Besancon History

Besancon, placed at the heart of the ancient 'Sequania' which subsequently became the French-Comté, developed on the left bank of the river Doubs, against the rock faces of the Jura Mountains. The area of Besançon is of an ancient settlement, and it dates back to prehistoric times, as shown by the excavations of Clairvaux and in the caves of Courchapon.

Known by the Romans under the name Vesontio it was the base for Julius Caesar in his military operations in Gaul (58 BC). The Romans strengthened the trade relationships of Besancon with a number of major roads which joined the city with the most important centres of Gaul, so that the area of Besancon became the 'Provincia Maxima Sequanorum' ('the largest province of the Sequani'), a true metropolis.

In the early Middle Ages (355-363 A.D.) it suffered from numerous invasions by Germanic peoples, and especially the Visigoths and Burgundians. Towards the end of the ninth century, Besancon was part of the Kingdom of Burgundy, and bishop’s authority dominated the city until its conversion into a Municipality at the end of the thirteenth century. The period of Municipalities was a succession of conflicts by the city against the imperial authority.

With Louis XI (1423-1483) Besancon entered into the kingdom of France but it was later transferred to the Habsburgs. The city, under Charles V (1500-1558), met a moment of splendour under Antoine Perrenote de Granvelle (1517-1586), who embellished it with various monuments and palaces.

Besancon was taken back by France under Louis XIV (1638-1715), but soon passed to Spain under the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle). Meanwhile, Louis XIV had given to Vauban (1633-1707) the task of constructing a fortress at Besancon - a task which resumed after the town again returned to French hands. following the return of Besancon to the French Besancon became the capital of the County and the seat of the metropolitan Bishops of the East.

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Tourist classifications for Besancon History: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*; Listed town of Art and History; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Besancon History, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Pesmes 34km; Loue River Valley 35km; Salins-les-Bains 36km; Vesoul 43km; Arbois 43km; Dole 44km; Pontarlier 46km;

Besancon History tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Gouffre de Poudrey - site of natural beauty (22km) : Parc de l'Etang - remarkable garden (35km) : Jardin à la Faulx - remarkable garden (44km) : Jardin du château du Talmay - remarkable garden (45km) :

See more places and a map at places near Besancon