The Besançon Citadel Protecting your assets

Emblematic of the city of Besançon, the Citadelle is a major cultural and tourist attraction. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this major work by Vauban is considered a universal asset to be carefully protected. Surprising and majestic, this tercentenary structure is nonetheless accessible to all those who wish to discover its secrets and the treasures it holds!

One of France's most beautiful citadels

From the top of its ramparts, three centuries look down on you... completed in 1684, this masterpiece of bastioned architecture created by Vauban is considered one of the most beautiful citadels in France. Overlooking the old town of Besançon from a height of over 100 metres, it is hemmed in by the meandering Doubs River, and also offers fine views of the surrounding hills. A vast area - no less than 11 hectares! - now dedicated to culture and tourism, the Citadelle has served over the centuries as a barracks, a training ground for future officers - "the cadets" - a state prison and a military penitentiary.

Find out more about the Besançon Citadel

Stroll through the Citadel

To find out more about the Citadelle and its history, head for the Chapelle Saint-Étienne, at the heart of the site: a multimedia show takes you back in time and space, to discover the key moments that have marked Besançon and the monument - continuous broadcasting, three projections per hour.
The tour continues in the Bâtiment des Cadets, with the Espace Vauban: four exhibition rooms reveal all the keys to understanding the site.

With these fundamentals in mind, you'll appreciate the Citadelle with new eyes: climb the ramparts to enjoy the exceptional panoramic views over the city of Besançon and the surrounding natural environment. If you want to go further, follow the signs and educational panels along the way, or try out the tour and interactive games available to all on the MaCitadelle app.
Unless you're tempted by one of our many guided tours!

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and let yourself be overwhelmed by the magic of the Citadel and the surrounding countryside.

Agenda

Free access game

Saturday, July 05 to Sunday, August 31, 2025

The little builders

Du 6 juillet au dimanche 31 août 2025

Visit - 3 centuries of history

Saturday, July 05 to Sunday, August 31, 2025

Secret Citadel" tour

Saturday, July 05 to Sunday, August 31, 2025

All agenda

News

2025, a royal season!

12.02.2025

All the news

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350 years ago, the first stone of the citadel...

In 1674, Louis XIV's troops occupied Franche-Comté for the second time, and Besançon was besieged. The siege, led by Vauban under the eyes of the king, lasted twenty days. Seven more days were needed to take the citadel built by the Spanish power that controlled the region at the time. After the victory, Vauban took over the work, on the orders of the king, who wished to fortify this new French province. At first, the work consisted of clearing away the rubble and repairing the damage caused by the siege. Vauban inspected the site, drew up plans and gave instructions to the engineers in charge of fortifications. Work began in earnest in the spring of 1675, 350 years ago. Vauban's plan was perfectly adapted to the landscape: the walls hugged the rocky spur, and the fortifications were tiered according to the relief, creating three levels of fire. The "corps de place" houses buildings for the soldiers' daily life. It is protected to the east and west by walls whose height prevents fire from the surrounding hills. The impregnable complex took between 500 and 1,000 workers 9 years to build.

A remarkable heritage

In 2003, with the support of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, Besançon initiated the project to have Vauban's work included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Along with eleven other sites, the city forms the Network of Major Vauban Sites. They were all inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 7, 2008: a fine recognition of the universal value of Vauban's work, and of the need to protect it. The city's fortiﬁcations and the Citadelle are also the subject of an ongoing restoration program. To enhance the value of this ﬂeuron of military architecture while preserving its original appearance, technicality and exemplarity are the order of the day. For example, craftsmanship skills are used extensively, encouraging their mastery and transmission. Every summer, the Citadelle invites a group of young volunteers to take ownership of this heritage by participating in its preservation, within the framework of a work camp.

Eight other UNESCO properties to discover in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.