Planoise is the most populated district of Besançon, with more than 15 000 residents, in the south-west of the town. It was built from the end of the 1960s onwards: the Époisses area, the first to go up, was built between 1967 and 1976, followed by Île-de-France, completed in 1977, which alone gathers nearly 7 000 residents, and by the Cassin area, laid out in the years 1985-1992. The district also brings together the Piémont, Diderot and Victor-Hugo areas.
A priority neighbourhood under French urban policy, Planoise is the subject of a wide-ranging urban regeneration project covering the Cassin, Époisses and Île-de-France areas. The programme, run over about a decade, provides for the demolition of certain blocks, the upgrading of public spaces and a diversification of housing, with the aim of lastingly transforming the image of the district. The Ginko tram line links Planoise directly to the town centre.
The most affordable market in the town for a large share of its supply, Planoise shows a wide spread of prices depending on the area and the condition of the property. Supply consists largely of apartments in shared-ownership blocks, from small to large units, prized by first-time buyers on a measured budget and by investors. The urban regeneration under way is gradually changing the profile of the district.
