Perched atop a rocky outcropping near Switzerland on a sharp bend in the river Doubs, the small city of Besancon, France, boasts a fortified old castle and garrison… and a history that spans thousands of years.

Many smaller monuments and features make Besancon a wonderful place to visit. It is a well-respected University Centre, has convenient transport links and an impressive collection of museums. Also, the Battant Bridge is still standing as testament to the genius of Roman engineering. With five arches, the middle reaching 13 meters, it lies on the road that connects Italy with the region.

The Besancon Musee de Beaux Arts hosts an amazing collection of paintings, spanning from the 15th to the 20th centuries, while several palaces around town are definitely worth visiting, especially the Granvelle Palace. The Cathedral of Besancon, the Besancon Astronomical Clock and the famous Citadel fortified by Vauban also warrant a stop on your next jaunt through this stunning French town.