Hotels in Besançon: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 10 November 2026 · 32 real hotels
The Vieille Ville (old town) inside the Doubs river loop is the most rewarding base, putting Vauban's Citadelle, the cathedral and the main squares within walking distance. Budget travellers do well near the Gare Viotte, while families or longer stays can consider the quieter residential districts further out.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| hotelF1 Besancon Micropolis | Saint-François d'Assise | ★ 2.5 | 28 €/nuit |
| Accueil Hotel Besançon | Saint-François d'Assise | ★ 3 | 34 €/nuit |
| Premiere Classe Besancon - Ecole Valentin ★ | École-Valentin | ★ 3.7 | 39 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Besancon Nord Ecole Valentin | École-Valentin | ★ 3.4 | 39 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Besancon Centre Gare ★★ | Besançon | ★ 3.9 | 49 €/nuit |
| Comfort Aparthotel Besancon La City ★★★ | Besançon | ★ 4 | 50 €/nuit |
| Comfort Aparthotel Besancon Hauts du Chazal ★★★ | Saint-François d'Assise | ★ 4.1 | 51 €/nuit |
| Brit Hotel Besançon L'Horloge ★★★ | Besançon | ★ 3.9 | 51 €/nuit |
| ibis Besançon Centre La City ★★★ | Besançon | ★ 4.1 | 57 €/nuit |
Our hotel profiles in Besançon
ibis budget Besancon Centre Gare★★ · €49
Hôtel Victor Hugo & Spa★★★★ · €108
Comfort Aparthotel Besancon La City★★★ · €50
Hôtel du Nord★★ · €68
B&B HOTEL Besançon Valentin★★★ · €76
Comfort Aparthotel Besancon Hauts du Chazal★★★ · €51
Best Western Citadelle★★★ · €82
Hôtel de Paris★★★ · €114
Brit Hotel Besançon L'Horloge★★★ · €51
Hotel Campanile Besancon Nord - Ecole Valentin★★★ · €59
Campanile NATURE - Besançon Ouest Chateaufarine€62
Besançon sits in a natural fortress: the Doubs river wraps almost entirely around the old town, and a UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel crowns the rocky spur above it. The result is a compact, walkable historic centre that feels genuinely lived-in rather than tourist-polished, home to a large student population, serious watchmaking heritage and some of the best-preserved 16th-to-18th century architecture in eastern France.
Staying here means slow morning walks along the quays, afternoon climbs to the citadel for panoramic views over the Jura foothills, and evenings in the boucheries and bistros around Place de la Révolution. Transport links are solid: a tram line crosses the city, the TGV station (Besançon Franche-Comté TGV) connects to Paris in about two hours, and the central Gare Viotte handles regional trains.
Which area to stay in Besançon?
- Vieille Ville (old town loop): Best for first-time visitors and culture seekers. Every monument, museum and restaurant worth visiting is on foot. Hotels here tend to fill quickly on summer weekends.
- Gare Viotte area: Practical for early trains or late arrivals and for those watching their budget. The neighbourhood is straightforward and well-served by tram, though less atmospheric than the loop.
- Battant district: The former tanners' quarter just across the Pont Battant, lively with bars and local shops. A five-minute walk to the old town, with a slightly younger, neighbourhood feel.
- Planoise / Hauts du Chazal (western suburbs): Residential areas favoured by business travellers with a car. Quieter and more affordable, but you will rely on the tram or a vehicle to reach the centre.
- Valentin (northern fringe): Near the N57 and commercial zones. Good value and easy parking, suited to road-trippers or those catching an early bus connection.
Good to know
- Book the Vieille Ville early for summer and festival weekends. The old town has limited hotel stock; the Besançon Jazz Festival (October) and the summer school holidays push occupancy high.
- Use the tram to your advantage. Line T1 runs across the city and connects Planoise to the centre reliably. If you stay outside the loop, check that your hotel is within a short walk of a tram stop.
- Arrive by TGV if you can. The dedicated Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station is about 10 km from the city centre; a shuttle bus (navette TGV) links it to Gare Viotte. Factor in 20-30 extra minutes compared with direct regional trains.
- Pack for hills. The climb to the Citadelle is steep and cobbled. Comfortable shoes matter more here than in most French cities of this size.
- Consider shoulder season (April-May and September-October). Crowds thin out, the Doubs valley light is beautiful, and prices at mid-range hotels are noticeably softer than in July and August.
What to know about hotels in Besançon?
What is the best area to stay in Besançon?+
The Vieille Ville, inside the meander of the Doubs, is the top choice for most visitors. Hotels like Hôtel du Nord (67 €/night, 4.3/5), Best Western Citadelle (79 €/night, 4.3/5) and Hôtel de Paris (119 €/night, 4.5/5) place you within walking distance of every major sight. If you prefer more space or a quieter setting, the aparthotels in Hauts du Chazal or the Gare area offer solid value.
What is the best season to visit Besançon?+
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel rates. Summer is lively but busy, and the Citadelle gardens are at their best in June. Winter is cold and can be grey, though the Christmas market and low prices attract a niche crowd.
How do I get from Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station to the city centre?+
A dedicated shuttle bus (navette TGV) runs between the TGV station and Gare Viotte in the city centre, taking around 25-30 minutes. The service is timed to match major TGV arrivals. From Gare Viotte, the tram or a short taxi ride will get you to your hotel.
What is the average hotel budget per night in Besançon?+
Budget options start around 51-67 € per night (ibis budget at 51 €, Hôtel du Nord at 67 €). Mid-range three-star properties sit between 56 € and 88 €. For a four-star experience with a spa, Hôtel Victor Hugo & Spa is listed at 119 €/night with a rating of 4.5/5, the same price as Hôtel de Paris in the old town.
Is a car necessary in Besançon?+
Not if you stay in or near the old town. The Vieille Ville is compact and walkable, and the tram covers the main residential corridors. A car becomes useful if you plan day trips into the Jura mountains or the Loue valley, or if you are staying in the outer suburbs such as Valentin or Hauts du Chazal.
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