Besancon has been named the French Switzerland, offering breathtaking sights mixed with rich history.

The region was originally established by the Romans all the way in the 1st century with scatterings of picturesque remains owing to its ancient history.

Besancon’s old city center lies in a horseshoe bend on the Doubs River with many of its houses dating back to the middle ages.

It’s been described as a walker’s paradise owing to its mainly pedestrianized streets, leading you into many marvels of yesteryear including palaces and cathedrals.

Located just a two-hour trip from Paris, this otherworldly region deserves a spot on your next European getaway.

Besancon has been called the ‘town of art and history’ thanks in part to its unique architecture and rich historical and cultural heritage.

This French region is conveniently accessible from the French capital and is lesser-known to many tourists making this French getaway all the sweeter.

The region’s poetic squares, fine galleries and belle époque bars can all be enjoyed with far less crowds than many of its other European neighbours.

History and art are synonymous throughout Besancon including its imposing 16th century Palais Granvelle museum and the neoclassical 18th century Église de la Madeleine cathedral taking you back in time.

The 18th century Citadel is also a must-see and is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fine example of the regions military architecture designed Louis XIV’s famous engineer, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban.

Besancon has been described as a region that keeps to itself, determined to keep a low profile.

Perhaps this notion is it what gives it its endearing characteristics but it also makes it a region lesser-known by many with fewer than 150,000 residents in total.

Outdoor lovers will be in heaven when visiting Besancon as the town’s parks, endless hills, dense forests and 70 miles of marked trails offer plenty for everyone.

Hiking, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, river rafting, kayaking, fishing and even cross-country skiing are an off offer with picture perfect settings throughout.

Those taking in the sights should head to the nearby village of Thoirase or take a stroll through the colorful fields and sparkling river Doubs, about 10 miles from Besancon.

The town’s historic centre offers the epitome of French charm with sloping rooftops, cobbled courtyards, sweeping external staircases mixed with 18th-century facades of the Place de la Révolution.

It provides the perfect backdrop while savouring the region’s staples including an array of cheeses, sausages, local beers and Besancon’s famous Jura wines.

“Besancon is a lovely town to visit. The citadel is marvelous and the blue and white stone houses are unusual and pretty,” wrote one review on TripAdvisor.

Another wrote: “With cobbled streets, ancient citadel, beautiful Doubs River and good cafés, there are many things to see here.”