Which campsite should you choose near Besançon?
3-star campsite with a swimming pool near Besançon
The Besançon-Chalezeule *** campsite offers a beautiful natural setting by the river, just 8 km from Besançon city centre. Situated on the banks of the Doubs, it offers spacious pitches, comfortable accommodation and a water park adjacent to the campsite. Ideal for a family holiday, it allows you to enjoy a green setting whilst having easy access to the city’s tourist attractions and outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling, particularly thanks to its proximity to the EuroVelo 6 cycle route. Open from April to November, this campsite is a pleasant base from which to explore Besançon and its region at your leisure.
Quiet campsite with swimming in the Doubs (25)
Camping Verte Rive, situated in the village of Cromary in the heart of the Ognon Valley, offers a peaceful, green setting by the river. On a human scale, it features spacious pitches and a variety of accommodation options, with direct access to the water, allowing you to enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing or canoeing. Ideal for a nature break just 25 km from Besançon, it charms visitors with its calm and friendly atmosphere. Open from April to September. Please note: children must be aged 12 or over.
Small riverside campsite in Burgundy
Camping de la Vallée, situated in Moncey on the banks of the Ognon, offers a simple, natural setting perfect for relaxation. Popular for its peaceful, green surroundings, it offers pitches for campers looking to enjoy a quiet break, 22 km from Besançon. This small campsite with a friendly atmosphere is an ideal stopover for lovers of nature and simplicity. Open from May to September.
A lovely campsite with river swimming
Campsite L’Esplanade, situated in Cromary in Haute-Saône, offers a pleasant natural setting by the river, with views of the Jura hills and about twenty kilometres from Besançon. This intimate campsite offers spacious pitches as well as direct access to the Ognon, ideal for swimming, fishing or canoeing. Popular for its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, it also offers basic facilities and outdoor activities. Open from April to October.
To find out about all the campsites in the Doubs, click here.
What treasures does Besançon hold?
The Citadel of Besançon: a family adventure combining history and discovery
You simply cannot visit Besançon without exploring its majestic Citadel, perched high above the city and offering spectacular views of the town and the Doubs river loop. Designed by the famous military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban in the 17th century, this fortress impresses as much with its history as with the beauty of its ramparts. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it transports young and old alike back in time whilst offering a host of family-friendly activities.
Throughout the visit, children will be captivated by the various cultural and interactive spaces housed within the citadel. The Musée Comtois offers a vivid insight into life and traditions of yesteryear, whilst the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation provides an educational and accessible way to understand this period of history. The Espace Vauban, meanwhile, immerses visitors in the world of the famous architect through models and interactive displays.
But the citadel is also a wonderful place for younger visitors to explore, thanks to the Besançon Natural History Museum and its zoo. Between the fascinating insectarium, the aquarium teeming with amazing species, and the evolutionary trail designed as an educational adventure, children learn whilst having fun and are filled with wonder at every turn. An unmissable visit that combines culture, nature and quality family time.
The Palais Granvelle and the Museum of Time: a fascinating journey through the centuries
In the heart of the historic centre, the superb Palais Granvelle immediately catches the eye with its elegant Renaissance architecture. Formerly the home of a powerful 16th-century family, it now houses the Musée du Temps, a unique venue that will appeal to parents and children alike. Here, time becomes a real playground and a place of discovery.
Inside, young and old alike are immersed in the fascinating world of horology, Besançon’s iconic speciality. The collections showcase clocks, watches and astonishing mechanisms, accompanied by interactive displays that bring the visit to life and make it accessible. Children have fun learning how to measure time, observing the moving gears and discovering objects that are sometimes surprising. Combining history, science and curiosity, this fun and cultural visit offers a lovely break in the heart of the city, ideal for sparking the family’s curiosity.
Saint-Jean Cathedral: heritage and mechanical curiosities
Towering over the historic heart of the city, Saint-Jean Cathedral in Besançon is a must-see for families seeking cultural discoveries. Behind its imposing façade, it reveals an interior rich in works of art and architectural details that invite you to look up and take the time to observe. But what particularly fascinates young and old alike is its incredible astronomical clock.
A true masterpiece of precision, this unique clock is made up of nearly 30,000 parts and offers a spectacle that is as impressive as it is intriguing. Designed in the 19th century by Auguste-Lucien Vérité, it does more than simply tell the time : it also displays a wealth of astronomical and calendar information. Children are captivated by its complex mechanisms and animations, turning the visit into an experience that is as fun as it is educational. A fascinating stop that blends heritage, science and wonder in the heart of Besançon.
A stroll along Quai Vauban: elegance and history
A stroll along Quai Vauban is a lovely way to discover Besançon at a leisurely pace, following the banks of the Doubs. This pleasant walk, ideal for families, allows you to admire the famous arcaded houses, typical of the city, which once offered shelter to traders and passers-by. Their orderly row creates a charming setting that appeals to parents and children alike, who are curious to imagine life in days gone by.
Along the route, you’ll also discover superb mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, bearing witness to the city’s former wealth. These elegant residences tell the story of Besançon’s great families and reveal magnificent façades adorned with architectural details.
The walk also leads to Victor Hugo’s birthplace, a deeply moving site where families can learn about Victor Hugo’s life and introduce children to literature through the story of this essential author. Continuing the stroll, the nearby historic centre invites you to lose yourself in its lively pedestrian streets, amongst small squares, shops and ancient buildings that make the experience even more vivid and enjoyable.
The Doubs with a difference: a fun boat trip
To discover Besançon from a different angle, taking a boat trip on the Doubs is an experience particularly popular with families. On board a boat, young and old alike can enjoy a moment that is both relaxing and captivating, watching the city glide by as they float along the water. Passing through the locks is often a highlight, fascinating for children as they discover these mechanisms in action. Another highlight is the journey through the underground canal, dug beneath the hill of the citadel, which immerses visitors in a unique atmosphere whilst recounting a fascinating chapter of local history.
To extend your exploration, you can easily follow the Doubs on foot or by bike along the well-maintained riverside paths, offering a more flexible and equally enjoyable experience. The route leads to Parc Micaud, a veritable haven of greenery by the river, perfect for a relaxing break, a picnic or some playtime for the children. With boat trips, gentle walks and nature breaks, the Doubs becomes a real playground for the whole family.
Combining exceptional heritage, abundant nature and activities suitable for all ages, Besançon stands out as an ideal destination for a family camping holiday in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. With cultural discoveries, walks in the great outdoors and moments of relaxation, there’s something for everyone to suit their pace and preferences. A friendly and rejuvenating getaway, perfect for creating wonderful family memories.