🇫🇷 Besançon | Eastern France's Hidden Gem & Hugo's Birthplace

Nestled in eastern France, Besançon is the capital of Franche-Comté and a historic hub for watchmaking ⌚. It's also France's most forested major city 🌳, blending urban charm with natural beauty. Why Visit? Easy access: Just 2 hours by TGV 🚄 from Paris/Lyon Literary legacy: Birthplace of Victor Hugo ✍️ My French classmate's perfect description: "C'est animé, c'est beau, les gens sont sympa!" ("It's lively, beautiful, and the people are kind!") One-Day Itinerary 🌟 1️⃣ Place du 8-Septembre One of Besançon's oldest squares, featuring a Tiffany-blue church 💙 (Instagram gold!). 2️⃣ Victor Hugo's Birthplace 🏠 Free entry! Step into the childhood home of France's literary giant. 3️⃣ Square Castan 🏛️ Ancient Gallo-Roman ruins (2nd century AD) near Hugo's house—once part of Vesontio. 4️⃣ Porte Noire + Cathédrale Saint-Jean ⛪ A Roman triumphal arch and stunning cathedral combo. 5️⃣ Besançon Citadel 🏰 Vauban's 17th-century fortress with panoramic views of the Doubs River. Bonus: A mini-zoo 🦚 with monkeys, birds, and peacocks! 🎫 €9-12 (adults), €9 (students). 6️⃣ Musée du Temps (Time Museum) ⏳ Free! Rooftop views of the orange-roofed cityscape—like a landlocked Dubrovnik! Final Thoughts I visited in August 2021 on a whim, and wow—this town stole my heart 💖. History, nature, and postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. #FranceTravel #HiddenGems #VictorHugo #Besançon ✨