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Guided tours

*NEW La Citadelle, just for you!
La Citadelle welcomes you in VIP mode, before or after it opens to the public. After your welcome and a brief introduction to the site in front of the imposing statue of Vauban, you'll climb up the rampart walk. From the top of the rampart, you can admire Vauban's remarkable defensive system and the architectural beauty of the fortress, while looking out over the breathtaking panoramic views of Besançon's historic center, encircled by the meandering Doubs River, and the surrounding hills, where nature is omnipresent. An ideal moment for a few souvenir photos...
Offer reserved for tourism professionals, associations and companies. Does not apply to individuals.
April to September inclusive.
Opening hours : in the morning, after sunrise (7:30 a.m.), or at the end of the day (30 minutes after the site closes)
1 Additional option: Welcome and guided tour in French or English
Accompanied by a guide, discover the history and many anecdotes of the fortress.
2 Additional option: welcome coffee
Enjoy a drink and pastries when there's no one on site.
Prices : please consult us.

2000 years of history
Learn about the characteristics of a bastioned fortification, Vauban's work and career, and the role of the Citadelle, from its construction to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Secret Citadel
An ideal way to discover Vauban's masterpiece, including a passage through a 127 m-long underground gallery that allowed soldiers to move around without being fired upon.
April to October only.
18 pers max, weather permitting.
Access not possible for people with reduced mobility or visual impairments.

La Citadelle goes green
This stone citadel hides more green than you might think. From the hillside landscape to the interior gardens, via the now defunct nursery, discover a citadel that has been planted since the 17th century.
Capacity: 20 people
Outdoor tour

In the footsteps of Vauban
Vauban "in person" reveals all the secrets of the enclosure and shares his knowledge and passion about the history and architecture of the Citadel. A visit to remember!
A difficult visit for people who have difficulty walking and standing.
Vauban, the citadel and UNESCO
Why were the Citadelle and fortifications of Besançon, designed by Vauban, included on UNESCO's World Heritage List? During this visit, a mediator provides answers to this question through her presentation of the site, and also discusses more broadly the notion of World Heritage.

Express visit
A quick but intense dive into the history of the site, covering the essential stages of the Citadel, from its construction to the present day.
A difficult visit for people who have difficulty walking and standing.

Laughter is a combat sport
This unusual tour takes place on the top level of the Musée comtois. It features a rare collection of puppets dating from the 19th century to the present day, illustrating the local craze for this lively, satirical art form!
18 people max.

Autour de la table : histoires en partage
Visite de l’exposition temporaire.
Comment objets, archives et photographies deviennent-ils des collections ? Que nous racontent-ils des événements dont ils furent les témoins ? Prenez place autour de la table et accompagnez l’équipe du musée à la rencontre des donateurs et la manière dont leurs mémoires familiales nourrissent notre histoire commune.
Jauge : 15 personnes
Visite en intérieur, possible uniquement les mardis, mercredis, jeudis et vendredis

Le fonds d’art en déportation : trésor du musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation
Le Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de Besançon possède l’un des plus importants fonds d’Art en déportation d’Europe, composés de 600 dessins, statuettes et peintures réalisés par les déportés dans les camps et prisons du Reich. Approchez ces œuvres qui témoignent de l’implacable machine de répression nazie, mais aussi des liens de solidarité et d’humanité qui, malgré cet enfer, se tissèrent entre les déportés.
Jauge : 18 personnes
Visite en intérieur, possible uniquement les mardis, mercredis, jeudis et vendredis

Le nouveau Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation : l’aventure d’un projet
15 ans de réflexions, 3 ans de travaux, des espaces entièrement repensés, une nouvelle muséographie, venez découvrir le nouveau projet du Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, de sa genèse à son aboutissement.
Jauge : 15 personnes
Visite en intérieur, possible uniquement les mardis, mercredis, jeudis et vendredis

Discover the Zoological Gardens
Come and discover our animals and understand the challenges of conserving endangered species. Why preserve these species and their habitats?
What threats do they face? What's being done, and what role does the Museum play?

A natural history
Biodiversity as you've never seen it before! Reserve this space for a guided tour that invites you to ask: what is biodiversity?
How does it evolve? What is an ecosystem? What impact do human activities have on nature?
September to March only.
Free, themed or even digital...
- Self-guided tour including discovery of the site, museums and animal areas.
- with the Macitadelle application
The Citadelle offers a digital application on tablet or smartphone with an interactive guide to find your way around, discover the site and its museums, and find out about the events on offer. Various tour routes and quizzes are available.
In French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian or Japanese (depending on tour)
Tablets available on loan.