Located 75 km east of Dijon and a 2-1/2-hour ride from Paris via TGV, the provincial capital of Besancon is one of the most charming small cities in France. Nestled along the Doubs River, the city lies at the foot of a hill upon which the famous military architect Vauban built his citadel, a steep 15-minute climb up from the Porte Noire, a 2nd-century Roman arch located along the Grand Rue. Visitors may stroll along the ramparts for spectacular views of the Old Town, which contains a well-preserved ensemble of 17th- and 18th-century architecture. A walk along the Grand Rue brings visitors to the birthplaces of both the novelist Victor Hugo (No. 140) and the famous Lumiere brothers (place Victor Hugo).
Tourist Office2 Place de la Premiere Armee Francaise25000 BesanconPhone: 33 3 81 80 92 55Fax: 33 3 81 80 58 30
