Top 2 Itineraries in Besançon

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Besançon.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Besançon offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Besançon are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Besançon’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Besançon offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover France's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Besançon truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Besançon belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Besançon are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Besançon and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Besançon itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Besançon for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Besançon without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Besançon!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Reims, and Strasbourg is one of the best ways to experience France. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Besançon can easily be combined with other top destinations in France without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, Reims, and Strasbourg by public transport, renting a car in France opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Clermont-Ferrand

• Arrival city: Clermont-Ferrand
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, e.g., Hotel Première Classe Clermont Ferrand Centre
• Sightseeing: Place de Jaude

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Clermont-Ferrand. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Clermont-Ferrand

• Destinations: Clermont-Ferrand
• Driving distance: 186.95 km, approx. 2 hours and 36 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Lyon, e.g., Intercontinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu
• Sightseeing: Parc Montjuzet, Panoramic Domes, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, and Basilique Notre-Dame du Port
• Recommended tour: Vieux Lyon Cultural and Historical Walking Tour

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Parc Montjuzet, Panoramic Domes, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, and Basilique Notre-Dame du Port. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Clermont-Ferrand, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Lyon.

Day 3: Discover Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire

• Destinations: Lyon and Caluire-et-Cuire
• Driving distance: 235.29 km, approx. 3 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Besancon, e.g., Hotel Akena Besancon
• Sightseeing: Parc de la Tête d'Or, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and Place Bellecour

Spend the day exploring Parc de la Tête d'Or, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, and Place Bellecour. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Besancon.

Day 4: Experience Kintzheim and Colmar

• Destinations: Kintzheim and Colmar
• Driving distance: 264.41 km, approx. 3 hours and 41 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Strasbourg, e.g., Colmar Hotel
• Sightseeing: La Petite Venise, La Montagne des Singes, Parc du Champ de Mars, and Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
• Recommended tour: Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg

Continue your journey through Kintzheim and Colmar, where you can explore La Petite Venise, La Montagne des Singes, Parc du Champ de Mars, and Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Strasbourg.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Strasbourg and Nancy

• Destinations: Strasbourg and Nancy
• Driving distance: 222.43 km, approx. 3 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Metz, e.g., Hotel La Citadelle Metz - MGallery
• Sightseeing: Place Stanislas, Parc Blondlot, Place Kléber, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, and Parc de l'Orangerie

Drive through Strasbourg and Nancy, stopping to visit Place Stanislas, Parc Blondlot, Place Kléber, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, and Parc de l'Orangerie. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Metz.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Paris and Reims

• Destinations: Paris and Reims
• Driving distance: 339.89 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Paris, e.g., Colmar Hotel
• Sightseeing: Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d'Orsay, and Place Drouet d'Erlon
• Recommended tour: Normandy D-Day Small-Group Day Trip with Omaha Beach, Cemetery & Cider Tasting from Paris

Spend time discovering Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, Musée d'Orsay, and Place Drouet d'Erlon, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Paris.

Day 7: Spend Time in Paris

• Destinations: Paris
• Driving distance: 32.75 km, approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Paris, e.g., Colmar Hotel
• Sightseeing: Champ de Mars, Sacré-Cœur, La Villette, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower
• Recommended tour: Day Trip to Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches with Cider Tasting and Lunch from Paris, France

Explore Champ de Mars, Sacré-Cœur, La Villette, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Paris

• Destinations: Paris
• Driving distance: 254.8 km, approx. 3 hours and 23 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bourges, e.g., Oustal en Berry Chambres d´Hôtes
• Sightseeing: Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and Louvre Museum

Continue your road trip through Paris, enjoying the flexibility to explore Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and Louvre Museum and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Bourges.

Day 9: Wander Through Riom and Volvic

• Destinations: Riom and Volvic
• Driving distance: 204.18 km, approx. 2 hours and 33 minutes
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Clermont-Ferrand, e.g., Hotel Première Classe Clermont Ferrand Centre
• Sightseeing: Cave of the Volvic stone, Musée Baster - Musée de la moto, and Space Volvic Information

Visit Cave of the Volvic stone, Musée Baster - Musée de la moto, and Space Volvic Information as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Clermont-Ferrand.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Clermont-Ferrand

• Departure city: Clermont-Ferrand
• Driving distance: 2.15 km, approx. 26 minutes
• Sightseeing: Jardin Lecoq

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Clermont-Ferrand. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1094 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Besançon.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Besançon for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Besançon with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Besançon without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Besançon

Arrive in Besançon and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Battant Bridge of Besançon.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Les 4 Saisons is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Besançon's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Besançon by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Besançon Citadel and Cathédrale Saint-Jean.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Besançon in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Besançon

Spend your last few hours in Besançon soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Besançon, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Besançon travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

As you explore Besançon, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Besançon for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Besançon in a way that feels truly unforgettable!