BESANCON, Franche-Comté 25000

THE TERRACES OF BESANÇON Overlooking the Citadel, these hanging gardens ? awarded the 'Jardin Remarquable' designation in 2023 ? unfold as a succession of terraces painstakingly shaped over the years. Perched on the heights of Besançon, the site strikes a tangible balance between the art of living, hospitality and contemplation. A VIEWING POINT, A GARDEN SHAPED BY TIME From the path, the approach remains discreet. Then, once through the gate, the view opens up onto the Citadel, situated along the axis, like a landmark around which everything is organised. The grounds bear the traces of a gradual transformation. An initial slope has, over the years, become a succession of gardens, terraces and wooded areas designed for entertaining and sharing. Each level serves a specific purpose, revealed as you make your way through. The pathways follow this design. Your steps follow the water, which connects the spaces through a series of ponds and waterfalls. The movement becomes continuous, almost meditative. Carp appear beneath the surface, whilst vegetation frames the pathways. Awarded the 'Remarkable Garden' label in 2023, the whole expresses a harmony between plant composition, topography and function. Vegetable patches, fruit trees and ornamental vines are part of this living dynamic. Each season redefines the contours of the site. A HOME ROOTED IN ITS FUNCTIONS The entrance via the loggia provides a gentle transition. The dining room, at the centre, naturally structures the flow of movement. The west-facing living room is perfect for the end of the day and opens out onto the outdoors. Light filters through, revealing the spaces. The kitchen, organised around granite worktops and built-in appliances, extends the living spaces with fluidity. A ground-floor bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe leads into a utility room. Together, they create a seamless daily life, immediately at home. Upstairs, the bedrooms are clearly arranged around the bathroom. Clean lines follow the flow of light. THE ART OF HOSTING, THE PRIVILEGE OF CONTEMPLATION Each terrace marks a distinct moment in the journey, within a continuity where the Citadel remains ever-present, visible from one level to the next. The reception terrace welcomes guests around a large table, an outdoor bar and a pizza oven. Conversations flow naturally here, with the city in view. The kota gathers people around the central fire. Beneath the wisteria, the shade becomes a refuge, dense and cool, filtering the views and revealing glimpses of the Citadel. The swimming pool is set within a sheltered, enveloping green setting. Sun loungers are positioned within this carefully controlled space, balancing privacy and the landscape. Further on, a relaxation area features an outdoor bed, suspended between sky and foliage. The outbuilding forms part of this gradual evolution. It accommodates a seasonal activity already in place, in natural harmony with the whole. The journey continues up to the higher levels, where the views open out even further. Every step reveals a new perspective on the place. A place where the outdoors fully shapes the way of living. AGENCY'S VIEW A property shaped by time, where the garden forms the very structure of the site. Facing the citadel, the terraces organise the various uses, with each space finding its rightful place. A home where living, entertaining and welcoming guests flow seamlessly into one another.