Citadelle de Besançon
Citadelle de Besançon
Vauban's masterpiece, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Besançon Citadel is considered one of the most beautiful in France. It overlooks the old town of the Comtois capital by more than 100 metres, set in a meander of the river, and offers spectacular panoramic views from its walkways. As a cultural and tourist attraction, the Citadelle keeps its promise: a living heritage full of emotion.
In addition to the admirably restored architectural complex, which covers 12 hectares, the Citadel houses three Museums of France behind its ramparts, which are ideal for fascinating visits:
- the Musée Comtois, an exhibition space for the traditions of Franche-Comté and for reflection on our times
- the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, after more than three years of closure including 16 months of work, it will reopen its doors on 8 September 2023.
- the Museum, which illustrates biodiversity and participates in the preservation of 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.
THE CURSE OF THE CENTURIES
Thanks to this treasure hunt, travel through the ages and explore the different spaces and museums of the Citadel in order to save the Marcellin family from an ancestral curse.
In addition to the admirably restored architectural complex, which covers 12 hectares, the Citadel houses three Museums of France behind its ramparts, which are ideal for fascinating visits:
- the Musée Comtois, an exhibition space for the traditions of Franche-Comté and for reflection on our times
- the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, after more than three years of closure including 16 months of work, it will reopen its doors on 8 September 2023.
- the Museum, which illustrates biodiversity and participates in the preservation of 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.
THE CURSE OF THE CENTURIES
Thanks to this treasure hunt, travel through the ages and explore the different spaces and museums of the Citadel in order to save the Marcellin family from an ancestral curse.
Dates
Closing days
Monday
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
Réservation
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 | 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 prices | 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 | Family day pass (2 adults + unlimited children) | |
Means of payment
Credit card
Cheques and postal orders
Holiday vouchers
Cash