Besançon
Capital of the Franche-Compté
Besançon started out as the Gallo-Roman town of Vesontio and has a 2nd Century Triumphal Arch to prove it. During the following centuries its location, together with a rocky outcrop on a meander of the River Doubs, made it an ideal stronghold but surprisingly it was not until 1675 that building a Citadelle/Fortress was commenced by Vauban on the orders of the Sun King Louis XIV.
In fact Besançon only became part of France officially in 1678 when it acquired the Franche-Compté. It has close links to Switzerland - the border is only a short distance away and has retained clock and watch making businesses in the city.
What to see:
The Citadelle is a must and there is a zoo and several museums.
The great writer Victor Hugo was born here at 140 Grande Rue