Tour de la Pelotte, Medieval defense tower in Besançon, France

The Tour de la Pelotte is a cylindrical tower of light beige stone blocks rising at the edge of the Doubs, where the Mouillère stream once met the river. Its low conical roof of flat red tiles sits above two small square windows, with two smaller openings below them; a lower flat-topped stone structure adjoins it on the left.

The tower was built in 1475 and was part of the fortifications later redesigned by military engineer Vauban in the 17th century. Its development reflects the changing requirements of city defense across several centuries.

The name likely comes from Pierre Pillot, lord of Chenecey and co-governor of Besançon, who sold the land for the tower. From the 1980s the tower housed a restaurant called "La tour de la Pelote" for about twenty years, with a medieval-inspired décor, a Franche-Comté menu and staff in period costume.

The tower is within walking distance of the Doubs River in the historic center and is easy to reach on foot. It's wise to check ahead whether the site is open to visitors, as not all areas are accessible at all times.

From the 1980s the tower housed the restaurant "La tour de la Pelote" for about twenty years, with a medieval-inspired decor and Franche-Comté menu and waiters in period costume. The accidental fire of the night of 10 to 11 December 2013 left only the enclosing walls standing.