Visiting the Franche-Comté from the campsite
12 route de Belfort
25220 Chalezeule
campingdebesancon@onlycamp.fr
+33 (0) 07 44 85 78 59
In the middle of the Franche-Comté mountains, relax during a stay in the countryside and explore the many walking and cycling trails just a short distance from the campsite. For lovers of art and history, the city of Besançon has so much to offer…
City of Besançon
Just a 15-minute drive from the campsite, discover the town of Besançon! Nestling in a sublime wooded setting formed by the Jura mountains, the town of Besançon is the symbol of Franche-Comté. Its remarkable architecture, the legacy of a rich historical past, invites you to wander around the Citadelle, built by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Resting on its rocky spur, this architectural marvel watches over the town and is home to no fewer than 3 museums: the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, the Museum of Natural History dedicated to biodiversity where you can observe all kinds of animals, and the Comtois Museum, which offer a fun day out for all the family. Make a day of it! You can also take a stroll along the impressive ramparts of the citadel for a breathtaking view of the town and surrounding hills. If you’re more interested in history, you can travel back in time with Vauban and enjoy a visit with an actor, who will reveal the great secrets that this citadel keeps well hidden.
For slow-tourism enthusiasts, there are some great walks and discoveries to be made below the citadel on the banks of the Doubs (river), where the fortifications are still visible: Fort Griffon, Tour de la Pelote, Tour du Marais, Fort de Fontain, Fort de Bregille… built during the reign of Louis XIV, give you an idea of Besançon’s military power, which was already present at the time! Don’t miss the Cathédrale St-Jean, a 12th-century vestige.
There are many museums to discover in the city, including the Musée du Temps and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
For something a little more unusual, take a guided tour of the town from the Doubs on the boat “”Le Vauban”” (available in several languages), passing through locks and tunnels. In summer, you can hire electric boats to enjoy the city at your own pace. For tourists who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the little tourist train will also take you on a tour of the town.
EuroVélo 6 bike trail
For our visitors by bike, this impressive greenway passing through Besançon will allow you to discover the Doubs Valley at your own pace and admire the many forts overlooking it. EuroVélo 6 (linking Basle to Nevers) is one of the most accessible cycle routes, making it suitable for amateur cyclists and young children. For cyclists and tourists, the campsite has been awarded the “Accueil Vélo” label, making it an ideal stop-off point on your touring itinerary.
The Loue Valley and Gustave Courbet
Just a forty-minute drive away, make a stopover! The Vallée de la Loue is a must-see for all nature lovers. The main source of inspiration is the birthplace (now a museum) of the famous painter Gustave Courbet, in the picturesque village of Ornans. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the river and footpaths. These landscapes, similar to paintings, are home to a wild river whose source lies in the middle of rock faces. A real nature break, to disconnect from the museums…
Hiking in the heart of the springs!
Still in the countryside, a few kilometres closer to the commune of Mouthier-Haute-Pierre: discover the Source du Pontet, where the wild waters of the Vallée de la Loue gush out. The cave is open to walkers. Here you can discover the geological curiosities that shelter there.
As you continue your tour, take time to admire the Gorges de Noailles, which follow the Loue back to its source. Surrounded by wooded landscapes, let yourself be lulled by nature. Stop and take a break at the Grand Saut, a waterfall near the source of the Loue.
Grotte d’Osselle and Gouffre de Poudrey
On a speleological note, discover the Doubs… just a few metres underground!
Located just over half an hour’s drive from the campsite, these remarkable natural jewels are the perfect way to spend a day out with friends or family. The Grotte d’Osselle is an unusual setting where you can admire every mineral detail. It is over 1,200 metres long, making it one of the longest caves in France. This underground cavity consists of a dry gallery and an underground river. Numerous bones have been found here, evidence of a very ancient occupation and a rich palaeontological past.
At the Gouffre de Poudrey, 80 metres underground, you can discover the geological secrets of the Comtois. A total immersion experience, accompanied by sound and light effects, on the theme of “Earth and Water”.
Were are we heading
to next?
And why not continue your journey towards Burgundy… and stop off at the authentic Premières Vignes campsite, in Savigny-lès-Beaune? Situated in the heart of the rolling, colourful wine-growing landscapes that make up the Burgundy region, discover a completely different panorama and a gastronomy that will appeal to our epicurean tourists! A holiday where green predominates, guaranteed to be a rejuvenating break.
