In the 19th century, the urban centre continued to grow in density, taking over the remaining vacant land. Around the rue de la République, new buildings were constructed. The codes of Haussmann-style architecture were often used, but other styles were also developed.
This transversal (or east-west) tour of Besançon will lead from the rue de la République to the esplanade des droits de l'homme, skirting the Palais de Justice with its successive architectures and taking an interest in both the sculptural decorations and the ways of living in the district.