Citadelle de Besançon

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.

Dates

Opening periods

Low season From 10 February 2024 to 31 March 2024 inclusive and from 1 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 inclusive: 10am - 5pm Mondays in low season: Citadelle closed Intermediate season From 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024 inclusive and from 1 September 2024 to 31 October 2024 inclusive: 9am-6pm High season From 1 July 2024 to 31 August 2024 inclusive: 9am - 7pm

from Sat 02/08 to Sun 03/30/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
from Tue 04/01 to Mon 06/30/2025 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Tue 07/01 to Sun 08/31/2025 : from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
from Mon 09/01 to Fri 10/31/2025 : from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
from Sat 11/01 to Wed 12/24/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
from Fri 12/26 to Wed 12/31/2025 : Tue-Sun : from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Practical information

Group service

Thematic

Castles and Defense Sites

UNESCO World Heritage

Activities

Specific theme activities

Junior workshop

Specialist conferences

Temporary exhibitions

Equipment

Note pads

Portable screen

Wall-mounted screen

Broadband Internet

DVD player

Fixed microphone

Paperboard

Lectern

Sound system

Television

Videoprojector

Videoconferencing

WI-Fi

Services

Shop

Room rental

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	21 €	54 €	unlimited free admission for 12 consecutive months: €21 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 €	12.5 €	12.50 € in high season from 01/07 to 31/08 ; 12.50 € in mid-season from 01/04 to 30/06 and from 01/09 to 31/10 ; 9.50 in low season from 10/02 to 31/03 and from 01/11 to 31/12.
room rental	360 €	2150 €
Other rate	9.5 €	-	student/apprentice, accompanying a Citadelle season ticket holder, RSA holder, jobseeker
child's price	5.8 €	9.5 €	5.80 € 4-7 years, € 9.50 8-17 years
Special rate	38 €	-

Means of payment

Credit card

Cheques and postal orders

Holiday vouchers

Cash

Documentation

Document 1

Amis des Musées et de la Bibliothèque de Besançon

BESANCON - from 02/22/2025 to 12/31/2025

Horloge Astronomique

BESANCON -

Journée sportive à pied et à vélo dans le Grand Besançon