Besançon

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Besancon is located in a particularly exceptional position: a loop formed by a meander of the Doubs, closed by a hill.

This natural stronghold is an exceptional strategic position whose importance is noticed by Julius Caesar, when he conquers the city in 58 BC. The Romans built a temple on the hill but today nothing is left. The remains of columns of the temple survived until the seventeenth century and found in the arms of the City.

Fortress, barracks, prison ... the citadel filled these roles over several centuries.

In 1668, Vauban, military engineer of the King Louis 14th, visited the city, and saw all the strengths of this particular position. The engineer chooses to build a fortress, so he draws the plans, the works began in 1680. The whole city, including the clergy, must share the expenses, but the tax suffered is so important that Louis 14th came to ask Vauban if he was building walls out of stone,... or with gold !

Vauban was constantly inspecting the works of the citadel, which required considerable materials, long lead times and the requisitioning of workers available in the city. Thirty years after, in 1711, one of the most powerful fortresses of the time was achieved.

Built to protect the city against enemy attacks, it was besieged several times: by the Austrians in 1814, the Prussians in 1871, and always suffered only minor damage. Since its construction and until 1940, it serves to house french troops (more over the Cadets, elite of the French troops which received instruction in both military and scientific subjects).

During the Revolution, the Empire and the Restoration, numerous opponents are put to jail in the Citadel : Chouan leaders, royal generals, Bonapartist conspirators of all kinds.

From 1941 to 1944, hundreds of resistance fighters are arrested in the region of Besancon and put to jail in the Citadel. On September 7, 1944, fierce fighting during several hours oppose the Americans to the Germans who were entrenched in the front Rescue.


Opening times and additional information :

• Low season:
Until March 27, 2010, from 10h to 17h
• High season:
March 28 to July 3, 2010 inclusive, from 9 am to 18 pm
• Very high season:
4 July to 29 August 2010 inclusive, from 9 am to 19 pm
• High season:
August 30 to October 30, 2010 inclusive, from 9 am to 18 pm
• Low season:
October 31, 2010 included in January 31, 2011, 10 am to 17 pm

ADULT
Full price: 8,20 €
Reduced (student -28 years, the jobseeker, large family accompanying disabled): 6,80 €
Disabled Adults: 6,50 €

CHILD
- 4 years: free
April-May year: 4.60 €
of 6-13 years (adventure Cadet): 6,50 €
of 14-18 years: 6.80 €
Disabled child: Free