Tour de la Pelotte, Medieval defense tower in Besançon, France
The Tour de la Pelotte stands near the Doubs River, featuring thick stone walls, narrow windows, and three distinct levels of medieval architecture.
Built in 1475 during Charles the Bold's reign, the tower became part of Vauban's fortification system when Louis XIV reconquered Franche-Comté in the 17th century.
The tower represents a testament to medieval military engineering and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the Citadel of Besançon.
Guided tours operate on specific Saturdays between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with tickets priced at 9 euros for adults and 6 euros for students.
Following a devastating fire in 2013, the tower underwent extensive restoration using traditional techniques to rebuild its oak framework and tiled roof.
Location: Besançon
Architects: Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
Architectural style: medieval architecture
Address: Quai de Strasbourg
GPS coordinates: 47.24260,6.02400
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:52
The monuments and historical buildings of Besançon reflect 2000 years of architecture. The Vauban citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks the old town. The center houses Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, Granvelle Palace with its Museum of Time, as well as numerous civil, religious, and military buildings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The squares, parks, and quays lining the Doubs complement this architectural ensemble.
Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie de Besançon
268 m
Synagogue of Besançon
239 m
Temple du Saint-Esprit
231 m
Hôtel de Champagney
302 m
Parc des Glacis
350 m
Grenier in Besançon
287 m
Hôtel du Bouteiller
347 m
Promenade de l'Helvétie
251 m
Le Building
349 m
Clos Barbisier
345 m
Hôtel Saint-Pierre
351 m
Hôtel Buson d'Auxon
335 m
Fontaine des eaux d'Arcier
333 m
Chapelle des Carmes-Déchaussés de Besançon
253 m
Maison, 47 rue Battant
266 m
Ruisseau de la Mouillère
286 m
Maison, 23 quai Vauban
328 m
Maison, 51 rue Battant
247 m
Maison, 97 rue Battant
207 m
Maison, 15 quai Vauban
347 m
Maison, 25 quai Vauban
315 m
Maison, 17 quai Vauban
343 m
Maison, 21 quai Vauban
332 m
Maison, 45 rue Battant
332 m
Maison, 13 quai Vauban
351 m
Maison, 18 rue Battant
334 m
Hôpital du Saint-Esprit de Besançon
231 m
Maison, 29 quai Vauban
315 mReviews
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