Citadel of Besancon

Vauban'S Seventeenth Century Citadel On A Rock Above The Doubs Loop At BesançOn, Part Of The Fortifications Of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscribed 2008 · Besancon, Burgundy-Franche-Comte

The Citadel of Besançon is a large fortress built on a rocky hill that closes the loop of the river Doubs around the old town, designed by Vauban after Franche-Comté became French in the late seventeenth century. Its massive walls, bastions and fronts climb along the ridge more than 100 metres above the river, confirm, and the ramparts walk gives wide views over the rooftops, the river and the green hills of the Jura foothills. In 2008 it became part of the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the walls are several museums: a moving Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, a regional folk museum, and a natural history section with a small zoo, an aquarium and an insectarium, which make the visit a full family day. During the Second World War resistance fighters were shot here, and a memorial marks the place. The walk up is steep, and a seasonal bus runs to the gates, confirm. Down in town are the cathedral's astronomical clock, the clockmaking heritage and Comté cheese, with the Jura close by.

99 Rue des Fusillés de la Résistance, 25000 Besançon, Doubs, Besancon, Burgundy-Franche-Comte, France

The citadel is open almost every day of the year, with longer opening in spring and summer and shorter days from autumn to early spring; it usually closes on a few public holidays around Christmas and New Year and sometimes for a short annual closure in winter, confirm. The last entry is well before closing time, and the museums inside close before the grounds, so arrive early enough to see them properly. One ticket normally covers the walls, the museums and the zoo areas; confirm what is included. Some exhibits, especially the Resistance museum, may have separate rules or closures for renovation, and the zoo's indoor sections can close in bad weather. In summer and at weekends there are queues at the ticket desk, so buying online is sensible. A seasonal shuttle bus climbs to the citadel from the town centre, mainly in the warmer months; out of season you walk or drive, and the car park at the top is small and can fill. Guided visits of the cathedral's astronomical clock run at set times and are fewer in winter; check before walking up.

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