Le Nid de Paille-en-Plume
Besançon, France
2 guests
1 bedroom
1 bathroom
- Superbly Simple
- A property that meets our exacting standards, with everything you need, nothing you don’t, and above all thoughtfully designed.
- Apartment
- A collection of rooms forming one residence, typically in a larger building
- Urban
- Cosmopolitan, big city locations
Cozy Nest
Named for the straw and feathers of a cozy nest, this one-bedroom getaway in Besançon opens into a traditional stone building's courtyard near the city's medieval center. Renovated for simplicity and comfort by its architect/owner, the apartment has been updated by custom-made, locally-sourced wood built-ins, accented by natural linens and vintage flea market finds.
Cozy Nest
Brightened by three large windows and refreshed with a vivid new coat of whitewashing, this sweet retreat in central Besançon opens to a traditional stone building’s shared courtyard. The eco-renovated space is a cheery, natural apartment designed by architect Merril Sinéus who used locally sourced materials (Jura wood, Burgundy stone) for its upgrade. Created for two, the home’s coziness factor is enhanced by a wood-burning stove. The updated bedroom and bathroom suite has a double bed and a new, polished concrete shower, plus a built-in wood workstation for getting things done. The studio-styled kitchen opens onto the built-in banco-seating/dining space, and the new banco extends into the living room, sofa style, accented by classic, exposed ceiling timbers and the stove.
Around
Located between the train station and historical city center of Besançon, this little getaway is about seven minutes on foot from the train station and a quick five-minute walk to the heart of town. Near the border to Switzerland, France’s Besançon is the historical watchmaking capital of the country. The well-preserved old town stands on the banks of the Doubs River at a horseshoe curve that cradles the city, known as France’s “jewel of the East.” The city’s landmark is its 17th-century Citadel, an architectural masterpiece by Vauban which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits on a massive rock outcropping and is also the site of several museums, an insectarium and a zoo. Besançon’s other primary landmark is its St. Jean Cathedral, a medieval structure with Florentine art by Fra Bartolomeo and an astronomic clock as a symbol of its importance in the watchmaking world. No surprise that the city is home to a Museum of Time, housed in a Renaissance palace hung with Bruges tapestrices from the 17th century.
Outdoor adventures in the area include boat trips on the River Doubs and along the canal, and hitting the trailheads in town that lead into the verdant valley and the hills of the Jura mountains.
Location
Nearest airports: Basel (Switzerland, 2.5 hours); Lyon (4-4.5 hours), Paris (2 hours via TGV)
Best time to visit
April to October
Photos
Amenities
Here’s what you can expect during your stay:
- Washer
- Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Desk or workspace
- Electronics Charging
- Internet
- Toiletries Provided
- Heating
- Indoor Fireplace
- Step-free Path to Entrances
- Smoke Detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
Additional Information
Discover more about this property.
- Bedroom
- 1
- Single Bed
- 1
- Full Bathroom
- 1