The Citadelle de Besançon is a 17th-century fortress and one of the finest masterpieces of military architecture designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. It occupies 11 hectares on Mount Saint-Etienne, overlooking the old quarter of the city and offering views of the city and its surroundings. The fortification is well preserved and features several museums, including a museum of the Resistance and deportation, a museum of traditional life in Franche-Comté, and a museum of natural history with a zoo, insectarium, aquarium, and botanical gardens. The citadel is a popular tourist site, attracting over a quarter of a million visitors per year, and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Plan your family visit to the Citadelle de Besançon with these blog insights 👇

Activities: We visited the citadel multiple times. One time we went with a stroller, and another time we climbed the hill on foot. We explored the ramparts and enjoyed the views
Highlights: The views were magnificent. We enjoyed the different perspectives of the animals and the large lawns to rest. The ascent to the citadel is a sport in itself! ✨