Vauban's masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Besançon Citadel is considered to be one of the most beautiful in France. It towers more than 100 metres above the old town of the Comtois capital, set in a meander of the river, and offers spectacular panoramic views from its ramparts. A major cultural and tourist attraction, the Citadelle delivers on its promise of a living heritage that is full of emotion.
In addition to the admirably restored 12-hectare architectural complex, the Citadelle is home to three Museums of France behind its ramparts, offering a fascinating range of attractions:
- the Musée Comtois, an exhibition of the traditions of Franche-Comté and a place to reflect on our times
- the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation (Museum of the Resistance and Deportation), which reopened on 8 September 2023 after being closed for more than three years, including 16 months of renovation work.
- the Museum, which illustrates biodiversity and helps to preserve endangered species in its various areas (Zoological Garden, Aquarium, Insectarium, Noctarium and small farm). Nowhere else in France is it possible to see such a diversity of animals in one place.
In addition to the admirably restored 12-hectare architectural complex, the Citadelle is home to three Museums of France behind its ramparts, offering a fascinating range of attractions:
- the Musée Comtois, an exhibition of the traditions of Franche-Comté and a place to reflect on our times
- the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation (Museum of the Resistance and Deportation), which reopened on 8 September 2023 after being closed for more than three years, including 16 months of renovation work.
- the Museum, which illustrates biodiversity and helps to preserve endangered species in its various areas (Zoological Garden, Aquarium, Insectarium, Noctarium and small farm). Nowhere else in France is it possible to see such a diversity of animals in one place.
Dates
Opening periods
Annual closure: 25 December, 1 January and from 6 January 2025 to 7 February 2025 inclusive.
Exceptional closure on 15 June 2025.
Low season: 10am-5pm
From 1st November to 4th January inclusive
From 7 February to 31 March inclusive
Closed on Mondays in low season
Mid season: 9am - 6pm
From 1st April to 30th June inclusive
From 1 September 2025 to 31 October inclusive
High season: 9h-19h
From 1st July to 31st August inclusive
from Sat 02/07 to Tue 03/31/2026 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
from Wed 04/01 to Tue 06/30/2026 : from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Wed 07/01 to Mon 08/31/2026 : from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
from Tue 09/01 to Sat 10/31/2026 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Sun 11/01 to Thu 12/31/2026 : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
from Wed 04/01 to Tue 06/30/2026 : from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Wed 07/01 to Mon 08/31/2026 : from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
from Tue 09/01 to Sat 10/31/2026 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Sun 11/01 to Thu 12/31/2026 : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Practical information
Group service
Thematic
UNESCO World Heritage
Activities
Specific theme activities
Junior workshop
Specialist conferences
Temporary exhibitions
Rates
| MINI | Max | Additional information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gratuities | children under 4, disabled adults/children + 1 accompanying adult, veterans (on presentation of card), tourism business cards (please enquire before your visit) | ||
| Subscriber's rate | 22 € | 54 € | unlimited free admission for 12 consecutive months: €22 Solo (1 adult), €54 Family (2 adults + up to 6 under-age children), €43 Family solo (1 adult + up to 6 under-age children) |
| Base rate - full rate adult | 9.5 € | 13 € | 13 in high season from 01/04/2025 to 31/10/2025 13 in mid season 9, 50€ in low season from 08/02/2025 to 31/03/2025 and from 01/11/2025 to 31/12/2025 |
| room rental | 360 € | 2150 € | 5.80 € 4-7 years, € 9.50 8-17 years |
| Other rate | 9.5 | student/apprentice, accompanying a Citadelle season ticket holder, RSA holder, jobseeker | |
| Child rate | 5.8 € | 9.5 € | 5.80 € 4-7 years, € 9.50 8-17 years |
| Special rate | 38 | Family day pass (2 adults + unlimited children) | |
Means of payment
Credit card
Cheques and postal orders
Holiday vouchers
Cash