The Citadel of Besançon Protector of your assets

Emblematic of the city of Besançon, the Citadel is a cultural and tourist hotspot. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this major work by Vauban is considered a universal treasure to be carefully protected. Surprising and majestic, this three-century-old structure is nonetheless accessible to all those who wish to unlock its secrets and discover the riches it holds!

Photo of part of the Citadel of Besançon

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 bastioned architecture created by Vauban is considered one of the most beautiful citadels in France. Towering more than 100 meters above the old town of Besançon, nestled in a bend of the Doubs River, it also offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. A vast space—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 ("cadets"), a state prison, and a military penitentiary.

Learn more about the Citadel of Besançon

Walk through the Citadel

To learn more about the Citadel and its history, head to the Saint-Étienne Chapel in the heart of the site, where a multimedia show will transport you through time and space to discover the key moments that have shaped Besançon and the monument—streamed continuously, three screenings per hour.
The tour continues in the Cadets Building, with the Espace Vauban: four exhibition rooms reveal all the keys to understanding the site.

With these basics in mind, you will appreciate the Citadel with a new perspective: climb the ramparts to enjoy the exceptional panoramic views of the city of Besançon and the natural surroundings. To learn more, follow the signs and educational panels along the way or try out the tour and interactive games accessible to all on the MaCitadelle app.
Unless you're tempted by one of our many guided tours!

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

Schedule

Tour – The Citadel in the 17th century

Dimanche 15 février 2026

Atelier – Récup’ Perruque

Mercredi 18 février 2026

Tour – The Citadel in the 17th century

Dimanche 15 mars 2026

Week-end Télérama – Les musées dans la Citadelle, la Citadelle dans les musées

Samedi 21 et dimanche 22 mars 2026

The entire calendar

News

Discover the construction of the Citadel in a fun way!

19.09.2025

All the latest news

Play from home with Vauban!

Discover our printable activities for young and old alike: make Vauban's wig, build a model barracks, test your memory with Vauban Memory, fold napkins worthy of the finest restaurants (fleur-de-lis, fan, candle, leaf, artichoke) and take on a math challenge to help Vauban plan rations for a siege. Download the PDF files, make yourself comfortable... and let yourself be transported to the heart of the Citadel's universe!

Game #1: Vauban Memory Game – DOWNLOAD

Game #2: Make Vauban's wig – DOWNLOAD

Game #3: Napkin folding workshop! – DOWNLOAD

Game #4: Math Challenge – DOWNLOAD

Game #5: Build a model of a fire station – DOWNLOAD

Focus on...

The Citadel, a prison through the centuries

From the 17th to the 20th century, the Citadel served as a prison. From 1679 to 1730, more than 36 defendants in the famous Affair of the Poisons were imprisoned there. Among them were: François Romani, who died there after 48 years of imprisonment; Abbé Guibourg, an accomplice of La Voisin accused of performing black masses and sacrificing children; Lesage, La Voisin's main accomplice; and Rabel, a doctor and alchemist. In the 18th century, prisoners of war, priests who refused to accept the constitution, Chouan leaders opposed to Napoleon, and even a counterfeiter were held there. In modern times, the dungeons were occasionally used to imprison soldiers who had behaved badly. During the 19th century, there were alternately prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and then generals of the Empire after the fall of the emperor. The Citadel became a military penitentiary in 1820 and then welcomed new foreign prisoners during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Among them was the Prussian writer Theodor Fontane, who recounted his imprisonment in his book Journal of Captivity. Finally, between October 1944 and April 1948, the Citadel became Depot 85, a camp where nearly 6,500 German soldiers were held. Nearly 300 of them died in the first year. One of the prisoners, Hans Wojtaszyk, painted several works in the guards' quarters at the Saint-Étienne Front. The various places of detention were located at the Saint-Étienne Front, the Royal Front, and the Relief Front.

A remarkable heritage

In 2003, Besançon initiated a project to have Vauban's work included on UNESCO's 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 added to 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 also the subject of an ongoing restoration program. To enhance this jewel of military architecture while preserving its original appearance, technical expertise and exemplary standards are required. For example, the skills of craftspeople are in high demand, thereby promoting their mastery and transmission. Every summer, the Citadel offers a group of young volunteers the opportunity to learn about this heritage by participating in its preservation as part of a work camp.

Eight other UNESCO sites to discover in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.