Tour de la Pelote
A historic 15th-century stone tower on the Doubs River, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Besançon's strategic past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Tour de la Pelote
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 15th-century stone tower on the Doubs River, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Besançon's strategic past.
"Pretty tower offering a view of the Vauban quays, along the Doubs."
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers lovely panoramic views of the Doubs River and Vauban quays. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Quays
Take a stroll along the Vauban quays for a complete appreciation of the area's history. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Stone Tower
Quai Strasbourg, confluence of Doubs and Mouillère rivers
A medieval stone tower with significant historical roots, offering a glimpse into Besançon's past.
Panoramic River Views
From the tower's vicinity
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Doubs River and the Vauban quays from this scenic spot.
Vauban Quays
Along the Doubs River
Admire the well-preserved Vauban quays, a testament to the city's strategic military architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Its Historical Significance
Accessibility and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers lovely panoramic views of the Doubs River and Vauban quays. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Quays
Take a stroll along the Vauban quays for a complete appreciation of the area's history. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Prime Location
Located at the confluence of two rivers, it's a picturesque spot worth seeking out. :round_pushpin:
📜 Discover History
Learn about its 15th-century origins and Vauban's integration into the city walls. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
The tower offers lovely panoramic views of the Doubs River and Vauban quays. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Quays
Take a stroll along the Vauban quays for a complete appreciation of the area's history. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Prime Location
Located at the confluence of two rivers, it's a picturesque spot worth seeking out. :round_pushpin:
📜 Discover History
Learn about its 15th-century origins and Vauban's integration into the city walls. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tour de la Pelote a visually appealing and historically significant landmark in Besançon. While it's often not accessible to the public, its picturesque location at the river confluence and its medieval charm are highly appreciated. The views of the Vauban quays from its vicinity are a notable highlight.
"Visually appealing with significant history of this beautiful city of Besançon. I was at the Montmart tower and can see this stone tower at the lower side. It's on Quai Strasbourg on the very point, confluence, of the Mouillère and Doubs River meet. It's a listed historic national monument. It was like the Montmart tower, it wasn't accessible to the public, but I enjoyed discovering its history and appreciating the vistas from this spot. Worth a look."
Antoine M
"Nice to see"
Zsolt Püspöki
"Pretty tower offering a view of the Vauban quays, along the Doubs"
Xavier Kempa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tour de la Pelote is located on Quai Strasbourg, at the confluence of the Mouillère and Doubs rivers. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center. Public transport options are also available, with several bus lines stopping nearby.
Parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity due to its riverside location. It's recommended to use public parking garages in the city center and walk to the tower.
Yes, visitors have noted seeing the tower from other elevated points in the city, such as the Montmart tower, offering a different perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Tour de la Pelote is often not accessible to the public, meaning you typically cannot enter it. However, viewing it from the outside and appreciating its historical significance is free.
As the tower is generally not open for public access, there are no set opening hours. You can view it from the exterior at any time.
The area is generally considered safe and is a popular spot for walks along the river. Standard precautions for urban areas apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While you can't enter, you can admire the medieval stone tower itself and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Doubs River and the Vauban quays.
Absolutely! The tower's architecture and its riverside location make it a picturesque subject for photography, especially during golden hour.
Built in the 15th century due to the advent of firearms, it was later incorporated into the city walls by Vauban after Louis XIV's conquest.
Currently, there are no public tours or specific activities within the tower itself as it's not accessible. The enjoyment comes from its external presence and historical context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
Take time to walk along the Vauban quays nearby, as they are part of the same historical landscape. Imagine the tower in its active defensive days and how it contributed to the city's protection. It’s a great spot to reflect on the architectural and military innovations of different eras.
Photographers
Aim for visits during the golden hours of late afternoon for warm, dramatic lighting that can make the stone and water truly shine. Even on a cloudy day, the historical architecture and riverside setting provide a compelling scene. Don't forget to capture the wider views of the quays as well.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Besançon's Military Past
Later, following the conquest of Besançon by Louis XIV, the renowned military engineer Vauban recognized the tower's strategic value. He masterfully integrated it into the extensive fortifications of the city. This ensured that the tower continued to play a role in Besançon's defense system, becoming an integral part of the Vauban-designed citadel and ramparts that are still admired today.
While the tower itself is not open for public exploration, its presence on the Quai Strasbourg offers a tangible connection to this rich military heritage. Visitors can appreciate its medieval architecture and imagine its role in defending the city centuries ago, making it a key point of interest for history enthusiasts.
Scenic Vistas and Riverside Charm
From the vicinity of the tower, you can admire the Vauban quays, which are well-maintained and offer a pleasant walkway. These quays not only provide excellent vantage points for photographing the tower and the river but also showcase the harmonious blend of historical architecture and natural beauty that characterizes Besançon. The gentle flow of the Doubs River adds to the serene atmosphere of the location.
Many visitors have expressed their enjoyment of the vistas from this spot, highlighting the beauty of the river and the quays. It's a recommended stop for anyone looking to appreciate the scenic aspects of Besançon and capture some memorable photographs.
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