A city of art and history, Besançon is a city on a human scale that is full of historical nuggets, including its superb Citadelle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover our ideas for visiting Besançon with your family!
Discoveries for all ages
The Besançon Citadel - the Besançon Museum
In the heart of the citadel built in the 17th century on the instructions of the military architect Vauban, the Besançon Museum is an atypical museum dedicated to biodiversity. Particularly kid-friendly, it includes an aquarium, an insectarium, a zoological garden and a small farm where farmyard animals roam.
More surprising is the Noctarium, where you can observe local amphibians and small mammals by reversing the day-night cycle. You can see them interacting as if it were night... but in daylight! Fascinating! The Noctarium of the Besançon Museum is even unique in Europe.
As a bonus, the Besançon Museum frequently organises workshops for children. The Citadelle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a magnificent view of the old town.
For more information, you can visit the website of the Citadelle of Besançon.
Micaud Park
On the banks of the river Doubs, this pretty three-hectare park is ideal for a family walk in Besançon. There are fish ponds, a carousel and a playground. On hot summer days, the 400 trees provide a welcome coolness.
On sunny days, you can enjoy an ice cream at the white truck at the entrance to the park. Younger children can even take a pony ride!
Visit the Grotte d'Osselle
30 minutes from the centre of Besançon, dive into the mysteries of the Osselle cave. During 1h30, you explore with a guide the 1200 meters of galleries that can be visited 100 meters underground and go through about fifteen rooms.
Discovered in the 13th century, the Osselle cave is one of the oldest tourist caves in the world! It is always 13 degrees, so bring a jacket! The perfect family outing.
Your family accommodation in Besançon
Just a stone's throw from the train station and a five-minute walk from Besançon city centre, the 3-star Hotel Foch offers an intimate atmosphere with its 24 rooms at an affordable rate. As a bonus, most of them offer a panoramic view of the Parc des Glacis, located right in front of the hotel.
Travelling with 3 or 4 people? Opt for a triple room or a family suite, ideal for families with children!
