La Boucle district

If you want to truly understand Besançon's spirit and history, there’s one thing you have to do, explore the Boucle, literally the loop, because the river Doubs curves around it. This district is inseparable from the city. Until the 1950s, Besançon was made up of just two main neighbourhoods: the Boucle, and the Battant district a bit further north. The Boucle, nestled in a loop of the Doubs River, has has long been the city’s historic core, economic engine, and main draw for visitors. With roots going back to the Celts, Romans, Spaniards, and Germanic peoples, the area’s rich past shines through in its architecture, which is both diverse and beautifully preserved. Most of the district has been listed as a protected heritage site since 1994. From churches and former military sites to elegant townhouses and hidden courtyards, the Boucle has something for everyone.