I didn't get the chance this time around to go to the Musée de la Résistance, the section of the fort that serves as a memoir during the Nazi reign. It's got plenty of pictures, texts, and original documents dating back to WWII. There are also paintings, drawings and sculptures made by those who were imprisoned in the camps. Those students who had gone to see this part of the Citadel, noted that it was hard to walk through, and made them feel sick. Understandable. I do plan on trying to see it next time I'm in Besancon.

The rest of the day on mont Saint Etienne was pleasant, despite the clouds. We each made a silent vow to come back before leaving France so we could see the rest of what we missed this time. We got back to Centre Ville with time to spare. Some of us spent the rest of the day shopping and walking around Grande Rue, while the rest went back to Hotel du Nord to go online and catch up with their e-mail.

Before Dr. Running-Johnson left for the States, we checked out la Musée de Beaux-Arts in Place de la Revolution. It was free admission, being a Sunday, so we took advantage of the less-than-perfect weather by checking out some of the sculptures and modern art.

We didn't stay for very long, however- it was our first week and we were still too excited to stay confined in one building for a long period of time. We'd later find out that this was just one of many rainy days in Besancon to come- so it was soon time to dig out the umbrellas and make a trip to Monoprix, the "everything" shop downtown where you could find groceries, clothing, and most importantly, umbrellas.
(to be cont'd)