You might already know if you follow the blog, but I really love the city of Besançon, the prefecture of Doubs in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. After spending a few days there in 2011 for a friend’s bachelorette party, I had the pleasure of returning twice with the favorite photographer, in May 2021 and then in November 2022. It’s a city full of charm that we loved exploring, with its historic center encircled by the loop of the Doubs river and its remarkable Vauban Citadel perched on the heights.
I have already shared a great comprehensive city guide with you on how to visit Besançon and enjoy outdoor activities, as well as my favorite restaurant addresses in Besançon
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My best hotels in Besançon
The old center of Besançon (what locals call “la Boucle”) is largely pedestrian and very pleasant to wander around on foot. To drop off your bags, there are several distinct options depending on whether you are looking for absolute quiet on the foothills of the Citadel, the hustle and bustle of the historic heart, or proximity to the train station.
My recommended accommodations for this stay
We stayed in every one of these places, and we recommend them.
Hôtel Restaurant Spa Le Sauvage
via BookingHôtel de Paris
via BookingChambre d'Hôtes La Villa Molina
via BookingBest Western Citadelle
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Below, you will find the detailed story of our two favorite hotels during our stays with the favorite photographer, two charming addresses that we particularly appreciated.
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Hôtel Restaurant Spa Le Sauvage
This 4-star hotel and its 24 rooms are set in the historic district of Besançon, within the former monastery of the Poor Clares who arrived here in 1854. The property enjoys an exceptional location at the foot of the Citadel’s foothills and offers breathtaking views of the city and the loop of the Doubs.
The place is decorated with great taste and is packed with vintage second-hand objects, as the owner is an antique dealer himself. I must say that I test many hotels during my getaways, but I truly fell under the spell of this address, which I warmly recommend if you are staying in Besançon. The property also provides its guests with a superb terrace facing the setting sun as well as a large, very relaxing wooded park.
The little extra: the hotel features a very nice spa area with a relaxation pool, hammam, and sauna, ideal for unwinding after climbing the Vauban ramparts.
Tested in 2021
Hôtel Restaurant Spa Le Sauvage ☆☆☆☆
6 Rue du Chapitre, 25000 Besançon
Secure private parking available on site (upon reservation)
Room price for one night: from 135 €
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Hôtel de Paris
This 3-star hotel, although located right in the heart of the pedestrian shopping area, is extremely quiet as the majority of rooms overlook two private interior courtyards. We slept very well there, and the bedding proved to be very comfortable.
The property has the immense advantage of being particularly well located to discover the city on foot and enjoy restaurants without having to take the car again. Another valuable asset in the city center: its two interior courtyards are fitted out as secure parking lots. As for the breakfast buffet, it is complete and tasty to start the day off right.
Tested in 2022
Hôtel de Paris ☆☆☆
33 Rue des Granges, 25000 Besançon
Secure private parking in the hotel’s interior courtyards
Room price for one night: from 99 €
Where to stay in Besançon: 2 other highly rated addresses
If my two favorites are already fully booked or if you are looking for a different style, here are 2 other addresses I spotted during my research (but haven’t tested personally!):
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Chambre d’Hôtes La Villa Molina
I didn’t get the chance to drop off my bags there during our stays in Besançon, but it’s an address I had spotted for those who prefer the friendly atmosphere of a guesthouse rather than the anonymity of a traditional hotel. It is located on Avenue de la Paix, about a ten-minute walk from the Viotte train station.
On paper and according to the photos, the big asset seems to be its lovely wooded garden with a terrace, which must be very pleasant on sunny days to take a green break after walking around the city. The address also boasts excellent traveler reviews (9.4/10 on Booking), which highlight the kindness of the hosts and the homemade breakfast.
Chambre d’Hôtes La Villa Molina
Avenue de la Paix, 25000 Besançon
500 meters from Viotte train station and the tramway / Free private parking on site
Room price for one night: from 110 € (breakfast included)
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Best Western Citadelle
Obviously, you don’t come here looking for the singular charm of a historic building like Le Sauvage, but rather the efficiency of a well-run 3-star chain hotel. I haven’t tested it personally, but I had noted it as an interesting city alternative if you are looking for classic comfort without any nasty surprises.
The property has two very concrete advantages: it is located in the historic center at the foot of the climb towards the Citadel (very convenient for starting sightseeing on foot), and it offers a secure private garage upon reservation. When you know how difficult parking is in the Boucle de Besançon, this is a point not to be overlooked if you arrive by car.
Best Western Citadelle ☆☆☆
13 Rue du Général Lecourbe, 25000 Besançon
Secure private garage on site (limited spaces, upon reservation)
Room price for one night: from 95 €
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Thank you to Besançon Tourisme, the aiRPur agency, as well as Hôtel Le Sauvage and Hôtel de Paris for their hospitality during our stays in Besançon.
I hope that with this selection you will find the ideal accommodation for your weekend in Besançon! If you also have your good hotel or guesthouse addresses in the area, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization is mandatory prior to any use
