Surrounded by lush forests and seven green hills, Besançon in Franche-Comté has been voted France's greenest urban centre. Vauban, Louis XIV's architect, designed the huge hilltop citadel which dominates the town - great views from the ramparts over the river Doubs which loops round the old town below. The Museum of the Resistance and Deportation inside the castle walls is sobering but very moving.

Take a river cruise or just stroll along the quaysides and soak up those elegant stone buildings. Feeling lucky? Then try a night at the Casino.