Connexion Any questions

Citadelle de Besançon

Vauban's masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Besançon Citadel is considered one of the most beautiful in France. It overlooks the old town of the Comtois capital by more than 100 metres, set in a meander of the river, and offers spectacular panoramic views from its walkways. As a cultural and tourist attraction, the Citadelle keeps its promise: a living heritage full of emotion. In addition to the admirably restored architectural complex, which covers 12 hectares, the Citadel houses three Museums of France behind its ramparts, which are ideal for fascinating visits: - the Musée Comtois, an exhibition space for the traditions of Franche-Comté and for reflection on our times - the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, after more than three years of closure including 16 months of work, it will reopen its doors on 8 September 2023. - the Museum, which illustrates biodiversity and participates in the preservation of endangered species in its various areas (Zoological Garden, Aquarium, Insectarium, Noctarium and small farm). Nowhere else in France is it possible to see such a diversity of animals in one place. THE CURSE OF THE CENTURIES Thanks to this treasure hunt, travel through the ages and explore the different spaces and museums of the Citadel in order to save the Marcellin family from an ancestral curse.

Hours

- Low season 2023: from 4 February to 31 March and from 1 November to 31 December, 10am to 5pm (NB: closed on 25 December and 1 January). - High season: 1 July to 31 August inclusive, 9am to 7pm - Intermediate season: from 1 April to 30 June inclusive and from 1 September to 31 October, 9 am to 6 pm - Annual closure from 1 January to 3 February inclusive

Services

Set high up on its anticline, Besançon Citadel occupies a total of 11 hectares. It could easily have contained a town of 10,000 inhabitants. The fortress is one of Vauban's masterpieces, and it is said that its construction was so costly that Louis XIV enquired as to whether the walls had been made out of gold. The Citadel has a dual heritage. The first is that of its initial vocation as a defensive fortress, brilliantly designed and built, which had very few opportunities to show its steel in military situations. The Citadel then turned to displaying the heritage and history that had been bequeathed to it, and which it is now so proud to present to visitors. The Citadel, which is the leading tourist attraction in Franche-Comté in terms of visitor numbers, and was voted "Tourist Site of the Year" by the Ministry of Tourism in 2003, has become the pride and joy of the people of Besançon.
Thematic of the place

Castel

Public price
Base rate - full rate adult : €11.50
Child rate : Free
Price with the pass
Base rate - full rate adult : Free
Child rate : Free

Location

Contact

99 Rue des Fusillés de la Résistance
25000 BESANCON

03 81 87 83 33
contact@citadelle.besancon.fr
www.citadelle.com/fr