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Bregille Bastion: A Stone Sentinel Over Besançon

Explore Besançon's Bregille Bastion: a historic fortress turned modern music hub with panoramic city views and rich cultural heritage.

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The Bregille Bastion, or Tour de Bregille, is a 17th-century fortified tower that once formed part of Besançon's city defenses. Constructed between 1687 and 1689, this stout stone structure offers panoramic views of the city and the Doubs River valley. Today, it houses a modern music venue, blending history with contemporary culture.

A brief summary to Bregille Bastion

Local tips

  • Check the event schedule for 'Le Bastion' to experience live music in a unique historical setting.
  • Walk around the bastion to enjoy panoramic views of Besançon and the Doubs River valley.
  • Explore the surrounding Bregille neighborhood for a mix of urban and natural landscapes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Besançon city center, take bus line L5, 10, 11, 12 or 26 to the 'Pont de Bregille' stop. From there, it's a short 2-minute walk to the Bregille Bastion. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.50 [N/A].

  • Walking

    From the Cité des Arts, walk along Avenue Arthur Gaulard for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Bregille Bastion. The route is mostly uphill. No costs involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Besançon city center to the Bregille Bastion typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and time of day [N/A].

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Discover more about Bregille Bastion

The Bregille Bastion stands as a testament to Besançon's rich military past. Built between 1687 and 1689, it was one of three large bastioned towers that formed the city's urban fortifications. Designed to protect the city and flank the Rivotte Tower, it also guarded the Saint-Paul mill. The tower's design features a circular vault on a central pillar, with a hollow well that once served as a passage for soldiers and armaments. In the 19th century, a roof was added, and the tower was repurposed as a military dovecote until 1920. For a time, it was known as the 'colombier militaire'. Today, the Bregille Bastion is a classified historical monument and home to 'Le Bastion', an association that provides rehearsal, recording, and training spaces for modern musicians. Concerts and events are held throughout the year, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to this historic site. While access to the fort is generally limited, the surrounding area is popular with locals and tourists alike, offering scenic walking trails and stunning views of Besançon.

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