Belfort: Lion, Citadel and History

When looking for a hotel in Belfort, planned visits can help structure your stay. The Lion and the Citadel offer historical perspectives, while the Musée d’Histoire complements them with historical, archaeological and ethnographic collections. The tourist train tour and the Les Hauts de Belfort hike add two more activities that are easy to fit into a schedule. This means your plans can cover both a historical theme and practical options for your daily itinerary.

Lion, Citadel and History

The Lion of Belfort symbolizes the resistance and courage of the inhabitants during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 to 1871. Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi created the monument between 1875 and 1880. At 22 metres long and 11 metres high, the Lion is twice as long as it is high. Its measurements convey its scale; the dates place its creation in the period after the war. Its symbolism, creator and size thus offer different insights into the same monument.

The panoramic terrace of the Citadel offers a 360-degree view. This complements the perspective focused on the Lion: at the monument, the focus is on symbolism and sculpture, while the terrace offers a view in every direction. The Grand Souterrain, a medieval moat that Vauban had covered in 1749, is also part of the historical context. During major battles, the moat could shelter more than 1,000 men. The year 1749 marks when Vauban covered the moat, not when the medieval moat was created. This distinction helps clarify the two periods involved.

The Musée d’Histoire de Belfort houses historical, archaeological and ethnographic collections. One section is dedicated to Bartholdi’s work. This provides a way to learn about the sculptor of the Lion through a dedicated museum section, while the collection’s scope extends beyond its connection to Bartholdi. The visit thus combines a specific connection to an artist with several perspectives on history and culture.

Tours, hiking and planning your time

The Citadel can be visited year-round. As specific opening arrangements may change, check them before your visit. The Belfort tourist train provides access to the Citadel from April to October. It also runs a one-hour tour through the old town, stopping at the Cour d’Honneur. It is advisable to check the timetable and route before travelling, as these operating details may change.

The Les Hauts de Belfort hike starts at the Citadel, covers just under seven kilometres and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. In terms of time, a one-hour tour contrasts with a longer hike. This helps you fit both activities into your daily itinerary: the tour goes through the old town, while the hike starts at the Citadel and takes more time. When planning your trip, you can allocate time to cultural history, the tour and the hike according to your schedule.

Discover more destinations: Bourogne, Suarce, Cravanche, Auxelles-Haut, Danjoutin, Giromagny, Buc, Chaux

For the overview of the wider area: Territoire De Belfort.