Belfort Heritage Festival

The Belfort Heritage Festival: discovering exceptional architectural heritage

Belfort (90000) boasts exceptional architectural and military heritage. In the heart of the Territoire de Belfort, the city was the scene of one of the most significant episodes in French history: the siege of 1870-1871, during which Colonel Denfert-Rochereau held the place for 103 days against the Prussians, allowing Belfort to remain French while Alsace-Lorraine was annexed. This unique historical heritage is reflected in exceptional built heritage that the European Heritage Days allow us to discover or rediscover each year.

Vauban's Citadel, the jewel of Belfort's heritage

The Citadel of Belfort, a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Vauban's fortifications, is the emblematic monument of the heritage festival. Visitors can discover:

• The cour d'honneur and the citadel's underground galleries
• The Grand passage souterrain, an impressive defensive tunnel
• The bastions, towers, and the large panoramic terrace
• The Museum of Art and History, housed in the citadel buildings
• Bartholdi's Lion of Belfort, a monumental sculpture carved from pink sandstone

The Séré de Rivières Line Forts

The Territoire de Belfort is remarkably endowed with 19th-century fortifications. The Séré de Rivières line forts, built after the defeat of 1871 to defend France's borders, constitute remarkable military heritage. The Heritage Days are an opportunity to open some of these forts to the public: Fort de Roppe, Fort de Méroux, Fort de Vézelois, and others, offering guided tours and discovery workshops.

Religious Heritage and its Organs

Belfort and its territory are home to remarkable religious heritage, including several historic organs, some of which are undergoing restoration. The Heritage Days provide an opportunity to attend concerts and demonstrations showcasing these exceptional instruments in their original buildings.

A rich program of free tours and activities

During the Heritage Days weekend, Belfort offers:

• Guided tours of the citadel, museum, and fortifications
• Tourist train touring the city's historic sites
• Organ concerts in historic churches
• Themed exhibitions on Belfort's architecture and history
• Workshops for children on fortification and architecture
• Theatrical tours for a lively discovery of heritage

Belfort Tourisme and Heritage Promotion

Belfort Tourisme coordinates an annual program of over 80 tours allowing the public to discover forts, caves, industrial sites, school buildings, and cultural venues. The Heritage Days are part of this dynamic of tourist and cultural valorization of the entire territory.