Thoraise to Besancon

This was a great trip into the big city.  We departed mid morning and were in Besancon by 3pm.  We had already scoped out where we would be mooring Juniper on our one day trip into Besancon.  When you enter, you navigate all around the city.  It is an island in the ring of river which is interesting to see the city from the water.  There are two tour boats that take the tourists around.  The first you notice on coming in is The Citadel.  It is high on a hill and was built by the famous fortification builder, Vauban.  There are also several towers next to the water that you pass by, as well as an art exhibition about the Olympics.  

We really liked the port and the capitainierre office here.  They were able to help us with our insurance policy papers, and they take in laundry!  Wash, dry and fold it for you. What a treat.

We loved Besancon, got a tourist pass for the bus/tram, museums, Citadel and had a great time spending six days. We particularly enjoyed the Time Museum, the Beaux Arts and the Citadel.  Wonderful views from up there and you can walk along the walls.  The Resistance museum which also was a Holocaust museum was very moving. Also a zoo!

Also enjoyed seeing the Astronomical Clock in the Cathedral which is from the 1800s.  Beautiful and very complicated.  They are working on it so it wasn't operational but lovely.

Market is great here, dinners out, beers in the square and lots of walking. Went to an organ concert in a Church which was very enjoyable. Also heard a men's choir concert. They were having a festival of various kinds of music.  

Besancon is a favorite!  The moorage is even in a quiet place with just dog walkers and joggers going by!  There is an old lock here that you have to navigate by doing all the opening and closing.  The capitainiere sends someone to help on the way out.