Museum of Resistance and Deportation Citadel
A monumental fortress offering breathtaking views and a profound Museum of Resistance and Deportation, telling stories of courage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Museum of Resistance and Deportation Citadel
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental fortress offering breathtaking views and a profound Museum of Resistance and Deportation, telling stories of courage.
"The Citadel is impressive, and the Museum of Resistance is compelling, but grab an audio guide if you don't speak French!"
⏳ Allow a Full Day
Don't rush! The citadel and its museums are extensive. You'll need hours to explore properly. :clock1:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the Museum of Resistance if you don't speak French. Highly recommended! :microphone_tone2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Museum of Resistance and Deportation
Inside the Citadel
Discover compelling stories of occupation, resistance, and personal artifacts. A deeply moving experience.
Citadel Overlook
Ramparts
Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape.
Temporary Exhibitions
Various locations within the Citadel
Engaging exhibits like 'Valise' explore everyday objects' roles in survival and resistance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Language & Audio Guides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow a Full Day
Don't rush! The citadel and its museums are extensive. You'll need hours to explore properly. :clock1:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the Museum of Resistance if you don't speak French. Highly recommended! :microphone_tone2:
Citadelle de Besançon, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for exploring the ramparts and exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook offers stunning vistas. Don't forget your camera for memorable shots of the landscape. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow a Full Day
Don't rush! The citadel and its museums are extensive. You'll need hours to explore properly. :clock1:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Essential for understanding the Museum of Resistance if you don't speak French. Highly recommended! :microphone_tone2:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Prioritize comfort for exploring the ramparts and exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook offers stunning vistas. Don't forget your camera for memorable shots of the landscape. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Citadel for its impressive scale, stunning views, and the deeply moving Museum of Resistance and Deportation. The historical narratives and personal artifacts are particularly impactful. However, some note that much of the museum's content is in French, making audio guides essential for non-French speakers, and that the site is so extensive it's easy to miss parts if time is limited.
"Our visit to the citadel lasted virtually all of the day's opening hours, but there was a significant part we didn't get to.
We followed the audio tour of the citadel, had lunch then visited the Museum of Resistance and Deportation, which didn't leave us with enough time to visit the other on site museums.
The effect of occupation on the lives of citizens and their responses is well presented with many personal artifacts adding to the effect of drawing the visitor in, to give a sense of the people who's stories are told.
The current temporary exhibition is entitled "Valise" and looks at how an everyday object can, on the one hand, contain a person's entire worldly goods with everything else lost, be used as a means of survival carrying black market goods, or as a means of fighting back against the oppressor by carrying printing equipment to forge passes or produce propaganda, or concealing radio equipment that can be used to send and receive information that can help to turn the tables.
This exhibition also brought to mind an area of history that particularly interests me, that of escape and evasion. Probably the most valuable piece of equipment that an escaping PoW could possess was a suitcase for, no matter how good forged paperwork might be, travelling a long distance empty handed was bound to arouse suspicion. A second thing was an escapee (I think from Colditz) who realised that the Gestapo were with the regular guards at a railway station thoroughly checking everyone; in a stroke of genius he stole someone's suitcase and ran off with it without chase, for a far more important task was at hand searching for an escaping PoW than to waste time on a petty thief."
Andrew Walker
"English, French and German languages. Compelling historical narrative alongside interesting artefacts. A pity so few people were visiting it."
Robert Wainwright
"Almost everything is in French, so worth grabbing an audio guide if you're English. A lot of information and historical photos and artifacts. The Citadel housing this museum was used to hold and execute POWs during WWII, adding extra weight to the location. Worth going out of your way to visit if you're in the area at all."
Shayne Fisk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Citadel is located in Besançon, France. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include local buses that stop close to the citadel. If arriving by train, you can take a taxi or bus from the station.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Citadel. It's advisable to check for any associated fees or restrictions beforehand, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! The Citadel is a popular day trip destination. Many visitors combine it with exploring the charming city of Besançon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times.
Ticket prices typically cover access to the Citadel grounds and its various museums, including the Museum of Resistance and Deportation. Look for combined tickets or specific museum entry options on their website.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid queues and ensure entry.
Check for potential discounts for students, seniors, or families on the official Citadel website. Group rates may also be available.
A standard ticket usually grants access to the Citadel's ramparts, courtyards, and several on-site museums, including the Museum of Resistance and Deportation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that a full day is needed to explore the Citadel and its museums thoroughly. The Museum of Resistance alone can take several hours.
Accessibility can vary within historical sites. It's advisable to contact the Citadel directly or check their website for specific information regarding accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Yes, guided tours are often available, providing deeper insights into the history and significance of the Citadel and its exhibits. Audio guides are also a great option.
Besides the Museum of Resistance and Deportation, the Citadel often houses other museums such as a zoological park, an insectarium, and historical collections.
Photography policies can differ. Generally, photos for personal use are allowed, but flash photography or professional filming might be restricted. Check for signage within the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically dining options within the Citadel, ranging from cafes to restaurants, offering a convenient place to refuel during your visit.
Picnics are often permitted in designated areas within the Citadel grounds. However, it's wise to confirm this policy on their official website.
The dining options usually offer a mix of local French cuisine and more casual fare. You can expect sandwiches, salads, and regional specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer stunning panoramic views of Besançon, making them prime photography locations. The architecture of the Citadel itself is also very photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and military fortifications due to privacy and security concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the Citadel's architecture and the expansive views for younger children. The audio guides can help make the historical narratives more accessible, but it's wise to gauge your children's interest levels for the more text-heavy exhibits. Pack snacks and water, as exploring the vast grounds can be tiring.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the temporary exhibitions, which often delve into specific aspects of history, like the 'Valise' exhibit, offering unique perspectives on survival and resistance. Taking advantage of the audio guides or guided tours will significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the historical context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Museum of Resistance and Deportation: A Deep Dive
One particularly impactful temporary exhibition, 'Valise,' explores the multifaceted role of an everyday suitcase. It served as a container for a person's entire worldly possessions when everything else was lost, a tool for survival through black market trade, and even a means of resistance by concealing printing equipment for propaganda or radio gear for communication. This exhibition also touches upon the critical history of escape and evasion, highlighting how essential items like suitcases were for POWs attempting long-distance travel without arousing suspicion.
The museum is presented in English, French, and German, ensuring a broader audience can engage with its compelling historical narrative. The Citadel itself, having been used to hold and execute POWs during WWII, adds an extra layer of historical weight to the museum's location.
Exploring the Citadel's Architecture and Views
Visitors often spend hours simply exploring the different levels and sections of the citadel. The sheer scale of the structure is impressive, and the strategic placement of its defenses is evident. The overlook points are particularly popular for photography and for taking a moment to appreciate the strategic importance of this location throughout history.
Beyond the military aspects, the Citadel also houses other attractions, including a small zoo and an insectarium, making it a diverse destination for all types of visitors. The combination of historical architecture, expansive grounds, and stunning vistas makes the Citadel a must-see.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit