Citadel of Besançon
Citadelle de Besançon
A World Heritage fortress designed by Vauban, perched above a bend of the Doubs River gorge, with three museums and a zoo inside.
The citadel was designed in the late 17th century by Vauban, the military engineer of King Louis XIV. It covers 11 hectares, with ramparts encircling the hilltop, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2008 as part of the 'Fortifications of Vauban'. The rampart walk overlooks the old town, which is encircled by the Doubs River. Inside are the Museum of Resistance and Deportation, the Museum of Franche-Comté Folk Traditions, and the Natural History Museum, which includes an aquarium, an insect house and a small zoo. It is open year-round. Admission is about €15 and covers all the museums, so allow half a day. From the old town, it's about a 20-minute uphill walk, or you can take the summer shuttle minibus.
Opening hours
About 09:00–18:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Besançon Cathedral & Astronomical Clock
- Cité des Arts et de la Culture
- Porte Noire & Square Castan
- Victor Hugo's Birthplace
- Musée du Temps (Palais Granvelle)
- Parc Micaud
- Doubs River Cruise
- Grande Rue & Old Town