La Citadelle de Belfort

La Citadelle de Belfort is a historic fortress located in Belfort, France, renowned for its strategic importance and the iconic Lion of Belfort statue. The site houses the Citadel History Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the region's past through three distinct exhibition spaces. The basement features archaeological exhibits covering prehistory through the Middle Ages and Gallo-Roman periods, highlighting the Territory of Belfort’s history as a zone of exchange and conflict. The ground floor is dedicated to sculptors Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Lion, and Camille Lefèvre, displaying their sculptures, paintings, and engravings. The first floor focuses on the civil and military history of Belfort, including Vauban’s interventions and the 1870 siege, with artifacts related to Colonel Aristide Denfert-Rochereau.

The museum is open year-round, except on Tuesdays. From April 1 to June 30 and July 1 to August 31, it operates daily from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, hours are 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The site is closed on January 1, July 13, November 1, and December 25. Admission for visitors aged 18 and under is €5; specific adult pricing is not detailed in the current sources.

Located at Xavier Bauer Street, the citadel offers services including parking, toilets, and a shop. The citadel walls are also open to the public year-round. This site serves as a key cultural destination in Belfort, combining military history with artistic heritage. Visitors can explore the extensive collections and enjoy the panoramic views from the fortress.