Top 3 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 3 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 8-day road trip through Metz, Strasbourg, Pont-à-Mousson, Belfort, and Nancy 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 8-day itinerary means that Besançon can easily be combined with other top destinations in France without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Metz, Strasbourg, Pont-à-Mousson, Belfort, and Nancy by public transport, renting a car in France opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Metz

• Arrival city: Metz
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Metz, e.g., Hotel La Citadelle Metz - MGallery
• Sightseeing: Jardin de l'esplanade de Metz

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Metz. 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 Metz

• Destinations: Metz
• Driving distance: 200.41 km, approx. 2 hours and 46 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Strasbourg, e.g., Leonor Hotel
• Sightseeing: Centre Pompidou-Metz, Metz Cathedral, German Gate, and Zoo d'Amnéville
• Recommended tour: Alsace Colmar, Medieval Villages & Castle Small Group Day Trip from Strasbourg

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Centre Pompidou-Metz, Metz Cathedral, German Gate, and Zoo d'Amnéville. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Metz, 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 Strasbourg.

Day 3: Discover Natzwiller, Haegen, La Petite-Pierre, and Saint-Nabor

• Destinations: Natzwiller, Haegen, La Petite-Pierre, and Saint-Nabor
• Driving distance: 214.78 km, approx. 3 hours and 56 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Strasbourg, e.g., Leonor Hotel
• Sightseeing: Struthof, North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve, Château du Haut-Barr, and The chapel tears of Mont Saint-Odile
• Recommended tour: Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour

Spend the day exploring Struthof, North Vosges Regional Natural Reserve, Château du Haut-Barr, and The chapel tears of Mont Saint-Odile. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Strasbourg

• Destinations: Strasbourg
• Driving distance: 18.59 km, approx. 1 hour and 16 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Strasbourg, e.g., Leonor Hotel
• Sightseeing: Place Kléber, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, Barrage Vauban, Parc de l'Étoile, and Parc de l'Orangerie
• Recommended tour: Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

Continue your journey through Strasbourg, where you can explore Place Kléber, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, Barrage Vauban, Parc de l'Étoile, and Parc de l'Orangerie. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Kintzheim, Colmar, and Schaflager

• Destinations: Kintzheim, Colmar, and Schaflager
• Driving distance: 260.36 km, approx. 3 hours and 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Besancon, e.g., Hotel Akena Besancon
• Sightseeing: The Eagle Park, La Petite Venise, La Montagne des Singes, and Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Drive through Kintzheim, Colmar, and Schaflager, stopping to visit The Eagle Park, La Petite Venise, La Montagne des Singes, and Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. 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 Besancon.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Belfort, Salins-les-Bains, and Molain

• Destinations: Belfort, Salins-les-Bains, and Molain
• Driving distance: 256.71 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Mulhouse, e.g., La Maison Hôtel Mulhouse
• Sightseeing: Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains, The Lion of Bartholdi, Grottes des Moidons, and Belfort Citadel

Spend time discovering Grande Saline de Salins-les-Bains, The Lion of Bartholdi, Grottes des Moidons, and Belfort Citadel, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Mulhouse.

Day 7: Spend Time in Pont-à-Mousson, Nancy, and Gérardmer

• Destinations: Pont-à-Mousson, Nancy, and Gérardmer
• Driving distance: 249.2 km, approx. 4 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Metz, e.g., Hotel La Citadelle Metz - MGallery
• Sightseeing: Place Stanislas, Saint Mary Park of Nancy, Parc naturel régional de Lorraine, and Park Gerardmer

Explore Place Stanislas, Saint Mary Park of Nancy, Parc naturel régional de Lorraine, and Park Gerardmer at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Metz.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Metz

• Departure city: Metz
• Driving distance: 4.89 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: Jean-Marie Pelt Gardens - Seille Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Metz. 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 555 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.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Besançon and Besançon's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

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 Parc de la Gare-d'Eau.

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 Battant Bridge of Besançon, Basilica of Saint-Ferjeux, Museum Of Times, and Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology of Besançon.

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.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Besançon offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Besançon itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Besançon weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Besançon

Arrive in Besançon around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Parc de la Gare-d'Eau, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Besançon’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Besançon with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Battant Bridge of Besançon early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Museum Of Times, stopping by City of Arts for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Besançon

Make the most of your last few hours in Besançon before your departure. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Besançon itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

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!