The Besancon Station stands in the leafy little village of Auxon-Dessus in eastern France. This unlikely spot is a stopping point for the high-speed TGV trains that travel from major French cities and airports. It's also a connecting point with LGV services to Mulhouse and Dijon and the local rail services.
The modern station opened in 2011, in hilly wooded countryside six miles north of the city of Besancon. If you pick up a hire car at the station you'll find that there's plenty of parking outside and an access road to link with the N57 trunk road. This leads south to Besancon.
Visitors who drive to Besancon with a hire car from the TGV station will find the old city centre stands in the southern part, on the far bank of the winding River Doubs, which almost encircles it. It's the capital of the Franche-Comté region but very close to the Swiss border. The historical highlight is the hilltop military citadel designed by Vauban. This has been designated a World Heritage Site, but the entire old quarter is worth exploring. It's a chance to browse buildings ranging from Roman to renaissance, including a cathedral, fountains, amphitheatre and an elegant period river frontage. And while you're here, try the local culinary delicacy: a spicy smoked sausage.
