Despite difficult economic and social conditions, Planoise has become a commercial crossroads and a multicultural sector; the area is home to people from over 50 different cultural origins.

[2] It is a highly urbanized area (14,000 inhabitants per square kilometer) with few monuments or sites of interest.

The first traces of life in Planoise date back to 3000 BCE, during the Middle Paleolithic era.

The objects are conserved in the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'archéologie de Besançon (Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology.)

During the 13th century the territory of Planoise officially became part of the Imperial city of Besançon, according to Jean de Chalon (earl of Bourgogne).

The First and Second World Wars did not greatly impact Planoise, although an American soldier was killed there.

Since 1985 the area has been classed as a "sensitive urban zone" by the municipality, and 40% of the inhabitants aged 18–25 years are unemployed.

[7] To stop the civil unrest in Planoise, the municipality tried to react promptly by opening a commissionership in Cassin sector.

Since 2000, an area of the neighborhood was classed as a "zone franche urbaine" (exoneration of taxes for new firms created over the following 10 years), enabling the establishment of many new companies and businesses.

Planoise is bounded west by Franois and Grandfontaine; Pirey to the north; Saint-Ferjeux and the center of Besançon to the east; and Velotte and Avanne-Aveney to the south.

Most workers are in the Tertiary sector of the economy (administration, education, health, shops, services, and transportation).

[1] If Planoise became a city, it would be the third largest of the département and fourth of the region, after Besançon (117,080), Belfort (50,836), and Montbéliard (26,535).

Planoise was a partially uninhabited rural zone for many years; the population boom of the 1960s changed the sector.

The Tramway of Besançon, planned for 2012,[22] will go through the area (possible stops include Châteaufarine, the center of Planoise, and Jean Minjoz Hospital).

The "Statue of Diversity", located in a roundabout of Ile-de-France sector, is a veritable symbol of this area.

[citation needed] Festivals are popular; music parties have been organised by residents of the Epoisses sector.

This event, popular among teenagers of the area, encompasses many sports, including football, volleyball, climbing, and roller hockey.

Other events such as fireworks, "fete des voisins" (neighborhood parties), and garage sales, take place year round.