Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon Illustration: The Citadel of Besançon

UNESCO logo The Citadel of Besançon Protecting Your Assets

An iconic landmark of the city of Besançon, the Citadel is a major cultural and tourist attraction. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this major work by Vauban is considered a universal treasure to be carefully preserved. Both striking and majestic, this three-century-old structure is nonetheless accessible to anyone who wishes to uncover its secrets and discover the treasures it holds!

Photo of part of the Besançon Citadel

One of the most beautiful citadels
in France

From the top of its ramparts, three centuries gaze down upon you… Completed in 1684, this masterpiece of bastion architecture designed by Vauban is considered one of the most beautiful citadels in France. Towering more than 100 meters above the old town of Besançon, which lies nestled within a meander of the Doubs River, it also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. A vast area—no less than 11 hectares!—now dedicated to culture and tourism, the Citadel has served over the centuries as a barracks, a training ground for future officers—“the cadets”—a state prison, and a military penitentiary.

Side view of the Besançon Citadel

A Stroll Through the Citadel

To learn more about the Citadel and its history, head to the Saint-Étienne Chapel, located at the heart of the site: a multimedia show there transports you through time and space to discover the key moments that have shaped Besançon and the monument—shown continuously, with three screenings per hour.
The tour continues in the Bâtiment des Cadets, with the Espace Vauban: four exhibition halls provide all the insights needed to understand the site.

With these basics in mind, you’ll see the Citadel in a whole new light: climb up to the ramparts to enjoy the exceptional panoramic views of the city of Besançon and the natural landscape that surrounds it. To explore further, follow the signage and educational panels along the way, or try out the tour and interactive games—accessible to everyone—on the MaCitadelle app.
Or why not join one of our many guided tours?

Take in the breathtaking panoramic views and let yourself be swept away by the magic of the scenery at the Citadel and the surrounding nature

Play from home with Vauban!

Check out our printable activities for all ages: make Vauban’s wig, build a model barracks, test your memory with the Vauban Memory Game, create napkin folds fit for a royal table (fleur-de-lis, fan, candle, leaf, artichoke), and take on a math challenge to help Vauban plan rations for a siege. Download the PDF worksheets, get comfortable… and let yourself be transported into the heart of the Citadel’s world!

Game #1: Vauban Memory Game – DOWNLOAD

Activity #2: Make Vauban's Wig – DOWNLOAD

Game #3: Napkin-Folding Workshop! – DOWNLOAD

Game #4: Math Challenge – DOWNLOAD

Activity #5: Build a model of a barracks – DOWNLOAD

Play from home with Vauban!
Visiter la citadelle… à distance

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Visiter la citadelle… à distance

Inscrite sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, la Citadelle de Besançon est un patrimoine commun de l’Humanité. À ce titre, il est important qu’elle puisse se doter d’outils permettant à des publics éloignés de pouvoir la découvrir. Ainsi, le monument a mis en place une visite immersive à distance en partenariat avec l’entreprise My Tour Live. La réalisation de cet outil a pu être menée à bien grâce au soutien financier de la Région Bourgogne Franche-Comté à hauteur de 6000 euros, celui de la Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelles de Bourgogne Franche-Comté à hauteur de 3000 euros et celui de la France Mutualiste à hauteur de 1000 euros.

Ce dispositif a pour objectif de contribuer au rayonnement international de la Citadelle en permettant sa visite depuis l’étranger, mais également pour les publics dit « empêchés » tels que les résidents de résidences autonomie et d’EHPAD, les élèves d’établissements scolaires trop éloignés pour pouvoir se déplacer sur site… Afin que l’expérience soit la plus immersive possible et qu’elle permette un échange direct avec l’équipe de médiation du site, c’est un système de visite en vidéo 360° avec commentaire en direct du médiateur qui a été retenu. Le dispositif permet au médiateur de rajouter des images accessibles pendant la visite. Le visiteur peut de son côté explorer le paysage à 360° pendant la visite, indépendamment de ce que montre le médiateur, et de manière très simple. Ce système est complémentaire des visites sur place, et offre donc un support de médiation adapté pour aller vers de nouveaux publics. Deux expérience ont déjà été menées d’une part avec l’Alliance française de Charlottesville aux USA, ville jumelée avec Besançon, et d’autre part avec des personnes âgées isolées via la maison des Séniors. Les retours ont été positifs et enthousiastes.

En savoir + dans nos offres de visites en groupe

A Remarkable Heritage

In 2003, Besançon launched a project to have Vauban’s work inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Communication. Together with eleven other sites, the city forms the Network of Major Vauban Sites. All were inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 7, 2008: a wonderful recognition of the universal value of Vauban’s work and the need to protect it. The city’s fortifications and the Citadel are, in fact, the subject of an ongoing restoration program. To showcase this jewel of military architecture while preserving its original appearance, technical expertise and exemplary standards are essential. For example, the expertise of traditional craftsmen is heavily relied upon, thereby promoting the mastery and transmission of these skills. Every summer, the Citadel offers a group of young volunteers the opportunity to engage with this heritage by participating in its preservation through a work camp.

Eight more UNESCO sites to explore in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

A Remarkable Heritage