Besançon Carnival

The Besançon Carnival: an unmissable popular festival

The Besançon Carnival is one of the most popular events in the Doubs and Franche-Comté. Organized every spring, generally in April, it brings together thousands of participants and spectators in the streets of the city center for a weekend of colorful festivities.

A spectacular parade of floats

The highlight of the carnival is the grand parade of floats that winds through the streets of the historic center. Built and decorated by local associations and volunteers, the floats compete in creativity and originality around a different theme each year. In 2024, the chosen theme was Games, echoing the Paris Olympic Games. In 2025, the carnival took on an international dimension, celebrating cultural diversity.

Village Granvelle: the beating heart of the carnival

The Village Granvelle, located on the famous square of the same name, is the beating heart of the event. You'll find food stalls, musical entertainment, street shows, and activities for children. Place Jean Cornet is another key point along the parade route, offering an ideal space to admire the floats.

Activities for all ages

The Besançon Carnival is not limited to the parade. The program includes concerts, street shows, face painting and costume workshops for children, fun competitions, artist performances, and many other festive activities. A festive atmosphere reigns throughout the city for two days.

An event supported by the Festival Committee

The Carnival is organized by the Comité des Fêtes de la Ville de Besançon (Besançon City Festival Committee), chaired by Pascal Schmidt. The association, recognized as being of general interest, relies on a network of committed volunteers for the construction of floats, the organization of the parade, and the entertainment at Village Granvelle. The City of Besançon provides the Festival Committee with a space located at 7 chemin des Prés-de-Vaux for the construction and storage of floats.

Free and open to all

The Besançon Carnival is an entirely free event, accessible to all audiences. This freeness is a strong choice that guarantees accessibility and the truly popular nature of the festival. The carnival attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year, making it the second largest event in the department in terms of attendance.