This medieval fortress city sits on a rocky outcrop between the Vosges and Jura mountains. A 22-meter stone lion statue guards its 17th-century citadel and ramparts.
Located between the Vosges and Jura mountain ranges in northeastern France, Belfort has a 22-meter-long Lion statue created by Auguste Bartholdi, a 17th-century citadel, and squares lined with ochre-colored buildings. You can explore underground military tunnels, visit the Museum of Fine Arts with its Picasso collection, or time your visit for the Eurockéennes music festival, one of France's largest outdoor music events.
Exploring the Citadel Complex
The Citadel of Belfort overlooks the city from its hilltop position. Built in the 17th century under Vauban's direction, this pentagon-shaped fortress has multiple defensive walls, a network of underground passages, and watchtowers. You can explore the fortress's chambers and climb to observation points to see the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Lion of Belfort, carved into the rock face below the citadel, marks the city's successful resistance during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Walking Through the Old Town
The historic center stretches from the Citadel to the Savoureuse River. Place d'Armes forms the central square, surrounded by buildings with orange and yellow facades typical of the region. The red sandstone Saint-Christophe Cathedral, built in the 18th century, has a classical design and houses a large pipe organ. You can walk through the Porte de Brisach, a stone gate from 1687 and the last remaining entrance of the original city walls.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Tower 41's Museum of Fine Arts displays works by Picasso, Braque, and Leger. The History Museum, located inside the fortress, contains military artifacts and interactive displays about the city's past. The neo-gothic Church of Saint Joseph, constructed in the early 1900s, commemorates Alsatian refugees from World War I.
Transportation Hub and Industry
You can reach Paris by TGV high-speed train in just over two hours from Belfort. The city's Alstom factory continues to manufacture railway equipment, including the original TGV trains. For air travel, the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is an hour away by car.
Markets and Local Life
Markets run five mornings each week in the city center. From March to November, a flea market takes over the streets on the first Sunday of each month. In summer, Place d'Armes has many open-air cafes and wine bars, while local musicians perform regularly at the music pavilion.
