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.
Citadelle de Besançon 99 Rue des Fusillés de la Résistance25000 BESANCON
Credit card, Cheques and postal orders, Holiday vouchers, Cash
Pets not allowed
Amenities
Picnic area
Parking
Petite restauration
Restaurant
Fully equipped meeting room
Toilettes
Services
Shop
Room rental
Activity
Specific theme activities
Junior workshop
Specialist conferences
Temporary exhibitions
Chains and Labels
Prices & SchedulesOpening :
From 01/01/2026 to 04/01/2026 of 10:00 to 17:00
From 07/02/2026 to 31/03/2026 of 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on : Monday
From 01/04/2026 to 30/06/2026 of 10:00 to 18:00
From 01/07/2026 to 31/08/2026 of 09:00 to 19:00
From 01/09/2026 to 31/10/2026 of 09:00 to 18:00
From 01/11/2026 to 31/12/2026 of 10:00 to 17:00
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 1 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 inclusive From 7 February 2025 to 31 March 2025 inclusive Closed on Mondays in low season
Mid season: 9am-6pm From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2025 inclusive From 1 September 2025 to 31 October 2025 inclusive
High season: 9h-19h From 1 July 2025 to 31 August 2025 inclusive
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
Prices :
Base rate - full rate adult : Compris entre 9.5€ et 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)
Other rate : Tarif unique de 9.5€ (student/apprentice, accompanying a Citadelle season ticket holder, RSA holder, jobseeker)
Special rate : Tarif unique de 38€ (Family day pass (2 adults + unlimited children))
Child rate : Compris entre 5.8€ et 9.5€ (5.80 € 4-7 years, € 9.50 8-17 years)
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 : Compris entre 22€ et 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))
