Tour Options

The Citadel welcomes you with VIP treatment, either before or after it opens to the public. After a warm welcome and a brief tour of the grounds in front of the imposing statue of Vauban, you’ll ascend to the parapet walk. From the top of the rampart, you can admire Vauban’s remarkable defensive system and the architectural beauty of the fortress to the inside; to the outside, breathtaking panoramic views of the historic center of Besançon, encircled by a bend in the Doubs River, and the surrounding hills, a testament to the ever-present beauty of nature. The perfect moment to snap a few souvenir photos…

Discover the characteristics of a bastioned fortification, the work and career of Vauban, as well as the roles of the Citadel, from its construction to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From its construction to the daily lives of the soldiers, including its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tour offers the ultimate exploration of Vauban’s masterpiece, featuring a visit to two underground galleries.

Activity designed for people with disabilities (blind and visually impaired individuals, and those with intellectual disabilities). A sensory tour (outdoors and/or indoors) to discover the secrets of the citadel: building materials, architecture, inscriptions…

This stone citadel hides more greenery than you might think. From the rolling hills to the inner gardens, and even the long-gone nursery, come discover a citadel that has been lush with vegetation since the 17th century.

Louis Fabry de Montcault, governor of the citadel, welcomes you to his fortress: he will explain how daily life is organized for the 600 soldiers and cadets (officer trainees) under his command.

Vauban “in person” reveals all the secrets of the fortifications and shares his knowledge and passion for the history and architecture of the Citadel. A memorable tour!

Why were the Citadel and the fortifications of the city of Besançon, designed by Vauban, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List? During this tour, a guide will answer this question through her presentation of the site and will also discuss the broader concept of World Heritage.

A brief but in-depth look at the site’s history, covering the key milestones of the Citadel, from its construction to the present day.

This unique tour takes place on the top floor of the Musée Comtois. It offers a chance to explore a rare collection of puppets dating from the 19th century to the present day, showcasing the local passion for this performing art with its strong satirical undertones!

Join a guided tour to explore the museum and its rich collections, including an exceptional collection of art created during the deportations, and immerse yourself in the daily lives of French people in the early 1940s.

The Museum of the Resistance and Deportation in Besançon houses one of the largest collections of art related to deportation in Europe, comprising 600 drawings, sculptures, and paintings created by deportees in the Reich’s camps and prisons. Come and view these works, which bear witness not only to the relentless Nazi machine of repression but also to the bonds of solidarity and humanity that formed among the deportees.

Come meet our animals and learn about the challenges of conserving endangered species. Why should we protect these species and their habitats?
What threats do they face? What actions are being taken, and what role does the Museum play?

Biodiversity like you’ve never seen it before! Reserve this space for a guided tour that invites you to ask yourself: What is biodiversity?
How does it evolve? What is an ecosystem? What are the impacts of human activities on nature?