Colors of Besancon - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Besancon is the capital of the department of Doubs and the Franche-Comte region. Even though it is not in the list of top destinations in France, the city is one of the most beautiful places in the country and is definitely worth a visit. Beautiful woods, a scenic view of the Jura Mountains, picturesque river valleys and hills with charming small villages are perfect for travelers who want to explore unforgettable rural France. The Franche-Comte region has a pleasant climate with warm summer and snowy winter. Numerous rivers often cause fog in the morning, and it is also raining quite often in all months of the year, so tourists are better to take umbrellas with them.

New Year remains one of the most popular holidays in the region. There are always festive activities on the New Year’s Eve. People gather, sing songs, and party together, celebrating two holidays – the New Year Day and le Réveillon de Saint-Sylvestre. The latter is dedicated to pope Saint-Sylvestre who lived in the 4th century. Choral des Adieux and Chanson du nouvel An are the traditional songs of the holiday. The usual treats of the festive night will make even foodies delighted – mussels, oysters, champagne, and foie gras.

As France is a Catholic country, Christmas and Easter Day are also important holidays for local people. Most children like Easter because there is an interesting tradition called Easter egg hunt. On Easter Morning, kids start “hunting” eggs that are, by the way, not usual hard-boiled but chocolate ones. Festive decorations appear in Besancon, with bunnies and flying bells being their main elements. Friends and family members visit each other and bring gifts – beautifully decorated chocolate eggs and traditional food, such as lamb rack, cheese, and wine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Besancon has a range of festivals and events that tourists will find extremely interesting to attend. For example, Festival of Early Music of Montfaucon – Besançon is a unique event dedicated to medieval music. During five days in June, the city turns into a center of early culture. This music festival traditionally attracts numerous musicians, actors, musicologists, artists, and historians. In addition to concerts of medieval music, visitors are welcome to attend various art exhibitions, lectures, meetings, and feasts for visitors of all ages. It’s truly an event that cannot be missed.

Festival International du Film d'Archéologie is a very interesting festival that attracts not only cinema fans. This festival has two juries – the official jury that selects the Grand Prix winner and the “public” jury that selects the winner for the Prize of the City of Besancon. Everyone is welcome to attend free screenings and vote for the archaeological film they liked the most. The films that participate in the festival are both made by professionals and students of secondary schools.

In September, fans of classical music visit the city to attend another famous event – the Besancon International Music Festival. One of the oldest classical music festivals took place in the city for the first time in 1948. For two weeks, the city turns into a center of music that attracts best directors, orchestras, and music experts. It’s a truly mesmerizing event that will certainly please all fans of this genre. Since 1951, one more classical music related event has appeared in the city – International Besancon Competition for Young Conductors. The biannual competition has helped many now-famous conductors to start their careers and become successful.

Four days closer to the first weekend of October are the time for one more music festival - The Musiques de Rues Festival. The event, which is dedicated to street music in all of its forms, regularly attracts many interesting bands and performers who specialize in different styles – hip-hop block party, fanfares, world music, brass bands, and many more. The first festival took place in 2006 and drew more than 800 musicians and 70,000 visitors to Besancon. During the event, parks, squares, and even streets of the city become a scene to musicians from all over the world.