France: Besancon

Besancon is a heavily fortified city with two thousand years of history located in a semi-island in the loop of the Doubs River. Besancon began as a Celtic settlement around the 2nd century BC, and given its natural defenses of the Doubs River and backed by hills, eventually became a fortress-town. In the Middle Ages, Besançon became the capital of the Free County of Burgundy. In 1674, Louis XIV annexed Besancon and incorporated it into France. The city was transformed into a military stronghold under the direction of Vauban, a famous architect of forts renown for its star-shaped spectacular forts. The citadel of Besancon sits on the hill above the city and is a UNESCO world Heritage site. The city itself lies below and has several spectacular churches, a palace, and astronomical clocks, old historic buildings, completion streets, and great restaurants. There is also Porte Noir, a 2nd century AD Roman triumphal arch.