Besançon, Administrative capital in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Besançon sits in a river loop formed by the Doubs, surrounded by wooded hills in eastern France. The old town fills almost the entire loop, while a citadel stands on the highest point above the water.
The Romans developed the Gallic settlement of Vesontio into a fortified base after Caesar's conquest in 58 BCE. In the 17th century, Louis the Fourteenth ordered the construction of the current citadel to secure the border with the Holy Roman Empire.
Market stalls and cafes line the pedestrian streets of the old town, where locals gather for coffee and shopping. In autumn, residents and visitors come together at the wine festival to taste regional wines from the nearby Jura slopes.
From the train station, the center is a short walk or tram ride away. Visitors planning to see the citadel should wear comfortable shoes, as the climb involves steep stairs and ramps.
The astronomical clock inside the cathedral displays not only the time but also the position of the sun at 18 locations around the world simultaneously. It was designed in the 19th century by a local watchmaker and contains over 30,000 mechanical parts.
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