Besançon Citadel is a 17th-century fortress on a hill above the old town, designed by Vauban for Louis XIV and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk along its ramparts gives wide views over the city and the loop of the Doubs river below. Inside, you can visit museums on regional history and the Resistance, plus a zoo with an aquarium and an insect house. Plan a few hours, and stop at one of the cafes for a break with a view.
Built by Vauban
The citadel was built between 1668 and 1711 under Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the engineer who served Louis XIV. It covers 11 hectares on Mount Saint-Étienne, above a meander of the Doubs that wraps around the old town.
The site was valued for defence long before Vauban. Julius Caesar noted its potential as a stronghold when he passed through the region, which was then Celtic Gaul. The citadel is one of twelve Vauban fortifications that joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008.
The cost of the project was so high that the king is said to have asked whether Vauban was building the walls of gold.
Inside the citadel
The Comtois Museum focuses on the region of Franche-Comté. The Museum of Resistance and Deportation is housed in the cadet building, a setting that carries weight, since about 100 resistance members were shot there during the war.
The natural history side includes a zoo, an aquarium, an insect house and a night house for nocturnal animals. The zoo has tigers and lions, and monkeys can be seen near the entrance and in the ravine. The site also runs a treasure hunt for children.
Getting up to the citadel
The easiest route follows Grande-Rue, then rue de la Convention and rue du Chapitre. The steeper climb starts on rue des Fusillés-de-la-Résistance.
A bus and a small train also run up to the site. If you drive, parking is available near the citadel. The site lists an accessible entrance, an accessible restroom and accessible parking.
The ramparts and the views
The walls are the main reason to come. The panorama opens over the whole city from above, and the view changes as you move along the ramparts.
Allow more time than you expect. The walk and the zoo can take most of an afternoon. Cafes and a restaurant are inside the fortress, so you can break up the walk there.
Visiting with children
Families can spend a full afternoon here. The zoo, the treasure hunt, a playground and kid-friendly activities give younger visitors plenty to do. The site lists family and children's discounts, so ask at the ticket desk what applies.
FAQ
How long do you need at the citadel?
One hour covers the ramparts, but the zoo and museums can fill most of an afternoon.
Can you drive up to the citadel?
Yes. Parking is available near the citadel. A bus and a small train also go up.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
Booking tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the citadel wheelchair accessible?
The site lists an accessible entrance, an accessible restroom and accessible parking.
Is there a zoo inside the citadel?
Yes. The zoo sits inside the fortress, alongside an aquarium, an insect house and a night house.
