Best attractions and places to see around Besnans include a diverse range of historical sites, natural features, and architectural marvels. The region is characterized by its river landscapes, such as the Ognon River, and offers opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can discover 14 unique places, from ancient castles to significant historical remnants, making it suitable for various interests. These attractions provide a glimpse into the area's heritage and natural beauty, offering options for those seeking easy walking trails Besnans or…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Besnans.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Bellevaux Abbey was a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1120 by Pons de Morimond, near present-day Cirey, in Haute-Saône, France. At that time it was in Franche-Comté. It was removed in 1790 and sold in 1791. Shortly after, the church was demolished. 1795 the buildings were purchased by Jean-Charles Pichegru. The “castle” site, for its part, hosts events (medieval festivals, markets) in its park thanks to the dynamism of an association seeking to promote the former religious domain. The old abbey is open to visitors from time to time. Information on 06 33 80 08 12 or 03 84 94 84 98.
0
0
Ollans Castle was built in the 18th century. It is surrounded by a vast garden bordered by the river, and decorated with two statues from the 1740s representing Diana and Apollo. It belonged to Charles Derosne, a beekeeping enthusiast and friend of Sully Prudhomme. It is also in this castle that the writer composed his first collection of poetry, Le Bonheur. The castle cannot be visited these days, but it is a great place to take a photo.
3
0
A solid bridge over the Ognon River with a beautiful view of the river and the riparian forest (all of the wooded, bushy and herbaceous formations present on the banks of a watercourse). The Ognon crosses four departments: Côte-d'Or, Doubs, Jura, Haute-Saône.
3
1
Washhouse built in the middle of the 19th century. Two basins, the exterior of which is fed by four taps (gouliches) in cast iron, hence the name of the wash house.
0
0
The castle is of Renaissance style, built by preserving elements of the fortified house of the XVᵉ century and remodeled in the XVIIIᵉ and the XIXᵉ century.
0
0
The region is rich in history. You can visit Filain Castle, a Renaissance-style castle with elements from a 15th-century fortified house. Another significant historical remnant is the Entrance arch of the former Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1120. While the abbey church was demolished, the site occasionally hosts events.
Yes, Besnans is known for its castles. Besides Filain Castle, you can also see Ollans Castle, an 18th-century structure surrounded by a vast garden bordered by the river. While Ollans Castle cannot be visited inside, its exterior and garden, featuring statues of Diana and Apollo, make it a great spot for photography.
The region is characterized by its river landscapes. The Metal rail bridge offers a solid crossing over the Ognon River and provides beautiful views of the river and its riparian forest. The Ognon River itself is a prominent natural feature, crossing four departments.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. For instance, the 'Fontaine du Cygne – Fontaine-lavoir de la Mairie loop from Montbozon' is an easy 5 km hiking route. You can find more easy and moderate trails in the Hiking around Besnans guide.
The area around Besnans offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and even gravel biking. These guides provide detailed information on routes of varying difficulties, many of which pass by or near local attractions.
Beyond the castles, you can find unique architectural features like the Fontaine-Lavoir des 4 Gouliches. This mid-19th century washhouse features two basins fed by four cast-iron taps, giving it its distinctive name. It's a charming example of local heritage.
The region's attractions, particularly those involving river views and outdoor exploration, are generally best enjoyed from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically pleasant for walking, cycling, and appreciating the natural beauty and historical sites.
Many of the outdoor activities, such as easy walking and cycling routes, can be enjoyed by families. Exploring the grounds of castles like Ollans Castle (from the outside) or visiting the former Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Abbey site, especially during its occasional events, can be engaging for children interested in history and nature.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of historical sites, natural features, and architectural marvels. The blend of ancient castles, significant historical remnants, and scenic river landscapes, particularly the Ognon River, is highly valued. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with 41 upvotes and 11 photos shared, highlighting the area's appeal for exploration and photography.
Absolutely. Besnans is a great base for cycling. You can find several routes for cycling, including moderate loops like the 'Bridge over the Ognon – View of the River loop from Bouhans-lès-Montbozon'. For those interested in off-road adventures, there's also a dedicated guide for gravel biking around Besnans with easy to moderate routes.
Yes, the area offers several circular hiking routes. For example, the 'Montaucivey Forest – Rougemont loop from Gouhelans' is a moderate 7 km circular trail. You can discover more options, including both easy and moderate circular walks, in the comprehensive Hiking around Besnans guide.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: