Erasmus in Besançon

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Besançon

Besançon is a city in eastern France with just over 100,000 inhabitants. It’s recognised as the greenest city in the country and is surrounded by hills, which are the perfect setting for a day of hiking. Its university, which welcomes students from many parts of the world every year, and its good quality of life, make it a great destination for your Erasmus. If you love nature and want to immerse yourself in French culture, this is your place. Do you want to know more about Erasmus in Besançon and what it would be like to study here? Join us! Or, as they would say in France, rejoignez-nous!

Cost of living in Besançon, France

Compared to other French cities, Besançon has a lower cost of living. Estimated total expenses can range from €600 to €1,000 per month, depending on personal lifestyle and type of accommodation. To save up, the best option is to opt for a single room in shared apartments. They cost an average of €400 per month, although that may increase in some cases. Rooms in residences, in this case, are usually cheaper and you could find them for around €300 per month. On shopping and food you can spend around €200, and on a transport pass for students between 18 and 25 years old, approximately €28.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Besançon

Besançon offers different party and leisure venues for different tastes and preferences. Le Bar de L'U and La Citadelle are popular bars with students, and they have a lively atmosphere, with good music and a wide catalogue of drinks. On the other hand, Le Chat Noir is one of the best-known nightclubs in Besançon and it's perfect if you want a night of dancing, with varied music ranging from pop to electro. But, without a doubt, our biggest recommendation is that you join the activities and events planned by student associations such as the ESN Besançon, that will help you meet new friends, while you have fun and integrate into the city.

Culture and gastronomy in Besançon

If you want to dive into the local culture of Besançon, we recommend visiting some of the most emblematic sites of the city. The Citadel of Besançon (Citadelle de Besançon) is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It consists of a fortress that houses several museums such as the Museum of Resistance and Deportation (le Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation). The Museum of Time (Musée du Temps) is a great symbol of the region's distinctive watchmaking tradition, and focuses on the history of watchmaking and the measurement of time. In addition, you can stop by the Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology (Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Archéologie), one of the oldest in France. It’s home to a large collection of European art, Egyptian antiquities and archaeological possessions. And, if you’re interested in the history of the famous writer Victor Hugo, who was born in this city, visit the museum with his name (Musée Victor Hugo) so you can learn more about his life and work.

Besançon offers different gastronomic options. If you want to know the local cuisine then you should try some local dishes like “Fondue Comtoise” (similar to Swiss fondue, but prepared with Comté cheese, the most famous in the region), the "Saucisse de Morteau” (a smoked sausage that’s a specialty of the region), or the “Tarte aux Myrtilles” (a dessert of local wild blueberries, served in a sweet pie crust). At street food stalls you can try local delicacies such as French crepes, baguette sandwiches or falafel. Besançon doesn't skimp when it comes to dining options!

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Besançon

• It hosts the University of Franche-Comté (Université de Franche-Comté), one of the oldest in France and recognised for its educational quality.
• It’s a perfect place if you’re a nature and sports or outdoor enthusiast. The city has excellent bicycle routes, it’s surrounded by beautiful landscapes, hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, and many parks and green areas.
• The river Doubs passes through this area. Gives the opportunity to many water activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, or even going on a cruise and enjoying the natural beauty of the environment.
• Being a safe and welcoming place, with a good standard of living at reasonable prices, it’s ideal for international students.
• If you want to learn or improve French, here you’ll find perfect courses for you, while you immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with natives.
• In addition to this, the ESN student association also has a presence in Besançon. Thanks to this you can integrate and participate in their activities to meet other Erasmus students like you. The experience is always better in company!

Cheap student accommodation in Besançon

Are you looking for accommodation in Besançon? Don't worry! You can use our Erasmus Play search engine to find and compare flats, rooms and apartments for students in the city, all safe and verified.

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Besançon

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