM. Their workshop-boutique displays some real works of art that combine design and crafstmanship with great talent!
Mindful cuisine for the planet and for people
For dinner, our selection of eco-friendly restaurants
- L'Unalôme: creative, ethical, in-house cuisine.
- Bleu de sapin: local cuisine and dishes that vary with the seasons and availability.
- Basilic Instint: vegetarian, vegan, free from gluten, lactose and sugar.
Guilt-free accommodation
Prefer a house or a flat?
Whatever your preference, you'll find it here. Take your pick from:
- A small house in a residential neighbourhood located above the town, with a lovely garden and panoramic view.
- An apartment or studio flat with all the mod cons, a stone's throw from the town centre on the banks of the Doubs
- A residential hotel near the tram line that connects with the town centre
These 3 establishments are committed to an eco-friendly approach to the provision of services and facilities, be it through a certification label (Green Key) or by way of the owner's personal involvement.
Top tips for a low-carbon experience
Coming by train
With one station in the town centre and another served by high-speed trains, Besancon is easy to reach from many cities of France and Europe:
- PARIS in 2h05
- PARIS ROISSY – CDG in 2h45
- STRASBOURG in 1h50
- LYON in 2h10
- LILLE in 3h15
- MARSEILLE in 3h30
- BRUSSELS in 4h50
- LONDON in 6h00
Getting around in Besançon, on foot, by bike or with public transport
Once you reach the station, you can:
- pick up an electric bike with saddle bags from Happy’s Experience, who will suggest a meeting point near Viotte station.
- or, if you hold a Besancon Tourism Pass, get unimited travel on the buses and trams as well as admission to the city's 4 must-see sites (the Citadel, the Fine Arts & Archaeology Museum, the house where Victor Hugo was born, and the Time Museum)
Day 2
A walk in the fresh air and a picnic…100% local
Pick your preference between:
- A CITY WALK. You'll love taking to the streets armed with the free "Visit Besançon" app. 3 itineraries, perfect for fitting in all the heritage gems by simply following the ground arrows.
- A NATURE HIKE. Go hiking across one of the 7 wooded hillsides around the town centre, for example by following the Chaudanne loop itinerary or the Biodiversity trail. Keep your eyes peeled, as chamois can often be seen here on the edge of the city.
- A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE RIVER. Follow a section of the impressive Eurovélo 6 itinerary (which extends from Nantes to Budapest!), for a peaceful bike ride on the bucolic banks of the Doubs.
A 100% local picnic
For your picnic, head for the Beaux-Arts market. This is THE place to stock up on delicious products such as Comté, Morbier and other cheeses from the local region.
And what better place to enjoy them than the lovely Saint-Etienne Park at the foot of the Citadel, along with a stunning view, or the Micaud Park where you can cool off at the water's edge.
Visiting the Citadel, an absolute must
Spend your afternoon exploring the Citadel, an open-air playground encircled by a defence wall designed by Vauban. Come and stroll around, admire the views from the ramparts, improve your knowledge at the museums, or meet the animals in the botanical garden.
Before you leave, pop to the Qinzé and treat yourself to a drink within the citadel enclosure as you gaze at the city rooftops, ablaze under the setting sun.
Besançon Citadel
Other suggestions of eco-friendly places to enjoy a drink
- La Citronnade: eco-friendly teatime and events with a commitment
- Bière & Caetera: craft beers served with products from the local region
- Le Tandem: an alternative culture hub with a lovely terrace on the Doubs embankment
Top tip for a low-carbon end to your stay
Luggage storage facility for cyclists
If you're travelling by bike, you have the option of leaving your luggage at the harbour master's office in Saint Paul river port (République bridge) where cycle tourists benefit from luggage storage facilities under the bike-friendly "Accueil Vélo" certification label. Don't forget to retrieve your bags before the facility closes at 7pm.
Luggage storage facility for pedestrians
The Hôtel Foch located next to Viotte station has a luggage storage service you can use whether or not you're a guest of the hotel. Prices start at €5 for 1 to 3 hours, then reduces after 3 hours.
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