Citadel of Besançon - World Heritage Site

As one of Vauban’s true masterpieces, now wonderfully restored, the Citadel of Besançon, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered as one of the most beautiful citadels in France. Rising over one hundred metres above the old town of the capital of Franche Comté, it offers amazing panoramas.

As a mecca of culture and tourism, unique in its kind, the citadel today houses behind its ramparts three museums (classified as “Musées de France”): the Natural History Museum including a zoological garden, its aquarium, insectarium and nocturnal house; the Museum of Resistance* and Deportation; and the Comtois Museum.

Tour options: self-guided tours, with a free app, guided tours, brought to life and narrated by an actor, adventure tours for children.

Visiter le site Internet

Address

Citadelle de Besançon - Patrimoine mondial

99, rue des Fusillés
25042 Besançon
Phone: 03 81 87 83 33
Fax: 03 81 87 83 34

Highlights

... Special tours, activities, accomodations

Special tours: self-guided tours, with a free app, guided*, audioguided, brought to life and narrated by an actor*, adventure tour for children.

* Depending on the program: contact office for details.

Activities throughout the year: contact office for details.

Plan at least half a day for the tour.
Restaurants, shop and book shop.

... Access & parking
From the centre of Besançon, there are several ways you can access the Citadel:

>> By bus, standard route Chamars car park <> Citadelle.
Going towards the Citadel, this route serves several stops in Besançon town centre.
Customer information and detailed timetable: ginko.voyage.
You can take the bus if you have a ticket (single ticket, day ticket or season-ticket).

>> By car, follow the signposting Citadelle from the town centre.
Parking possible alongside the site according to the number of available parking places.
Number of spaces very limited and parking fee (€1,40/hour, maximum €7/day).

>> On foot, follow pedestrian signposting from Rivotte or Tarragnoz.
Plan at least 30 minutes. It is a pleasant walk to get to the site and great opportunity to enjoy spectacular views over the old city and the meander of the Doubs river that surrounds Besançon.

Some parts of the route include steps. Wear comfortable shoes.

Schedule

Open every day except 25 December, 1st January, annual closure (1st January to 3rd February) and monday in low season.

High season:
1 July to 31 August inclusive: 9am to 7pm.

Mid season:
1 April to 30 June inclusive and 1 September to 31 October inclusive: 9am to 6pm.

Low season:
10 February to 31 March inclusive and 1 November to 31 December inclusive: 10am to 5pm.

Prices

2024 Prices

... Adults
High season price : €12,50 (1 April to 30 June inclusive and 1 September to 31 October inclusive)
Low season price (10 February to 31 March inclusive and 1 November to 31 December inclusive): €9,50
Reduced price: students, apprentices, job seekers: €9,50
Disabled adult and carer: Free

... Children
Under 4: Free (entrance ticket and tours)
From 4 to 7: €5,80
From 8 to 17: €9,50
Disabled child and carer under 18 : Free

... Family day pass
2 adults + any number of children: €38

... Groups
Please contact us by email to reservation.citadelle@citadelle.besancon.fr