BESANÇON CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A 45‑minute circuit through winding streets and history — the Petit Train that leads to Besançon’s Citadel
A short, narrated city ride that threads old Besançon to the Citadel entrance; this guide explains the route, boarding points by season, and the option to pause your tour for a citadel visit.
A 45‑minute circuit through winding streets and history — the Petit Train that leads to Besançon’s Citadel.
Climb aboard the Petit Train for an intimate, 45‑minute introduction to Besançon: a compact circuit that winds through the vieille ville, delivers scenic views and local color, and can pause at the Citadel for an independent visit. The ride’s commentary — voiced by characters such as Vauban, César and Victor Hugo — blends storytelling and history as the train ferries you between the city centre and the Citadel entrance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Forty‑five minutes through the old town to the Citadel
The Petit Train runs a roughly 45‑minute circuit that takes you from central Besançon through its tortuous lanes and up to the entrance of the Citadel, with the option to disembark for a visit and rejoin the train afterward.
History narrated by Vauban, César and Victor Hugo
The ride’s commentary is dramatized: the voices of Vauban, César and Victor Hugo tell Besançon’s story, offering a playful, historical frame to the views as you move between landmarks.
Combine with a Doubs cruise or step out to visit the Citadel
The Petit Train complements the boat loop on the Doubs; you can also choose a combined ticket for both attractions and save €2, or step off at the Citadel entrance to explore and reboard later.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
The excursion is compact and narrated: a short circuit that threads the old streets of Besançon, offers commentary by historical figures, and deposits riders at the Citadel entrance should they wish to get off and visit. It’s an accessible, story‑led way to see the city’s key sights in a single loop.
THE ROUTE
Forty‑five minutes through the old town to the Citadel
The Petit Train runs a roughly 45‑minute circuit that takes you from central Besançon through its tortuous lanes and up to the entrance of the Citadel, with the option to disembark for a visit and rejoin the train afterward.
THE STORYTELLING
History narrated by Vauban, César and Victor Hugo
The ride’s commentary is dramatized: the voices of Vauban, César and Victor Hugo tell Besançon’s story, offering a playful, historical frame to the views as you move between landmarks.
THE PRACTICAL ADD‑ON
Combine with a Doubs cruise or step out to visit the Citadel
The Petit Train complements the boat loop on the Doubs; you can also choose a combined ticket for both attractions and save €2, or step off at the Citadel entrance to explore and reboard later.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Boarding points change with the season: Place du 8 septembre during summer holidays; Faubourg Rivotte outside summer holidays. The tour lasts about 45 minutes but may be adjusted for traffic.
No special equipment is specified for the short city circuit; plan for whatever personal items you would carry on a short city outing.
There is an option to pause at the Citadel entrance to visit independently and rejoin the Petit Train after your visit. A combined ticket with the Doubs promenade is available for savings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Petit Train tour?
The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Where do I board the Petit Train?
During the summer holidays departures are from Place du 8 septembre; outside those holidays the departure point is Faubourg Rivotte, opposite the restaurant Le Manège.
Can I get off to visit the Citadel?
Yes — the train stops at the Citadel entrance and passengers may disembark to visit and later rejoin the Petit Train.
Is the commentary historical?
Yes — the commentary is dramatized and voiced by figures such as Vauban, César and Victor Hugo to tell the city’s history.
Can the route or duration change?
Yes — distance and duration may be adapted depending on traffic.