Besançon Citadel — Attraction in Besançon

Besançon Citadel, nestled in the charming city of Besançon, France, is an architectural masterpiece that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. As an avid traveler, I had the pleasure of visiting this incredible fortress recently, and I am still in awe of its grandeur and historical significance. One cannot help but be captivated by the sheer magnificence of Besançon Citadel as they approach it.

Situated atop a hill overlooking the Doubs River, the panoramic views alone are worth the visit. The fortress stands proudly as a testament to the city's rich heritage, dating back to its origins in the 17th century. The imposing walls, bastions, and towers create an awe-inspiring silhouette against the sky, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder...

Impressive citadel with a great view of the city. Would be a lovely cultural site. What I did not expect (yes, having not done even cursory research) was an extremely sad zoo being the main attraction. Animals were in very small cages. Poorly behaved children and poorly behaved adults were knocking on the cages and yelling at the animals, visibly upsetting them. No staff in sight. A depressing experience. Feel bad I paid money to support this. View from the free section is just as good. The historical museums weren't great. Unfortunately the resistance museum, which seems to be considered a highlight, was closed...

Built, as it should be, on the top of a mountain, this citadel is an excellent example of military construction. Parking and bus stop is nearby. There are a couple of museums in the fortress, which, of course, I recommend visiting. There are also a couple of cafes to relax. Well, what especially surprised us and turned out to be very pleasant was the presence of a small zoo on the territory of the fortress. Here you can see tigers and lions and some other animals. And here there is a great opportunity to look from the fortress wall at the nearby surroundings. If you are in the city, be sure to visit...