Citadelle de Besançon

The Citadelle de Besançon hosts seminars, study days, management committees, gala evenings and private parties for up to 250 guests, across six rooms that range from a 41 square metre meeting room to a 550 square metre hall. The fortress, built by Vauban, stands on a rock above the centre of Besançon, in the Doubs, and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Seminars and company events

The citadel sells its rooms to companies for workshops, committees and plenary sessions. Every room has Wi-Fi, a video projector, a microphone and a paperboard, and all are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Four layouts are offered: U-shape for meetings, conference or plenary, cocktail and dinner. Programmes can add a guided tour of the Vauban site, a tour led by an actor, or visits to the Muséum, the Musée comtois and the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation. Team-building formats are also offered, and from July to September an escape game takes teams of up to six.

Weddings and receptions

The citadel receives private events throughout the year, birthdays among them, as well as cocktails and gala dinners. It does not present wedding packages on its site.

Rooms and capacities

The Chapelle, 181 square metres, is open all year and takes up to 195 guests depending on layout. The Salle Jean Ledoux, 55 square metres, takes up to 32, and the Salle Jean Garneret, 41 square metres, up to 23. The three Salles Vauban, 40 square metres each, are used from October to April and take up to 90 together. From May to September, the Hangar aux manœuvres, 550 square metres, takes up to 250, and the Terrasses estivales de Vauban, 110 square metres, offer an open-air setting, with a fallback to the Salles Vauban in bad weather. Further outdoor areas can be arranged in summer on request.

Catering

The citadel works with outside caterers. The booking form asks whether a caterer has already been chosen, and the team suggests names if not.

History and setting

Vauban designed the citadel in the late 17th century to hold the loop of the Doubs that surrounds the old town, and its ramparts and walkways look over the river and the city. It is listed by UNESCO with other sites as the Fortifications of Vauban. Three museums, all labelled Musées de France, occupy its buildings: the Musée comtois, the Muséum, with its animal spaces, and the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation.

Getting there

The visitors' entrance is at 99 rue des Fusillés de la Résistance, 25000 Besançon. The citadel is reached easily from Besançon Viotte station. Parking on site is very limited, so walking, cycling or car sharing is advised. From April to October the Chamars car park in the centre is recommended, with the Ginko Citadelle bus line up to the gate. The walk up takes about 30 minutes and includes stairs. A tourist train also runs in season and can be booked by groups.