Quai Vauban

The Vauban Quay, in Besançon

The Vauban Quay is an elegant arcaded quay that lines the Doubs, in the heart of Besançon. The Besançon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fine façade on the river, a witness of the classical urbanism of the town.

The arcaded façade on the Doubs

The Vauban Quay is one of the finest architectural ensembles of Besançon. This alignment of arcaded buildings, whose design is attributed to the influence of Vauban, the famous military engineer of Louis XIV who durably marked the town, lines the Doubs on one of its banks. Its long regular façade, punctuated with arches on the ground floor forming a covered gallery, is reflected in the waters of the river and composes a harmonious and characteristic picture. Lined with cafés, restaurants and shops under its arcades, the Vauban Quay is a prized place of promenade. It also offers fine views over the Doubs and the old town. It is one of the emblematic images of Besançon.

What to see

You admire the elegant alignment of arcaded buildings lining the Doubs, its long regular façade punctuated with arches forming a covered gallery that is reflected in the river, and you stroll under the arcades among cafés and shops. The Vauban Quay is one of the emblematic images of Besançon. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Vauban Quay lines the Doubs in the heart of Besançon, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public space; the cafés and shops under the arcades have their own hours. The promenade is particularly pleasant in fine weather and in the evening light.

What is the Vauban Quay in Besançon?

An elegant alignment of arcaded buildings lining the Doubs, whose design is linked to the influence of Vauban; its long covered gallery shelters cafés and shops and is reflected in the river.

Where is the Vauban Quay?

By the Doubs, in the heart of Besançon, in France.