In 1748 a Roman funerary monument in the form of an altar was discovered, evidence of a more remote past.
There are accounts of an abbey in the seventh century, reportedly founded by Amalgar of Dijon, Duke of Upper Burgundy and brother in law of Waldalenus's son, Chramnelenus of Besançon (see also Adalrich, Duke of Alsace).
The first time was in 1445 by the people of the Imperial City of Besançon to prevent the Dauphin Louis from using it as a base for attacking the town.
The flight of bombers were heading for the Peugeot factories at Sochaux, with Besançon as an alternative target.
Twenty bombers dropped their loads in a haphazard manner, causing some 50 casualties on the ground.