Cimetière des Chaprais Besançon
A historic cemetery in Besançon, France, established in 1824, featuring notable graves and a beautiful landscaped park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blooms and gentle light
Cimetière des Chaprais Besançon
Best Time
Blooms and gentle light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cemetery in Besançon, France, established in 1824, featuring notable graves and a beautiful landscaped park.
"Touched by its calm, steeped in history, this place invites a moving immersion in the heritage of Besançon."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Park Atmosphere
Locals often stroll or jog here, treating it like a park. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Capture the historic gravestones and the romantic landscaping. Respectful photography is encouraged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graves of Notable Figures
Throughout the cemetery
Discover the final resting places of Besançon's mayors, artists, scientists, and even Rudolph Valentino's mother.
Romantic Landscaped Park
Upper section
Enjoy the beauty of the upper cemetery, designed as a romantic landscaped park with stunning architectural elements.
Historic Funerary Architecture
Throughout the cemetery
Admire the diverse and beautiful funerary architecture, featuring Ternuay porphyries and Ballons granites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Peaceful Stroll Through History
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Peaceful Park Atmosphere
Locals often stroll or jog here, treating it like a park. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Capture the historic gravestones and the romantic landscaping. Respectful photography is encouraged.
🗺️ Seek Assistance if Needed
Staff are known for their kindness and availability in helping visitors find specific graves.
🕰️ Open Since 1824
Immerse yourself in over a century of local history and heritage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Park Atmosphere
Locals often stroll or jog here, treating it like a park. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Capture the historic gravestones and the romantic landscaping. Respectful photography is encouraged.
🗺️ Seek Assistance if Needed
Staff are known for their kindness and availability in helping visitors find specific graves.
🕰️ Open Since 1824
Immerse yourself in over a century of local history and heritage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cimetière des Chaprais to be a deeply moving and historically rich site, often described as a peaceful, park-like escape. The beautiful funerary architecture and the serene atmosphere are frequently praised, offering a unique glimpse into Besançon's heritage. Some visitors note the potential for finding graves of historical figures, adding to the site's allure.
"I visited the Chaprais cemetery in Besançon and was truly touched by its calm, steeped in history. Open since 1824, it is a place of shadows and memory where prominent figures are buried: several mayors such as Jean-Agathe Micaud, Léon Bretillot and Victor Delavelle; local artists; scientists, such as Joseph Liard — and even the grave of Gabrielle Barbin, Rudolph Valentino's mother. This place invites a moving immersion in the heritage of Besançon."
Lasdi
"I was taking pictures of the Chaprais church, and to change the angle, I entered the cemetery. Almost leaning on an old grave, I discovered that the person lying there was an artillery general of the Grande Armée.
By chance, I discovered a baron of the First Empire."
Robert SENNERICH
"The upper part of the cemetery is a beautiful romantic landscaped park. Beautiful architecture includes Ternuay porphyries and Ballons granites (in addition to a lot of Crêtes granite...)."
Cyrille DELANGLE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by public transport within Besançon. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options. Driving is also possible, with parking available nearby.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in Besançon. Use a GPS or map application for precise directions to the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Cimetière des Chaprais is generally free. It's a public space for visiting and reflection.
The cemetery typically follows standard daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for specific seasonal opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, cemeteries are usually open on Sundays, offering a peaceful place for visitors. Confirm specific hours if planning a Sunday visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic graves of notable figures, admire beautiful funerary architecture, and enjoy the serene, landscaped park setting. +1
Absolutely. Many visitors enjoy walking through the cemetery, appreciating its history and the peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and other visitors.
While official guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, you can explore independently or research the history beforehand to enhance your visit.
The main paths are generally accessible, but some older sections might have uneven terrain. It's best to inquire locally about specific accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities within the cemetery itself. You'll need to find restaurants or cafes in the surrounding areas of Besançon.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the cemetery to maintain its respectful atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper landscaped section offers beautiful vistas, while individual ornate tombs and historical markers provide excellent photographic subjects.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and public spaces. It's highly recommended to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider turning the visit into a scavenger hunt for specific dates or symbols on the gravestones, making it more interactive. The cemetery's history as a place of remembrance since 1824 can be a starting point for discussions about local history and the passage of time. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the cemetery itself.
📸 Photographers
Pay attention to the historical inscriptions and the unique styles of the monuments, which tell stories of past eras. The cemetery's quiet atmosphere allows for patient composition and capturing the mood of the place. Always be mindful of other visitors and the solemnity of the location when setting up shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through Besançon's History
Beyond the notable individuals, the cemetery itself is a canvas of funerary art and architecture. You'll find impressive monuments crafted from materials like Ternuay porphyries and Ballons granites, showcasing the craftsmanship of different eras. The upper section, in particular, is designed as a romantic landscaped park, offering a serene and picturesque environment. This blend of historical significance and aesthetic beauty makes the Cimetière des Chaprais a moving and contemplative destination for visitors interested in heritage and local culture.
Experiencing the Cemetery as a Park
This perception as a park-like space contributes to its appeal for those seeking a quiet moment away from the city bustle. The beautiful architecture of the tombs, combined with the greenery, creates a visually engaging environment. It's a place where history and nature coexist harmoniously, inviting visitors to explore at their own pace and find moments of peace and reflection amidst the stories of the past.
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