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Comtois Museum
Nouvelle salle d'exposition permanente au Musée comtois
09/04/2026
Le Musée comtois, situé au cœur de la Citadelle de Besançon, inaugure une nouvelle salle permanente consacrée aux migrations en Franche-Comté.
Cette salle propose de découvrir une histoire souvent méconnue : celle d’une région façonnée depuis des siècles par les circulations, les départs et les arrivées de femmes et d’hommes venus d’horizons variés. À travers des objets, des archives, des photographies et des témoignages, ce nouvel espace invite à mieux comprendre ces mobilités humaines et leurs impacts sur la société régionale.
Cette salle propose de découvrir une histoire souvent méconnue : celle d’une région façonnée depuis des siècles par les circulations, les départs et les arrivées de femmes et d’hommes venus d’horizons variés. À travers des objets, des archives, des photographies et des témoignages, ce nouvel espace invite à mieux comprendre ces mobilités humaines et leurs impacts sur la société régionale.
Programming
Programmation culturelle des vacances d'avril
31/03/2026
Entre immersion historique, questionnements citoyens et découvertes naturalistes, la Citadelle propose une programmation printanière riche et variée.
Du 4 au 22 avril 2026, l'enceinte fortifiée inscrite sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO invite petits et grands à explorer le patrimoine franc-comtois sous toutes ses formes à travers des visites, des ateliers créatifs et une exposition.
Du 4 au 22 avril 2026, l'enceinte fortifiée inscrite sur la Liste du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO invite petits et grands à explorer le patrimoine franc-comtois sous toutes ses formes à travers des visites, des ateliers créatifs et une exposition.
Museum
Le printemps de la biodiversité
30/03/2026
Le Parc zoologique du Muséum de Besançon organise le « Printemps de la biodiversité », un évènement dédié à la compréhension et la sauvegarde du vivant.
Du 4 au 19 avril les visiteurs découvriront les enjeux de protection de la biodiversité et les acteurs qui agissent en sa faveur par le biais d’animations ludiques et pédagogiques. Ils pourront échanger avec les médiateurs, les soigneurs, les scientifiques pour comprendre comment les parcs zoologiques modernes, comme celui de la Citadelle, agissent pour la conservation des espèces menacées.
Du 4 au 19 avril les visiteurs découvriront les enjeux de protection de la biodiversité et les acteurs qui agissent en sa faveur par le biais d’animations ludiques et pédagogiques. Ils pourront échanger avec les médiateurs, les soigneurs, les scientifiques pour comprendre comment les parcs zoologiques modernes, comme celui de la Citadelle, agissent pour la conservation des espèces menacées.
Museum
Nouvelle naissance d'un Propithèque couronné
02/03/2026
La Citadelle de Besançon annonce la naissance, en ce début d’année 2026, d’un Propithèque couronné. Cette naissance au sein du Muséum de Besançon marque une étape supplémentaire dans son engagement pour la sauvegarde de ce lémurien malgache, classé en danger critique d’extinction.
Museum
New birth of a François' langur at the Besançon Museum
February 9, 2026
In December 2025, the Citadel of Besançon welcomed the birth of a François' langur, a critically endangered primate species. This rare event demonstrates the commitment of the Besançon Museum
to biodiversity conservation.
to biodiversity conservation.
Vauban Monument
Architecture Days
October 16, 2025
On October 18 and 19, the Citadel of Besançon will participate in the 10th edition of National Architecture Days. Under the national theme "Everyday Architecture," tours and
workshops will allow visitors to explore the citadel designed by the famous architect Vauban from every angle.
workshops will allow visitors to explore the citadel designed by the famous architect Vauban from every angle.
Event
October break
October 16, 2025
What to do during the holidays? The Citadel and its museums have put together a fun and entertaining program for the October holidays! This is your chance to discover or rediscover the Citadel
of Besançon, as well as all the tours and workshops on offer.
of Besançon, as well as all the tours and workshops on offer.
Event
European Heritage Days at the Citadel
October 2, 2025
On September 20 and 21, the Citadel of Besançon will celebrate the 42nd edition of European Heritage Days. Under the national theme of "Architectural Heritage," the Citadel of Besançon, an architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will open its doors for a weekend of discovery and wonder.
Vauban Monument
Citadel under siege!
July 2, 2025
After six seasons of "L'Affaire des Poisons" and 4,500 participants, the Citadel of Besançon will offer a completely redesigned escape game starting July 5, 2025
with new decor, a new theme, and new puzzles.
Immersed in a room with a mysterious atmosphere, only your sharp senses will enable you to prepare for the siege of Vauban's fortress in a maximum of one hour.
A game of investigation, manipulation, and logic in the heart of an exceptional heritage site.
with new decor, a new theme, and new puzzles.
Immersed in a room with a mysterious atmosphere, only your sharp senses will enable you to prepare for the siege of Vauban's fortress in a maximum of one hour.
A game of investigation, manipulation, and logic in the heart of an exceptional heritage site.
Event
Soundscape 2025
June 26, 2025
On July 10, 11, and 12, 2025, the Citadel will come alive for the fourth consecutive year to the sounds of local, national, and international artists as part of its Panorama Sonore festival. In a natural amphitheater in the heart of the Citadel's Saint-Etienne Park, spectators will discover different styles of music with a breathtaking view of the illuminated city of Besançon.
Vauban Monument
The Grand Siècle Weekend: welcome to 1683!
June 23, 2025
The highlight of the Citadel of Besançon's "royal season," the Grand Siècle Weekend will take place from June 27 to 29, offering visitors a historical reenactment of everyday life in the 17th century at the heart of Vauban's fortress.
Event
Unusual aperitifs at the Citadel
June 16, 2025
For the fifth consecutive year, the Citadel of Besançon will be open to the public after closing time to enjoy a cocktail reception and sunset from this iconic UNESCO site, every Friday from July 18 to August 29, 2025.
Event
Appointments in the gardens of the Citadel
June 4, 2025
On June 7 and 8, the Citadel of Besançon will take part in the national event Rendez-vous aux Jardins, initiated by the Ministry of Culture. Through tours, workshops, and shows, the site will showcase its gardens. The program is open to all, celebrating nature, creativity, and living heritage in an exceptional setting.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Exhibition: Suitcases! Stories of an object in war
May 27, 2025
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Museum of Resistance and Deportation at the Citadel of Besançon is unveiling its new temporary exhibition
titled Suitcases! Stories of an object in war.
Open from May 27 to December 31, 2025.
titled Suitcases! Stories of an object in war.
Open from May 27 to December 31, 2025.
Museum
Birth of a Crowned Propithecus at the Citadel of Besançon - 2025
April 28, 2025
In February, the Citadel of Besançon welcomed the birth of a lemur from a particularly endangered species: the crowned sifaka.
The Besançon Museum has been involved in biodiversity initiatives for many years, and this has never been more essential than now, at a time when the list of endangered species at the regional and global levels continues to grow.
The Besançon Museum has been involved in biodiversity initiatives for many years, and this has never been more essential than now, at a time when the list of endangered species at the regional and global levels continues to grow.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Day of Remembrance for the Heroes and Victims of Deportation
April 24, 2025
The Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon is organizing a tour and a show on Sunday, April 27, as part of the national day of remembrance for the heroes and victims of deportation during World War II.
Comtois Museum
Exhibition Sur le vif (On the Spot) - photographs by Marc Paygnard
April 22, 2025
From April 19 to November 2, 2025, the Musée comtois will exhibit around fifty black-and-white photographs by Marc Paygnard, showcasing the inhabitants of Franche-Comté.
Museum
Springtime for Biodiversity
April 17, 2025
To highlight the endangered species conservation projects supported by the Citadelle Zoological Park team, the Besançon Museum is organizing the "Spring of Biodiversity." From April 19 to May 4, a fun and educational program will invite visitors to take a fresh look at the purpose of modern zoos, thanks to direct exchanges with specialists from the Citadelle Zoo (keepers, biologists, and veterinarians) as well as nature conservation associations.
Programming
Cultural program during the April break
April 14, 2025
The April holidays from April 19 to May 4 mark the start of the royal season at the Citadel with a program celebrating the 350th anniversary of the start of construction of this heritage site.
To celebrate this anniversary in style, visitors can enjoy a selection of events and activities to (re)discover Vauban's masterpiece and the era of Louis XIV.
The Citadel's three museums are not to be outdone... Exhibitions, theater, tours, entertainment, games, and workshops for children are also offered during the spring break.
To celebrate this anniversary in style, visitors can enjoy a selection of events and activities to (re)discover Vauban's masterpiece and the era of Louis XIV.
The Citadel's three museums are not to be outdone... Exhibitions, theater, tours, entertainment, games, and workshops for children are also offered during the spring break.
Information
Qinzé - reopening in 2028
March 26, 2025
Qinzé will not reopen in 2025: explanations
In response to the numerous comments following Qinzé's announcement that it would not be reopening for a fifth season in 2025, the management
of the Citadel and the City of Besançon would like to provide further details.
In response to the numerous comments following Qinzé's announcement that it would not be reopening for a fifth season in 2025, the management
of the Citadel and the City of Besançon would like to provide further details.
Vauban Monument
History's Nighttime Events
March 12, 2025
As part of the national event "Les Nocturnes de l'Histoire" (History Nights), the Citadel of Besançon will offer a tour entitled "Portraits d'Histoire" (Portraits of History) on Wednesday, March 26, which will take place at sunset.
Vauban Monument
EXHIBITION - Citadel 3D Fortified Reality
December 3, 2024
The Citadel of Besançon, in partnership with Capture4cad and Heritage Virtuel, invites the public to discover the interactive exhibition "Citadel 3D, Fortified Reality."
Visitors will be able to enjoy a unique immersive experience made possible by the meticulous digitization and modeling work carried out over several months at the Citadel.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a unique immersive experience made possible by the meticulous digitization and modeling work carried out over several months at the Citadel.
Programming
Cultural program at the Citadel during the All Saints' Day holidays
October 3, 2024
What to do during the holidays?
The Citadel and its museums offer a fun and entertaining program during the October holidays!
This is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the exhibition "Draw me your planet" as well as all the tours and workshops on offer
for a different way to visit the site and its museums.
The Citadel and its museums offer a fun and entertaining program during the October holidays!
This is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the exhibition "Draw me your planet" as well as all the tours and workshops on offer
for a different way to visit the site and its museums.
Event
September 21 & 22: European Heritage Days at the Citadel
September 9, 2024
On September 21 and 22, the Citadel invites you to celebrate the 41st edition of European Heritage Days. The Citadel of Besançon, an architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opens its doors for a weekend of discovery and wonder. Free admission to the three museums.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Besançon celebrates 80 years of Liberation
August 27, 2024
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Besançon and the first anniversary of the reopening
of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon, we invite the public to celebrate
the event by discovering the life of ethnologist and resistance fighter Germaine Tillion.
of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon, we invite the public to celebrate
the event by discovering the life of ethnologist and resistance fighter Germaine Tillion.
Museum
Development of a new space for the Bukhara Urial
July 30, 2024
As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting endangered species and animal welfare, the Museum teams are pleased to announce the opening of a specially designed enclosure for the Bukhara urial, a mountain species threatened with extinction. The Besançon Museum Zoological Park is home to one male and two females in its enclosure.
Event
Sunset tours
July 2, 2024
The Citadel offers visitors special tours in the early evening. At sunset, participants can enjoy the exceptional setting
of the Vauban fortress, discovering or rediscovering its architecture and history, accompanied by a guide.
of the Vauban fortress, discovering or rediscovering its architecture and history, accompanied by a guide.
Event
Outdoor movie screenings
June 27, 2024
The Citadelle summer cinema is back again this year in Saint-Étienne Park!
Audiences are invited to come every Thursday evening from July 18 to August 29 to (re)discover a popular and timeless film each week, with a panoramic view of the illuminated city.
The program echoes the "Draw Me Your Planet" exhibition by focusing on the themes of science fiction and space exploration.
Audiences are invited to come every Thursday evening from July 18 to August 29 to (re)discover a popular and timeless film each week, with a panoramic view of the illuminated city.
The program echoes the "Draw Me Your Planet" exhibition by focusing on the themes of science fiction and space exploration.
Event
Photo evenings
June 21, 2024
The Citadel offers photo evenings at the top of the city. On July 21 and August 19, photography enthusiasts, whether beginners or experts,
can come and capture the Citadel from sunset to nightfall. From the terrace located at the front of the ramparts to the top of the walls, passin
by the Queen's Tower, they will enjoy the best views of the Citadel, the city, the Doubs River, and the surrounding hills, under the soft light of the full moon, to take sumptuous pictures.
can come and capture the Citadel from sunset to nightfall. From the terrace located at the front of the ramparts to the top of the walls, passin
by the Queen's Tower, they will enjoy the best views of the Citadel, the city, the Doubs River, and the surrounding hills, under the soft light of the full moon, to take sumptuous pictures.
Vauban Monument
Grand Century Weekend
June 3, 2024
Once again this year, the Grand Siècle Weekend takes you back to the 17th and 18th centuries to explore a new facet of this period. For the 2024 edition, the focus is on food. From peasant fare to the grand banquets of Louis XIV, the contents of our plates have changed considerably. Come and add your two cents in the workshops, and discover how people ate, preserved, and processed food in those days.
Event
SOUNDSCAPE: Three evenings of concerts at the Citadel
May 29, 2024
On July 11, 12, and 13, starting at 8:30 p.m., the Citadel will welcome local, national, and international artists for the third consecutive year as part of its Panorama Sonore festival. In a natural amphitheater in the heart of the Citadel's Saint-Etienne Park, spectators will discover different styles of music with a breathtaking view of the illuminated city of Besançon. So, are you ready to treat your ears and feast your eyes at this third unmissable event of Besançon's summer program?
Event
See you in the garden
May 24, 2024
For the first time, the Citadel is participating in the national event "Rendez-vous au jardin" (Garden Gathering) organized by the Ministry of Culture. On June 1 and 2, 2024, visitors are invited to discover the Citadel's two gardens and enjoy the various activities on offer, based on the theme "cultivate your garden" in connection with the exhibition "Draw me your planet."
Event
Apéros with V.U.E and Insolites
May 22, 2024
Unusual combinations for an exceptional experience, a surprise for the taste buds!
Enjoy delicious local products on a beautiful checkered tablecloth, have the Citadel all to yourself at sunset—the V.U.E.* and Insolites aperitifs invite guests to experience a moment suspended in time.
Enjoy delicious local products on a beautiful checkered tablecloth, have the Citadel all to yourself at sunset—the V.U.E.* and Insolites aperitifs invite guests to experience a moment suspended in time.
Event
Premiere of the film Citadel, shot at the Citadel
April 5, 2024
Filmed entirely at the Citadel of Besançon in the fall of 2021, the film "CITADEL" by director Bruno Mercier will be released in theaters on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The premiere is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Mégarama Beaux-Arts cinema in Besançon. This is an opportunity to discover the Citadel from a different angle and in an atmosphere that is intriguing to say the least...
Vauban Monument
Operation to clean the facade of the Citadel using a Kärcher pressure washer
March 25, 2024
In March 2024, the façade of the main entrance to the Citadel of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underwent a major cleaning operation thanks to the skills sponsorship of the Kärcher company.
A big boost for a big clean!
A big boost for a big clean!
Programming
Fall break at the Citadel
November 17, 2023
During the fall break, visitors are invited to the Citadel of Besançon to take guided tours, participate in workshops, and discover unique exhibitions. This rich and varied program is organized to guarantee a unique experience at the Citadel for young and old alike.
Vauban Monument, Programming
From reality to digital, let's discover the Citadel in a different way
October 23, 2023
As part of the "LENSE, Vesontio Revealed" project, Capture4Cad and the Citadel of Besançon invite visitors to discover the exhibition "LENSE, Vesontio Revealed (I). From reality to digital, let's discover the Citadel in a different way.
Vauban Monument
Themed gardens at the Citadel #1: the Vauban Garden
August 2, 2023
The first in a series of five gardens symbolizing the spaces of the Citadel (monument, Comtois Museum, Museum of Resistance and Deportation, Museum, and Small Farm), the Vauban Garden was inaugurated in mid-July in the presence of patrons and project participants and is now open to visitors.
Vauban Monument
Youth work camp
July 13, 2023
From July 8 to 22, 2023, at the Citadel of Besançon, a youth work camp will be held, organized by the City of Besançon (Citadel Department and Neighborhood Life Department) and by the association Le Club du Vieux Manoir, which has been coordinating work camps for over seventy years. This seventh edition will enable young volunteers to discover the riches of the Citadel, the heritage of the city and its surroundings.
Comtois Museum, Museum
Exhibition: "Rêvoelution: The Future Is in Our Hands!"
July 8, 2023
From July 8 to September 3, visitors to the Citadel of Besançon can discover the exhibition "Rêvoelution: the future is in our hands!", combining science, art, and society. The result of a unique partnership between the Natural History Museum and the Comtois Museum, this exhibition presents the creations of students from Besançon and the works of established artists from the museums' collections.
Event, Programming
Apéros with VUE and unusual
July 4, 2023
A pretty checkered tablecloth, delicious local produce, and the Citadel all to yourself for an evening—these original aperitifs invite participants to enjoy a wonderful time.
Event, Programming
Outdoor movie theater
July 4, 2023
The Citadel's summer cinema is back again this year! Audiences are invited to come along every Tuesday evening from July 11 to August 29 to Saint-Étienne Park in the Citadel to (re)discover one film per week, with a panoramic view of the illuminated city. The program will largely echo the reopening of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation with films evoking or set during World War II.
Event, Vauban Monument
Grand Siècle Weekend
June 7, 2023
The Grand Siècle weekend returns to the Citadel of Besançon on June 24 and 25 with the theme "Education and Entertainment." Once again this year, this event promises a unique experience. By offering numerous workshops and activities to its visitors, the Citadel will immerse them in the epic atmosphere of the Grand Siècle era.
Museum
Biodiversity Weekend
May 25, 2023
From May 27 to 29, the Citadel is hosting a weekend dedicated to biodiversity and wildlife conservation, confirming the City of Besançon's strong commitment to these issues. Over the course of three days, visitors will be able to talk to teams from the Besançon Museum and take part in meetings, tours, and activities.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Art in deportation, treasure of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon
May 25, 2023
As part of the museum's complete transformation, the art collection on deportation, which is unique in France and one of the largest in Europe, will be unveiled in a dedicated 70m² space. This space, along with the 330m² permanent exhibition and the 200m² temporary exhibition, will be open to the public from September 8, 2023.
Event
SOUNDSCAPE: Three evenings of concerts at the Citadel
May 10, 2023
As part of its summer program, the Citadelle de Besançon is hosting three evenings of concerts. On July 6, 7, and 8, in Saint-Étienne Park, with the city lights as a backdrop, local, national, and international artists representing a variety of genres (dub, reggae, jazz, pop, chanson, etc.) will create an exceptional musical panorama for you.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
The triangle, symbol of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation
May 5, 2023
As the time remaining until the reopening of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation on September 8 continues to shrink, communication with the public will continue to increase.
Event
"Ghost Suns" Exhibition
May 2, 2023
From April 29 to May 24, the Citadel of Besançon is hosting "Soleils Fantômes" (Ghost Suns), an exhibition of photographs by artist Sarah Ritter. With her black-and-white images, this contemporary artist, renowned for her poetic and evocative works, invites viewers to take a fresh look at the natural world around them.
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
The Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon, a civic resource
April 15, 2023
On the occasion of National Day for Victims and Heroes of Deportation on April 30, the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon reaffirms its role as a tool for transmitting history and educating citizens.
Vauban Monument
15 years UNESCO
April 13, 2023
2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the Vauban network of the Citadel and the city walls of Besançon being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside 11 other sites.
Programming
Spring break
April 8, 2023
To mark the 15th anniversary of the inclusion of Vauban's fortifications on UNESCO's World Heritage List, visitors are invited to the Citadel of Besançon to enjoy a rich and varied program that will delight young and old alike. Fascinating guided tours, fun workshops for children, an exciting temporary exhibition, and unique events are planned to offer each visitor a unique experience at the Citadel of Besançon.
Vauban Monument
Reopening of the Escape Game
April 7, 2023
The Citadel of Besançon offers an entertaining way to discover a little-known part of the site's history with an Escape Game set in the time of Louis XIV. Players will have a maximum of one hour to solve complex puzzles, search for hidden clues, and decipher coded messages in order to unravel the scandalous "Affair of the Poisons."
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Reopening of the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon
March 31, 2023
After several years of renovation work, the Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon will reopen its doors on September 8, 2023. Visitors will be able to discover the museum's transformation, with completely redesigned spaces, a new visitor route, two rooms displaying the exceptional collection of art from the deportation period, and spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Event
Ataraxia - Festival of Other Forms
March 30, 2023
The Citadel of Besançon is hosting the Festival D’autres Formes, a new immersive festival that combines technology with different arts to offer and imagine innovative artistic forms that are accessible to everyone. This year, the festival is presenting Ataraxie, a work by artist Maxime Houot, at the Citadel from April 8 to 9.
Event
Dave Burrell jazz concert
March 14, 2023
American artist Dave Burrell will perform at the Chapelle de la Citadelle on Saturday, April 15, at 8:30 p.m. for a jazz concert. With his breathtaking technique, Dave Burrell is an internationally renowned musician known for his precision and rhythmic inventiveness.
Museum
Birth of a crowned propithecus and a François' langur
March 14, 2023
In January, the Citadel of Besançon welcomed the birth of two primates belonging to particularly endangered species: a crowned lemur and a François' langur. The Besançon Museum has been involved in biodiversity initiatives for many years, and this has never been more essential than now, at a time when the list of endangered species at the regional and global levels continues to grow.
Vauban Monument
Youth work camp
March 9, 2023
Registration is now open for the youth work camp to be held from July 8 to 22, 2023, at the Citadel. This two-week work camp is organized by the City of Besançon (Citadel Department and Neighborhood Life Department) and the Club du Vieux Manoir association, which has been coordinating work camps for over seventy years. This seventh edition will allow young volunteers to discover the riches of the Citadel, the heritage of the city and its surroundings.
Vauban Monument
Digitization of the Citadel
March 7, 2023
Capture 4D, a company based in Saône, will be carrying out a complete digitization of the Citadel of Besançon until mid-April as part of an innovative project funded by the Ministry of Culture. The aim of this digitization is to give the Citadel the means to develop new augmented reality tools to promote its Vauban heritage.
Event
"RENFORTS" Exhibition
February 3, 2023
To mark the 15th anniversary of Vauban's work being added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, the Historical Heritage Department and the Citadel invite visitors to take a fresh look at Vauban's fortifications through a photographic exhibition by artist Nicolas Waltefaugle. This exhibition offers a unique perspective on the restoration work carried out in Besançon in 2022 and on those who work to maintain and preserve this heritage of outstanding universal value.
Programming
Winter break
February 3, 2023
On February 4, the Citadel reopens its doors after its annual month-long closure. Visitors are invited to discover the new black-and-white photography exhibition "RENFORTS" and to attend workshops, tours, and activities organized for the winter holidays.