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IN BRIEF
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The Besançon region is currently experiencing significant tourism dynamics, fueled by the growing popularity of its outdoor events and the promotion of its historical sites. However, this affirmed attractiveness also brings about a major issue: the lack of accommodations to host all visitors. This article describes the current situation, recent figures, and development perspectives to strengthen the welcoming offer in the Comtoise capital.
Sports and cultural events at the heart of attractiveness
Besançon’s reputation continues to grow, particularly thanks to the promotion of leisure and outdoor sports. The Trail des Forts, a flagship event in the area, welcomed nearly 7,500 participants during its 22nd edition, a participation that would have exceeded 10,000 registrants if the accommodation capacity had allowed it. This success illustrates the growing interest in the tourist offer in Besançon, particularly in terms of nature activities, similar to the development of outdoor tourism observed in Italy, where attendance is reaching records (see reference).
The images and videos shared on social media, true showcases of the territory, also contribute to enhancing the destination and attracting an always wider audience. In this regard, the media power of platforms like TikTok and Instagram asserts itself in tourism promotion (learn more).
Historical and cultural sites on the rise
Besides major sporting events, Besançon benefits from a rich cultural heritage, with iconic places such as the Citadel, the Fine Arts Museum, the Victor Hugo House, and the Osselle base. These sites are experiencing a significant increase in attendance. The Citadel, for instance, received 291,970 visitors in 2024 compared to 275,201 in 2019, the reference period before the health crisis. Other locations are following this same trend, reinforcing the overall growth of tourist attendance in the Besançon metropolitan area.
Additionally, the success of initiatives aimed at revealing undiscovered places, such as hidden gardens, generates a certain appeal for discovery tourism (see example).
Economic indicators on the rise
The tourist vitality of Besançon is also measured by the tourist tax, the amount of which reached a record level of 804,000 euros collected in 2024, compared to 565,000 euros the previous year. This progression reflects the good health of the current hotel sector but also highlights a persistent structural limit: the accommodation stock struggles to meet the demand, both during peak periods and throughout the season.
The situation places Besançon in a position similar to other tourist cities that see their attractiveness strengthened but must contend with reduced accommodation capacities during major events, akin to the choice of Seoul by a majority of first-time visitors in South Korea, related to the expansion of the local hotel offer (read here).
An accommodation challenge at the heart of concerns
In the face of the rapid growth in attendance, elected officials and tourism players agree on the need to develop new, suitable, and quality accommodation structures. Several projects are underway or under study: the future hotel of the Saint-Jacques project, as well as initiatives in neighboring villages and municipalities, such as the Priory of Beaupré in Roche-lez-Beaupré, the Comtoiserie in Nancray, or the Lodges of the Wood’s Edge in Boussières. The Besançon-Chalezeule camping site has also benefited from rehabilitation to enhance the existing offer.
The financial support from Grand Besançon Métropole, through a dedicated aid fund, accelerates these transformations, emphasizing a sustainable accommodation strategy and diversification. This involvement allows for a progressive response to the growing demand from visitors while reinforcing the reputation of a welcoming, dynamic, and environmentally respectful destination.
The development of new reception points, such as the multimodal hub in Saône, further facilitates access to the natural sites of the Jura plateau, thus offering cyclists and hikers an optimal setting for discovering the territory.
Towards a strengthened and coordinated tourism policy
The coordination between local actors, the tourism office (learn more about the role), and local authorities promotes the development of a coherent and competitive offer. The goal is clearly stated: to meet the growing demand while preserving the quality of the welcome and the authenticity of the Bisontine experience.
The Besançon region thus gives itself the means to take advantage of an increasing attractiveness, provided it continues the efforts to modernize and expand its accommodation offer, in service of sustainable and ambitious tourism.
