Illustration: Press and Media

Press and Media

Welcome to your press area

The Citadel of Besançon: 1 World Heritage Site, 3 “Musées de France,” and a cultural and tourist destination that embodies UNESCO’s founding values.

In this section, you’ll find our press releases, press kits, and highlights of the year.
If you need additional information, photos, or help arranging your visit, we’re here to help. Please feel free to contact us.

Your contacts
Communications Department
Media Relations
Phone 03 81 87 83 08 / 06 47 90 37 89
Marie-Pierre Papazian
Marketing and Communications Manager
Annual Press Kit
2026

The history of the Besançon Citadel is closely linked to that of its architect, Vauban. Vauban, who drew up the plans for the structure in 1668, would leave a profound mark on the entire city. Right in the heart of the city, no fewer than 18 other Vauban heritage sites dot the fortifications and reinforce the remarkable heritage identity of the capital of the Franche-Comté region. This outstanding military architectural complex has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since July 2008. With an average of 290,000 visitors annually and a wide range of attractions—including heritage sites, history, museums, biodiversity, and cultural programming—the Citadel of Besançon is a must-see destination in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.

Thematic press kits:

Press Releases:

Une succession de naissances au Parc zoologique depuis fin 2025
Museum
Une succession de naissances au Parc zoologique depuis fin 2025
29/07/2026
Le Parc Zoologique de la Citadelle a accueilli une succession de naissances depuis fin 2025, qui témoignent de l’expertise scientifique de l’équipe du Muséum et viennent couronner de succès leur dévouement quotidien. Des primates rares aux oiseaux fascinants, ces nouveaux venus représentent une victoire majeure pour la biodiversité et les programmes de reproduction européens.
Outdoor Movie Theater
Programming
Outdoor Movie Theater
July 13, 2026
Once again this summer, the Citadel of Besançon is transforming into an open-air movie theater.
From July 16 to August 27, every Thursday evening becomes a cinematic escape.
Under the stars, the new “Voyages, Voyageurs” program invites audiences to explore new horizons—whether geographical, personal, or fantastical.
Youth Work Camp
Vauban Monument
Youth Work Camp
July 9, 2026
From July 4 to 18, 2026, the Besançon Citadel will host a youth work camp organized jointly by the City of Besançon and the association Le Club du Vieux Manoir, which has specialized in heritage restoration projects for over 70 years. For this 10th edition, teenage volunteers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of local heritage and actively contribute to its preservation.
The Besançon Museum of Natural History is publishing a new book showcasing 230 years of collections and natural history
Museum
The Besançon Museum of Natural History is publishing a new book showcasing 230 years of collections and natural history
July 6, 2026
Located in the heart of the Besançon Citadel, the Natural History Museum is opening the doors to its collections for the first time through a brand-new 120-page book. *
* Richly illustrated, this true contemporary cabinet of curiosities invites readers to discover more than two centuries of scientific history, thousands of remarkable specimens, and the fascinating stories behind them.

"Grand Siècle" Weekend: Women's Stories
Vauban Monument
"Grand Siècle" Weekend: Women's Stories
June 18, 2026
On Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, the Citadel of Besançon will host the 2026 edition of its traditional “Grand Siècle Weekend.”
This year, the event features a brand-new theme titled “Women’s Stories,” dedicated to the roles and daily lives of women in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The Birth of a White Belt Vari
Museum
The Birth of a White Belt Vari
June 16, 2026
Another significant birth at the Besançon Citadel Museum: a white-belted Vari (lemur) named Toky (meaning “hope” in Malagasy) was born on May 23.
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