Notre-Dame-du-Refuge Chapel

Though its façade blends in with the surrounding buildings, the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Refuge still manages to catch the eye. Once connected to the Saint-Jacques hospital and part of a former convent, this small chapel originally served as a refuge for women and young girls deemed “morally at risk.” Its mission was to guide them back onto what was seen as the right path. Today, the chapel is listed as a national heritage site and historic monument, and stands as a fine example of Baroque architecture. One of its most striking details is the gentle curve of the façade, set slightly back to create a graceful sense of depth. But the real showstopper is the dome, rising 26 metres into the air, a detail that’s well worth tilting your head for. Covered in brightly coloured glazed tiles, the dome offers a striking contrast to the simple stone below, creating a vibrant splash of colour in Besançon’s skyline.