Besançon is a town that is resolutely centred on sports.

In 2019, Besançon was labelled an active and sporty town. This label honors initiatives, actions, sport-centred public policies and values the promotion of physical and sport activities of all kinds accessible to the largest number of people in a territory.

Besançon has been the home of one of the most successful French women’s handball teams - the ESBF - for several years. This year, the team will compete in the European Championships, coached by Raphaëlle Tervel and Sandrine Mariot-Delerce.
Besançon is also the home of the performance center of the continental team Groupama-FDJ. The team trains and supports 11 runners from 8 different countries and prepares them to become future talent.
The town of Besançon is represented at national level with its two handball teams, ESBF and GBDH, its two soccer teams that compete in the National 3 league, the Racing Besançon (RB) and Besançon Football (BF) and its basketball team, Besançon Avenir Comtois (BesAC).

When it comes to individual sports, Besançon is home to Reina-Flor Okra, 100m hurdles specialist, boxer Khedafi Djelkhir, Ghani Yalouz, one the the best French wrestlers, Emmanuel Brugvin, World Champion in Canoe / Kayak Slalom and Marlène Devillez, Three-time European Champion of Kayak Freestyle. There are also the trail runners Thibault Baronian, Sangé Sherpa and Manon Bohard, the mountain biker Julie Bresset, the para-cyclist Claude Thievent and many more.

Besançon is also the base of the Franche-Comté Judo Besançon club which has been on many podiums in national, European and world competitions, the national wrestling training center and the regional junior training academy for 7 sports: judo, athletics, canoe / kayak, road cycling, handball and tennis.

Land of outdoor sports

The 7 hills and the River Doubs loop that circles the old town create a natural and exceptional haven for the urban area. Woods, parks and gardens, every shade of green in any alley: That’s how Besançon got its unique identity and legitimate title as the “Capital of Biodiversity” (2019). This recognition is applied even in the way green areas are maintained!

We are at the foot of the Jura Mountains, in a wild and authentic open space which is heaven for hikers, trail runners and skiers. The protected and energizing territory gives out its chlorophyll atmosphere and benefits as far as the town’s suburbs. In 2 pedal strokes or 3 strides, you can be on your way to the best outdoor sports spots. On land, in water or in the air, Besançon has become a unique outdoor destination in France.
The Greater Besançon Area offers a huge playground to walk, ride, run, swim, boat or explore. It welcomes several sporting events such as the Trail des Forts (trail race up and down Besançon’s hills),, the Handi-Fort raid (3 days of competition for teams of 2 athletes: one disabled and one non-disabled) or the Outdoor Grandes Heures Nature festival. The latter is a big event totally dedicated to the outdoors you’ll find a trade.