Château, actuellement musée d'Art et d'Histoire, et enceinte urbaine

To make a day of it

Château, actuellement musée d'Art et d'Histoire, et enceinte urbaine stands in Belfort (Territoire de Belfort), in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 17th century, first quarter of the 18th century, first half of the 19th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Overlooking Belfort from its rocky spur, the citadel brings together seven centuries of fortification work, from the medieval count's castle to the bastioned structures built by Vauban and later extended in the 19th century. The site now houses the town's Museum of Art and History, set within the castle buildings. Visitors can walk along ramparts, moats and bastions that gave Belfort its reputation as an impregnable stronghold guarding the gap between the Vosges and Jura mountains.

Written from Citadelle de Belfort

What to know

• The castle houses Belfort's Museum of Art and History, the only part with an organised indoor visit.
• The fortifications, ramparts and moats are explored on foot, with a noticeable change in elevation from the lower town.
• The site has been listed as a historic monument through several decrees between 1907 and 1997, protecting the Brisach gate, the bastions, the moats and the castle as a whole.
• Walking the outer ramparts and bastions complements the museum visit for understanding the whole defensive system.
• Sturdy footwear is advisable given the cobbled surfaces and slopes across the different levels of the citadel.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Not verified

Where this château is

Belfort · Territoire de Belfort · Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

La Citadelle En cour d'Honneur, 90000 Belfort

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Château phone number

+33 3 84 54 24 69

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.3 / 5from 86 Google reviews

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00101142

Period of construction

17th century, first quarter of the 18th century, first half of the 19th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the Belfort citadel?

The site originated as a 13th century medieval castle, was fortified by the comte de la Suze in the 17th century, then transformed by Vauban from 1687 and completed by engineers Haxo and Séré de Rivières in the 19th century.

Can you visit the inside of Belfort castle?

Yes, the castle houses the town's Museum of Art and History, which can be visited inside the buildings.

Is the Belfort citadel accessible on foot from town?

Yes, but reaching it involves climbing the rocky promontory above the town, which includes a notable elevation gain.

Is Belfort castle a listed historic monument?

Yes, the castle and its fortifications are listed as historic monuments, through several decrees issued between 1907 and 1997.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q2974379
• Mérimée PA00101142
• Official website

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